[Boudicca]

Are acrylic windows removable panes inserted in the "winter" leaving the screen in place? Don't understand what they are. We want to buy a courtyard villa with resedential lanai, I guess the room becomes a year round one with the addition of acrylics? Thanks

[ricthemic]

Not sure what you mean because I am relatively new here but my enclosed lanai has sliding windows that expose a permanent screen. Have an Amarillo not a CYV but thought I would answer you. We like the option of closing the windows rather than having screens open all the time.

[ijusluvit]

Acrylic windows are simply a substitute for regular glass panes. They are not used differently than glass windows. They are cheaper and may be used to enclose a lanai without the tax implications of adding a "permanent" room. HOWEVER, they can scratch, discolor and cloud up, looking much less attractive in the future. If you are not going to completely enclose an area, (the tax thing again), I think standard glass is a far better alternative.

[Bryan]

Acrylic windows generally work just as glass windows. They are not designed to be taken out in the summer and stored someplace then reinstalled in the winter. They are usually designed to slide open (vertically or horizontally). The same applies to vinyl windows but I would not recommend those - cheaper but very flimsy. Some residents actually keep them closed in the Summer (because they air condition their lanai) and in the winter (to keep warm) and use them spring and fall to get fresh air into the lanai.

[784caroline]

Acrylic Windows by themselves do not make a room "Year Round". It would be mighty chilly in your room last month if you only had acrylic. You need heat and ac to make it all season and if you are doing that you really need to ask yourself what you want out of this room.
I have seen some nice acrylic rooms and some real bad ones. Both installation and age are the main culprits. The Cons have already been listed here and they are not much cheaper than GLASS. BUT you should consider the fact that you may have to replace acrylic windows after a number of years depending upon your location or how you use them ...just look at your golf cart window. So gettnig a cheap cost NOW may not be the cheapest in the long run. And yes a Glass enclosed lanai with heat and ac will cost you more tax dollars, BUT it adds value to your home, lasts longer, less suspecible to wind damage and water leaks if properly installed, and you will be more comfortable. The addiitonal tax cost is NO more than $100-400 per year....you are already paying taxes for the screened-in lanai so you do not get hit with a full re-assessment.
BTW did you know that it is recommended that acrylic or vynyl windows should be removed if sustained winds of more than 70 MPH are predicted???? Key word here is "sustained" but its one less thing you want to worry about regardless if you are a permanent resident or a snowbird. Glass windows have to be Florida Zone Approved to withstand 100-110 MPH winds. Your windows from up north would not pass Florida building codes!