I appreciate your response. We have had 3 companies come and give estimates, and it seems like I am getting a lot of different information. I had someone come out today for a second visit and he said the same thing you did. I thought I would be saving money by going with the tinting, but as it turns out the window company is going to start running a sale on the 17th for FREE low e coating. Can you believe my luck? Thanks again!

I believe that Hurricane windows,provide superior protection during a violent storm. As they are attached to the integral part of the structure of a building,prevents chances of wind entering the building,something like storm shutters. Simultaneously i even let light enter a room. -------------------------------------------- The hurricane windows fort lauderdale servers great !!

PGT owns CGI but we are PGT distributors and I have never seen CGI products so I can't comment on what product line is superior. #1 I am a big fan of the PGT vinyl sliding glass door and a 3 panel three track would be nice for that opening. As far as the aluminum the 780 door is nicer than the 770 #2 yes if you add tint the solar heat gain goes up. In the case of the PVC door with the Energy Shield Max your solar heat gain goes from .19 to .24 when bronze tint is added. #3 Argon gas retention is very good with the spacers used today. #4 I have never heard of a higher risk of breakage with argon. PGT uses stainless steel screws but you need to upgrade to stainless rollers on the PVC door and the Aluminum 770, the 780 is standard with stainless rollers. #6 your factory order and NFRC sticker on the window will list the type of low-e and the performance numbers. I suppose you have to have faith on this one. Below is a link to a PGT vinyl 3 panel 3 track door in operation. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/39410396/PVC%20Multipanel%20Sliding%20Door%20Video.MOV

ES Windows are a good window. Price wise they more than likely will be considerably more dollars than PGT with a considerably longer lead time as they come from S. America. Vinyl or Extruded Aluminum should be fine in Florida, just stay with a light color. Casement Mechanism's "may" wear out but it is indeed very rare. They generally will out last the window. In my opinion a window (just not in the shower) is a great idea in a bathroom. Also I would stay away from sliding windows and use all casements or fixed were it me, in any brand. Sliding windows are the weak point in every manufacturers product offering.