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Originally Posted by 784caroline
Also lets remember that we do live in Florida and we can and do get a fair number of BIG storms.....ie Hurricanes, tornados etc. Granted no window will withstand a direct hit but at least we can prepare the best we can.
Glass windows "must" be rated to withstand up to 110 MPH winds in central Florida (which is different than costal florida) while arcylic windows are rated for approx 70 mph. In fact you will see caution notes recommending that acrylic windows be removed if high winds greater than 70 MPH are expected.
If you have a western facing lanai, you definitely need LOW E insulated windows....which you cannot get with acrylics. LOW E provides an immediate reduction in heat gain to our lanai which results in more comfort. In addition to providing more comfort, low e windows also protect fabrics from discoloring etc.
Also remember that the strength of a window is only as good as its "framing" so I would not go cheap in having the windows installed...ie it may cost a couple of bucks more to have the windows installed with 2X4 lumber framing but that will withstand more wind pressure than 1X3 aluminum framing...and if you are getting glass..just remember that glass windows are MUCH heavier and need the added support.
In the first 5 years probably you will not see a major difference in acrylic vs glass windows but over time the acrylic windows will become streaky, discolored and start to look like your golf cart windshield. IN 10 years you will need to replace the acrylics where glass is more permanent.....at roughly the same cost.
A Porch or lanai is rated differently if they are 1) open, 2) screened, or 3) enclosed. If your lanai is enclosed with windows AND you have heat/ac added to the area, you are actualy making it part of your home square footage and rated at 100%. This is a personal point of view but i believe the tax impact of whatever level of improvement is so minimal, it will be far outweighed by the comfort and enjoyment you will gain from your improvement.
Our contractor was very through in explaining all of these differences and actually encouarged us to visit his window supplier to see for ourselves the differences in types and quality of windows.
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Good information. Who was your contractor?
Looking in to enclose our lanai. Need all the help I can get!