Choosing Your Florida Windows

Floridians experience a wide-range of annual temperatures and natural events that impact their homes. The Sunshine State is baked with heat and clear skies much of the year. The average summer highs in the 80s in Miami Beach, for example, are stark contrasts to unseasonal lows in the 50s. South Florida is 400 miles closer to the tropics than Northern Florida, where 60 inches of rain can fall in the panhandle and sudden frosts plague the citrus-growing central state.

Thunderstorms and hurricanes can suddenly drop temperatures by 20 degrees. That's why it's important for homeowners to consider replacement vinyl or fiberglass replacement windows and storm windows to stand up to the seasons.

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Finding the Right Replacement Windows for Florida

The Efficient Windows Collaborative recommends the optimal efficiency ratings for all replacement windows used in Florida. Ratings are made across two key variables: U-factors which measure rates of heat loss and, the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures the transference of outdoor heat. Both have an effect on heating efficiency in the north state during the winter and air conditioning efficiency in the mid and south parts of Florida during hot, humid summer days. Here are ratings to consider:

• North Florida: U-factor: ≤0.30; SHGC: no requirements
• North Central Florida: U-factor: ≤0.32; SHGC: ≤0.40
• South Central Florida: U-factor: ≤0.35; SHGC: ≤0.30
• Southern Florida: U-factor: ≤0.60; SHGC: ≤0.27

In Florida, glass and glazing specialists are required to obtain a contractor's license for Division 2. General or residential contractors must obtain a Division 1 contractor's license. To verify if your replacement window contractor holds the appropriate license to handle your project, contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at 850.487.1395.