If you’re asking “How long should vinyl windows last in Florida?” odds are you are among the rising number of people buying homes in the U.S. and likely located in Florida, where the homeownership rate was around two-thirds in 2022. For Floridians, an important aspect of homeownership is replacing worn or inefficient windows. What if you could spend less time replacing your windows and more time enjoying the Sunshine State’s views? This helpful guide will explain the benefits of vinyl windows and help you to know what to expect when you choose vinyl windows for your Florida home.
Table of Contents:
- What Homeowners Should Know About Vinyl Windows
- Window Manufacturers Discuss How Long Vinyl Windows Last in Florida
- Additional Questions to Consider When Answering the Question of “How Long Should Vinyl Windows Last in Florida?”
- So, Just How Long Should Vinyl Windows Last in Florida?
What Homeowners Should Know About Vinyl Windows
For Florida homeowners, vinyl windows are the smart choice, and here’s why. Vinyl windows are window frames made from a synthetic material known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a very useful and resilient material. These windows can withstand various temperatures and weather conditions, which is definitely important in the Florida climate.
Vinyl windows are very customizable; homeowners have many colors, textures, and styles to choose from if they choose vinyl windows. That means there are vinyl windows that will complement the aesthetics of just about any home, so you don’t have to choose between attractiveness and heartiness. This can be a key consideration in Florida in particular, since many homes in Florida are vacation homes where looks are almost as important as functionality.
Window Manufacturers Discuss How Long Vinyl Windows Last in Florida
Vinyl windows are a popular option in many places, including Florida. In choosing the right windows for their homes, Florida’s homeowners have to know as much as possible regarding how long any windows will last in a notoriously moist state. After all, Florida is the fourth-most humid state in the U.S., with humidity levels averaging 85.58%. It is also well known for frequent rain showers, hurricanes, and exceedingly high temperatures. How long should vinyl windows last in Florida? That depends on factor that include the following:
- Installation quality
- The conditions the window encounters over time
- The overall quality of the materials used for your vinyl windows
- Whether or not the vinyl windows in a home are regularly cleaned and maintained
Properly installed, well-maintained, quality vinyl windows not subjected to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters can last 30 years or more, according to Acadian Windows, a leading provider of certified energy-efficient windows in Florida. In theory, a PVC or UPVC vinyl frame or sash frame could last forever, even when subjected to Florida’s tough weather conditions. In practice, how long and how well your vinyl windows will actually hold up depends on a variety of factors.
For example, while you might be tempted to jump on the black window frames trend, that’s not the best choice if durability is your priority. Black window frames will have had an exterior coating applied to get that color, and that tends to last only around 10 years or so. If you go with lighter colors like white, tan or clay, those tend to have a consistent color throughout and it will stay looking good for longer.
Natural disasters also play a role in how long vinyl windows last, and Floridians certainly see their fair share. Even though vinyl window frames are durable, the glass inside them can break during a hurricane or tornado, and either one of these can happen before the 30-year mark. Fortunately, all windows from Acadian Windows come with a lifetime warranty that is transferable once, so either you or the next owner of your home can get the glass replaced. This is just one of the ways we put your mind at ease when you choose to work with us.
Additional Questions to Consider When Answering the Question of “How Long Should Vinyl Windows Last in Florida?”
Considering the importance of getting the right windows for your home, it only makes sense that homeowners would have questions concerning what vinyl windows can offer and what can be expected from them over time. Some of those questions and concerns include the following.
Are Vinyl Windows Good in Florida?
Vinyl windows are a great choice for homes in Florida, due to their energy efficiency, which can help keep your utility bills more reasonable in the intense Florida summers. They are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and look good, too! Whether for your dream home, or your vacation home away from home, choosing vinyl windows from Acadian Windows can give you peace of mind.
Do Vinyl Windows Warp in Florida?
In Florida’s dog days of summer, which comprise scorching heat and unrelenting humidity, vinyl windows can sometimes warp if enough heat builds up in the frame. That is one of the potential downsides mentioned in an article published by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, which looked at the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl windows. However, this is balanced against other advantages of a vinyl window for Floridians, such as energy efficiency, which is important when you need to blast your A/C for a large portion of the year.
How Can You Tell if a Vinyl Window Is Good Quality?
How long vinyl windows should last in Florida and how to tell which vinyl windows offer the best quality are the two common concerns Florida homeowners have when trying to decide on vinyl windows for their homes. And that makes sense; after all, when you make a decision as big as what windows you want on your home, you want to feel confident in that decision. Some of the things to look at when trying to determine the quality vinyl windows include the following:
- The fillers, pigments, plasticizers, and chemicals used to create the vinyl material for the window frame
- The thickness of the window frame
- The window’s energy rating
- Whether or not the windows have multiple interlocking chambers
- Whether the window’s corners are welded or held together with brackets and screws
How Do I Know if My Vinyl Windows Need Replacing?
Vinyl windows do last a long time, but as with all windows, the day will come when homeowners will have to think about replacing them. Some of the signs that might suggest it’s time to replace a home’s vinyl windows include the following:
- If large amounts of fog or condensation start to accumulate in between the layers of glass, which could indicate a problem with the seal
- If they become difficult to close or open
- If they can no longer keep outside noise out of the home
- If you notice your energy bills are higher than usual, indicating they are no longer as energy efficient
How Can I Make My Vinyl Windows Last Longer?
In Florida and elsewhere, the solution to making your vinyl windows last longer is simple: keep them clean and in good repair. Fortunately, vinyl windows do not need frequent cleaning or major maintenance. Cleaning them biannually, a pretty simple process, and doing some minor maintenance on an as-needed basis should be enough to help them last longer.
So, Just How Long Should Vinyl Windows Last in Florida?
“How long should vinyl windows last in Florida?” is a complicated question. From natural disaster and installation quality to maintenance and vinyl color and ingredients, many things dictate the lifespan of vinyl windows. For example, even though 30 years is the average, some homes with vinyl windows manufactured in the 1980s that have not needed their windows replaced yet. The good news is that when you choose Acadian Windows for your vinyl window installation or replacement, you know that you can count on high-quality workmanship with high-quality materials, as well as a lifetime warranty. To learn more about vinyl windows and what makes them a good choice for Florida homes, contact Acadian Windows today.
