Options – everybody loves them - especially when you are looking to start a new renovation project for your home. If you're like many homeowners in Miami and South Florida, you've looked into installing impact windows. Just stay away from insulated glass!
The experts at Alco Windows and Doors do not recommend insulated glass windows for homeowners living in warmer parts of the country, such as Miami.
Why? Because they often lead to a multitude of issues over the long-term. After spending thousands of dollars on new windows for your home, this window type could seriously depreciate over time.
In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the main disadvantages of insulated glass windows and why homeowners should avoid them in specific regions.
But don't be too discouraged. We'll also share our recommendations on what type of window Miami residents should purchase instead.
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Disadvantages of Insulated Glass
1) Insulated Glass Windows Attract Unnecessary Heat
It's no secret that Florida residents experience extreme temperatures. During the summer, norms average between 90°F to 92°F – sometimes even crossing 95°F. For this reason, it's essential homes are built with energy-efficient windows and doors to sufficiently keep hot air from filtering in.
Insulated windows do an excellent job of inviting the sun's heat inside the house. This feature is fantastic news for residents living in colder parts of the country. These homeowners may enjoy insulated glass windows because they help keep the house warm. However, because Florida winters are generally mild, these types of windows are not a great fit.
Instead, you want an option that keeps hot (and harmful) UV rays from filtering into your home!
2) Fog Gets Trapped In Between Panes of Glass
Perhaps the biggest complaint our company hears from frustrated homeowners is their previously installed insulated glass windows fog up every morning. Even when wiping the window down with a rag, the mist remains inside the panes of glass.
This unfortunate event is a result of how insulated glass windows are built. These products come designed with a gap in between the exterior and interior glass panes. This space is typically filled with argon or krypton gas. The slightest crack or leak in the glass or window frame causes moisture to invade and accumulate inside the window. The result? a foggy view for you.
In most cases, there is no way to fix this. The fog or cloudiness that appears on the window only becomes more significant and obtrusive overtime.
3) They are (Nearly) Impossible to Repair
Insulated glass windows are expensive. One would hope that their lifetime value would last for decades. However, it is imperative to know that homeowners and professional installers cannot easily repair these windows.
Insulated windows come manufactured in a way that seals the unit so no one can take it apart. This fact not only applies to the panels of glass - but the window frame as well.
No matter how small the damage, homeowners would likely need to replace the entire window unit. Insane, right? It is no wonder why this is often a deal-breaker for most South Florida residents.
Laminated Impact Glass: The Best Window Option for Miami Residents
Laminated impact glass is becoming the go-to alternative for window upgrades among homeowners in Miami – and for many good reasons.
Alco Windows and Doors recommends this type of window to our customers for its array of benefits.
Here are a few advantages of laminated impact glass windows:
1) The Ultimate Protection Against Severe Storms
Impact products come built with triple-layered glass and sturdy window frames. These heavy-duty window units are made to protect your home and loved ones from flying debris and projectiles during severe storms.
2) Improved Energy Efficiency
An additional benefit of the layered materials is their filtering systems against harmful UV rays. It also helps with eliminating hot air from entering your home and AC leakage. As a result, you will start to see lowered energy expenses.
3) Enhanced Curb Appeal
While laminated impact glass windows serve many benefits, we understand installing windows that match or enhance your home's aesthetics is essential. Rest assured, homeowners can have their pick from different sizes, shapes, and materials to match their exterior design.
Interested in Installing Impact Windows? Contact Alco Windows and Doors
Living in Florida means residents need to take extra precautions to protect their homes during hurricane season and beyond.
At Alco Windows and Doors, we provide Miami and Broward counties with the highest-grade impact windows on the market. Not only does this give our customers peace of mind during severe storms, but they also reap many of the additional benefits of these types of windows.
Our team takes pride in offering personalized services and recommending ways to save you money. To learn more about our services, call Alco Windows and Doors at (305) 376-7205 or schedule a free appointment here.
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