(Cross Post) Impact Windows and Leakage-LONG

11 years ago

Put this out on the windows forum, but maybe someone here has some insights or experience. Thanks in advance!

Trying to decide on window replacements for my home, located in Miami FL. The choice is between installing regular non-impact windows with accordion shutters, or installng impact windows alone.

My husband is convinced, based on one neighbor's anecdotal experience, that impact windows leak. As 'proof' he requested a sample impact window from a salesman, and upon its delivery he tested it (a single hung style) by laying it horizontally on top of two cinder blocks and using a garden hose to pour water until a thin stream came out the side. He then concluded it was leaky, and therefore impact windows do not work.

As you can probably tell, I'm dubious about this. The salesman responded to the test by saying that ANY window will leak under those conditions, which actually makes sense given that windows are not meant to be bowls. Salesman said the weather stripping is what was letting water through.

I am having trouble believing that PGT and other manufacturers are knowingly selling thousands of windows that are defective and which leak worse than the 'old fashioned' non impact windows.

Another major factor in the decision: in my price estimates so far, installing non impact windows and accordion shutters will cost approximately 50% more than doing impact windows alone. Something that is definitely swaying my inclination! However if experts say that non-impact window and shutters are the best option I am willing to consider that. I hope and pray this window installation will last us for several decades of Florida storms.

Ann

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Comments (5)

vickij
11 years ago
We remodeled a home on Singer Island. We used PGT impact windows built to Dade County specifics. We were so happy with them. We went through 2 major hurricanes with them (around 2006) and they performed beautifully. They really help with soundproofing too.
daisychain01
11 years ago
With any window, it is not so much the quality of the window, but the installation. If you bought the best, most expensive windows in the world and had them installed shoddily, they would leak. We live in the other end of the world where we worry about the cold seeping through. We've replaced many windows in our old house and usually go for the most experienced workmen and a mid quality line of window. Everyone of them has said this about installation - if it's not installed correctly, you will feel the cold coming through - no matter which window you choose.
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sheesh
11 years ago
It would be the framing or installation that leaks, anyway, not the glass, so what with noise reduction, insurance benefits, and less breakage and hassle, I would certainly get the impact glass. It sounds like they make it with auto-type, layered glass, and that is definitely a good thing!
vickij
11 years ago
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runninginplace
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the helpful feedback. The windows forum was also enlightening; someone there posted a very thorough professional explanation.

I'm probably going to do the impact windows. My husband can come up with some doozies of 'reasons' when he doesn't want to do something house related, especially something house related that's very expensive. But protecting the house is important and of course, if these windows help keep our house safer from storms the money is well spent.

(Cross Post) Impact Windows and Leakage-LONG

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(Cross Post) Impact Windows and Leakage-LONG

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