Acrylic windows for enclosed Lanai
 

Just new to the Villages and the first thing the wife wants to do is enclose the lanai. Now we're trying to decide if the glass windows are worth the extra cost compared to acrylic.

If you have an acrylic window lanai enclosure we'd like to hear from you if you're happy (or not) with the acrylic windows.

Thanks in advance.

Just a suggestion. Wait, perhaps for a year, see what the weather is like, etc. If you are in a hurry, search this site, try Lanai for your initial search. There are as many reasons to enclose the lanai as the are NOT to enclose. Same goes for glass versus acrylic. Be absolutely sure the check out the current building codes. I would call ARC, as I have seen differing information on ARC approvals for this type of work, may depend on which VCDD you are in.
In any case get as much info BEFORE you start a project. Once you have an idea of what you want to do, and you understand the ground rules (aka building requirements), then you can ask for advice on builders, get multiple quotes, and check out the builder if not a known builder on this site.
You are retired, you have moved into paradise, take it easy, and get to know the area and your home before you jump in to this project, you may be surprised at what you find.
Just my humble opinion, hope this helps, and good luck with your project.

Acrylic windows - NOOOOOOO. We have them now and they are being replaced with low e glass next week. Lanai faces the east and it gets super warm (hot) in there during the day.

We LUV, LUV, LUV our acrylic sliders! The blue tint not only reduces sunlight - visibility is just like the old blu-blocker sunglasses commercial from years ago!

Lanai faces North and receives strong afternoon sun up until sunset. NO problem since we installed a shade which is combined with the use of the ceiling fan. And during the winter it is so nice and cozy!

We have acrylic vertical , 4 per section--love them-had glass around our enclosed swimming pool in NC-way to heavy . These are feather light. Installed some non invasive bamboo around the lanai-gives for privacy, shade and the feeling we're in a forest.
CVS-did ours

We have acrylic and they are fine. But, if you want to air condition the space with a split system further down the road, i think code calls for glass. And, i think the floor has to be the same elevation as the house.

When were your acrylic windows installed originally? I've been told the early versions had problems but they've made some corrections in the last few years.

We had acylic Windows installed a little over a year ago and never had a problem. I am jealous when I see people with Windows to the ground. We have about 3 feet of siding under the Windows. (Why does this stupid thing capitalize Windows? It's an iPad.)

We enclosed our Lanai early this year. We are pleased that we went with glass vs acrylic. Heavier yes, but if it is a quality product and installed correctly, the glass panels slide easily, practically with one hand. The extra cost of glass over the years you will be in your home will lessen the concern about the price. Glass cleans easily with no concerns about using the wrong product which might damage the vinyl. We have a medium tint and had Cool-la-Roo blinds reinstalled since we get a lot of sun in the PM. Plus if down the road you decide to enclose your lanai, new codes dictate glass, floor leveled, outlets installed according to code, etc. Message me if you like and we can show your ours.

acrylic just doesn't have the qualities of glass. :shrug:

it flexes with wind or air pressure.

It scratches easy.

Has zero insulating value.

it doesn't stay as clean as glass for example the 366 neet glass does circles around acrylic.

don't waste your money on acrylic

"zero insulting value" is a good thing - no? ;)

How one little typo can change a meaning, eh? Know whatcha mean of course - but this did give me a chuckle! :)

Haa