Hurricane Windows Cost With Installation
Homeowners in South Florida residing within high-velocity hurricane zones such as Miami-Dade and Broward are well aware of the necessity to upgrade their outdated windows with impact-resistant ones. This proactive measure ensures the safeguarding of their homes throughout the hurricane season. For those considering window replacement, a crucial initial stride involves comprehending the comprehensive project expenses associated with new windows. This grasp encompasses the influence of installation costs, window brand, varying frame materials, and supplementary features presented by window companies for their offerings.
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Considerations In Estimating Cost Of Hurricane Windows
Several considerations play a pivotal role in shaping the ultimate expense of a hurricane window undertaking. Among these, the most crucial ones include:
- Window Area: The total square footage of the window.
- Installation Location: The specific placement on the home’s outer surface.
- Frame Material: The substance employed for the window frame.
- Glass Variety: The type of glass selected for the window.
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Hurricane Window Price Overview
The typical cost of hurricane-resistant windows, inclusive of installation in Miami, falls within the range of $1500 to $2000 per window for standard-sized openings. This estimate covers wood bucks along with minor stucco repair. As an illustration, a regular Miami residence featuring 10 windows ranging in size from 12 to 18 square feet each would entail an expenditure of approximately $15,000 to $20,000, including permit fees. These calculations are based on the utilization of standard aluminum-framed windows equipped with 7/16″ glass and a basic tint.
Installation expenses can fluctuate based on the installer’s level of experience. The aforementioned pricing presupposes a skilled installer who manages delivery and successfully completes all requisite inspection procedures. It also takes into account a combination of commonly used window styles. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that specialized glass coatings for enhanced energy efficiency can slightly increase the overall cost. Local incentives and rebates might also impact the final expenditure.
Window Styles and Their Impact on Cost
Gaining an understanding of how the style of a window influences its cost can assist homeowners in selecting suitable windows for different areas of their residence. Generally, horizontal rolling and single hung sliding window styles closely align in terms of price.
Fixed hurricane windows tend to be more budget-friendly since they lack hardware and movable components that contribute to the manufacturer’s material expenses. However, there’s an exception for sizable fixed windows that necessitate reinforced, thicker glass to meet code regulations.
Another window type is casement windows, which are akin in cost to standard picture windows.
These come with a slightly thicker frame, leading to a 5 to 10% premium. Casement windows mimic the appearance of operable casement windows that open with a crank mechanism, swinging out like a door panel. Among the pricier options are operable casement windows due to their added hardware and movable parts. Typically, an operable casement impact window commands a 30% higher cost compared to a similarly sized single hung window.
Window Dimensions And Configuration
It’s an intuitive notion that the cost of hurricane windows is proportionate to their size. However, what might come as a surprise is that the window’s shape also plays a role in determining its cost. Custom shapes, known as Architectural windows, featuring curved frames and angled designs, can often command a higher price, sometimes up to 40% more than a simple rectangular picture window of the same square footage.
As previously noted, oversized windows with an extensive expanse of glass necessitate the use of thicker SGP glass to ensure structural integrity. Opting for thicker SGP glass can contribute to a 20% increase in the overall cost of the unit. Additionally, specialty coatings designed to enhance energy efficiency and UV protection can further influence the pricing. Homeowners should also consider that intricate window shapes might require more complex installation, potentially impacting labor costs. Finally, local incentives or rebates could potentially offset some of the expenses.
Varieties of Window Frame Materials
The choice of window and door frame material can indeed impact the average cost. Among the most frequently employed materials, aluminum stands out due to its robustness and resistance to corrosion.
In recent times, PVC frames have gained popularity owing to their capacity to thwart heat transfer and withstand mold and moisture-induced deterioration. Storm windows with vinyl frames typically carry a 20 to 30% premium over aluminum windows, not solely due to the material itself, but also because they are paired with pricier insulated impact glass featuring LoE technology, aimed at optimizing energy efficiency and curbing energy expenses.
For homeowners, steel frame impact windows also present an option. However, the nature of steel makes it less suitable for the humid climate of Miami or Broward. Steel is prone to oxidation, necessitating a specialized coating and premium paint, factors that considerably augment the material cost. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that wood frames, while occasionally used, are less prevalent in hurricane-resistant windows due to their susceptibility to moisture-related issues and decay.
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Top Hurricane Window Brands and Pricing
Numerous individuals seek insights into the most cost-effective impact window brands. A multitude of manufacturers offer a diverse range of options for homeowners to select from. Prominent and established companies provide distinct product lines that cater to various preferences. This assortment facilitates a tailored approach for homeowners to achieve an optimal blend of value and performance.
Among the recognized and longstanding entities in the industry are ES Windows, Marvin, Mr. Glass, and the PGT/CGI/Eco consortium of window offerings. These brands have earned a reputation for quality and innovation in the realm of hurricane-resistant windows.
Cost per Square Foot for Hurricane Impact Windows
The expense per square foot, encompassing materials and installation, exhibits significant fluctuations contingent on the factors elucidated earlier. This computation predominantly finds application within the commercial sphere of the impact windows industry. External storm windows typically adopt a square footage-based pricing model for both materials and installation. Given the substantial dimensions and subsequent incorporation of reinforcements for these weightier windows, the cost per square foot for such hurricane impact windows typically falls within the range of $180 to $250 per square foot.
Comparing Costs: New Construction vs. Replacement Window Installation
Discrepancies in pricing between commercial ventures, new construction, and the replacement of hurricane windows in single-family homes can be discerned. The primary rationale lies within the distinct installation costs associated with each project category. Typically, fitting windows in a residential setting necessitates supplementary efforts to attain a finish that aligns closely with the existing appearance. Moreover, the extraction of old windows can inflict harm upon the external stucco and internal plaster, contributing to installation expenses.
In specific instances, residential structures were constructed before prevailing codes were implemented, demanding alterations to render the openings compliant with current structural standards for anchoring the new windows securely.
In contrast, new construction undertakings adhere to contemporary codes, requiring only the incorporation of bucks and potentially external caulking upon the final application of stucco to the outer surface.
In numerous commercial projects, window installation firms collaborate with General Contractors (GCs) to jointly execute the project, thereby minimizing the window company’s scope of responsibility. This synergy streamlines the overall process.
Additional Features and Costs of Hurricane Impact Windows
Enhancements in Hurricane Window Glass Treatments
The pricing of impact windows exhibits substantial variability, notably contingent upon specific window attributes, with a strong emphasis on the glass. Windows designed for energy efficiency necessitate tinting or specialized coatings to diminish light penetration. Incorporating basic tinting onto clear hurricane windows can incrementally increase costs by approximately 2-3%.
A prevalent choice among homeowners is the application of a hurricane window film named LoE 366, which selectively filters out detrimental light frequencies while optimizing natural light ingress. Tints may cast a shadow over interiors, whereas LoE 366 efficiently reduces glare and UV exposure. The integration of this LoE product typically adds around 8-10% to the overall cost of impact windows.
Paint Quality and Aluminum Frames
Distinctions emerge in impact windows based on the method of painting aluminum frame extrusions. The quality of powder coating is classified by the AAMA as 2603, 2604, or 2605. To economize, some products utilize 2603 paint, but this choice can lead to noticeable deterioration in the external window frame’s appearance due to the effects of sun and rain. Such degradation becomes evident within a few years of window replacement.
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Standard Paint Quality: Minimum Recommended
Reputable manufacturers frequently employ 2604 as the standard finish. Homeowners are advised to opt for this level of quality as the bare minimum to endure Miami’s demanding elements. The paint coat shows slower chalking over time.
High-Quality Paint
For a premium cost of up to 30% compared to the standard 2604 finish, there’s the option of Kynar or Duranar paint coatings, both rated 2605. These coatings are endorsed, particularly for coastal regions or homeowners seeking the most enduring and top-tier paint protection available.
Tips to Reduce Hurricane Windows Costs
Efficiently managing the expenses of a windows and doors project involves a strategic approach right from the outset, with the ultimate goal in mind. Depending on individual priorities, homeowners can tailor their approach to align with specific objectives. Some emphasize the exterior window appearance to enhance the home’s aesthetics, while others seek insurance benefits and energy savings without an extravagant investment.
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Prioritizing both initial costs and potential monthly savings, along with exploring flexible payment options, proves crucial.
Seeking guidance from a consultant at MarkOne Contractors is a prudent step. Our experts are adept at devising customized solutions that cater to the distinctive needs and aspirations of each household.
Choosing Between Tempered Glass and Laminated Glass
Heat-strengthened laminated glass stands as the preferred choice for impact windows, albeit at a cost approximately 10-15% higher than annealed impact glass.
Tempered glass undergoes a strengthening process through heating. When applied to crafting impact laminated glass, it yields a sturdier product resistant to stress fractures.
For those prioritizing utmost strength, SGP glass presents an option, albeit with an additional 10-15% surcharge per window, bolstering the product’s durability further.
Additional Expenses and Considerations
There exist supplementary elements within impact window cost estimates that warrant consideration. Experienced and highly skilled installers often command higher compensation for their services, while the transportation of windows to the worksite is also factored into most estimates.
Incorporating minor plaster or stucco repair may or may not be encompassed within estimates. Furthermore, adjustments to openings such as threshold height modifications or reinforcement come at an extra expense.
For homeowners with protective bars or hurricane shutters, an additional charge arises for their removal and the consequent essential stucco repair. Typically, impact window installation companies do not encompass painting costs, which should be factored in if extensive stucco repair is required.
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Benefits of Installing Impact Windows in Miami
The advantages of opting for impact windows in Miami or Broward are multifaceted. These encompass reductions in monthly/yearly insurance and energy expenses, an augmented property value, diminished noise levels, heightened home security, enhanced aesthetic allure, and, crucially, safeguarding against hurricane or tropical storm damage.
Enhanced Home Security
Impact windows offer formidable resistance to breakage. Even if cracked, they maintain a protective function by forming a cohesive “spider web” that holds shattered fragments together. Often, potential intruders opt against targeting homes with impact windows due to the strenuous effort and minimal potential reward.
External Noise Reduction and Its Costs
Impact windows offer formidable resistance to breakage. Even if cracked, they maintain a protective function by forming a cohesive “spider web” that holds shattered fragments together. Often, potential intruders opt against targeting homes with impact windows due to the strenuous effort and minimal potential reward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Key Inquiries for Hurricane Window Installation:
When obtaining cost estimates from storm window installation firms, several crucial questions come to the forefront.
Should I Consider Installing Hurricane Windows If I Live In An Area With No Hurricanes?
The decision to install hurricane windows in non-hurricane-prone areas rests with the homeowner. While these windows offer additional benefits, the higher premium for impact windows might not be necessary unless desired by the homeowner. Ultimately, the individual homeowner must weigh the added cost against the benefits impact windows can provide in their specific region.
Proper installation of hurricane windows demands a high level of skill, involving meticulous measurements, product knowledge, and carpentry expertise. Specialized tools are also required to ensure accurate installation. Furthermore, the installation of hurricane-proof windows necessitates licensing and permits, making it an unsuitable DIY project for most homeowners.
Apart from the cost, there are no significant drawbacks to this home enhancement. The only consideration is the potential expense of repairing impact glass on a particular window. This could involve approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the cost for materials and labor to re-glaze a new piece of glass.
Hurricane windows hold an advantage over shutters in various aspects. Shutters can become challenging to operate over time due to metal corrosion or their positioning, particularly if placed on the second floor. Shutters can be unsightly, detracting from a home’s aesthetics, and their Florida Building Code Approvals may expire, nullifying potential insurance discounts. Furthermore, during storms, shutters can render the house dark, eliminating exterior views and natural light for extended periods.
Vinyl hurricane windows equipped with insulated impact glass and LoE 366 offer peak energy efficiency by obstructing both heat transfer and light-induced heat. Despite their higher initial cost, the reduced energy consumption in the home helps offset this expense over time.
According to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, a window replacement project featuring high-quality vinyl windows yields a return of 73.4%. Although this figure may vary, the analysis demonstrates that investing in window improvements provides one of the highest Returns on Investment (ROI) among various home enhancements.