“It’s Just a Window… Right?” The 7 Things Nobody Tells You (But Should)
You thought picking a window was easy—until you learned about weep holes, DP ratings, and that one Florida code no one warned you about.
🤦♂️ Let’s Be Honest—You Didn’t Sign Up for This
When you started looking for new windows, you probably thought the process would go something like this:
- Find a pretty window ✅
- Get a decent price ✅
- Let some pros install it ✅
- Enjoy your new, cooler, quieter house ✅
Except now you’re suddenly hearing words like “mulling,” “egress,” “interior stops,” and “DP ratings,” and wondering whether you accidentally enrolled in a crash course for architectural engineering.
You didn’t. But welcome to Florida's window game. It’s not always pretty, but knowing the hidden details can save you thousands—and a whole lot of regret.
Let’s break it down.
🧩 1. Your Home’s Walls Really Matter
Block walls. Wood frame. Siding. Stucco. Mobile home. Concrete tie beam. These aren’t just fun trivia facts—they completely determine how your windows should be installed.
Why it matters:
If the installer doesn’t know how to properly install to your specific wall type, your warranty could be void before you even finish your first iced tea.
💨 2. That Little Number Called “Air Infiltration Rating”
Think of this like a window’s breathing rate. Some windows suck in hot air like a broken A/C vent. Others seal tighter than a pickle jar.
Why it matters:
High air infiltration = high electric bill.
Low air infiltration = peace, quiet, and lower costs.
🚫 Some popular brands perform shockingly poorly here. Ask us which ones to watch out for. (Spoiler: we’ve written blogs on this.)
💦 3. Weep Holes: The Little Guys That Save Big Repairs
Weep holes are tiny drainage channels at the bottom of window frames. Don’t block ‘em. Don’t caulk ‘em. Don’t let an installer forget ‘em.
Why it matters:
They’re your only line of defense against internal frame flooding.
Think of them as the kidney of your window system. (Okay, weird analogy—but accurate.)
🛠️ 4. Some Windows Just Don’t Fit Manufactured Homes
No offense to your favorite brand—but not all windows are compatible with manufactured or mobile homes. Especially in Florida, where HUD codes and structural tie-ins matter.
Why it matters:
Too many companies install the wrong product, or worse—refuse to install at all. We don’t shy away from these installs. In fact, we specialize in them.
💰 5. Warranties Can Be Marketing Bait
“Lifetime warranty!” sounds nice until you realize it’s only on glass… and only for the first owner… and only if you saved the sticker... and only if Mercury’s in retrograde.
Why it matters:
Always ask who services the warranty: the
installer or the
manufacturer. And ask if the warranty is transferrable. (Most aren't. We’ll tell you the truth.)
📏 6. Double Hung Isn’t Always Double the Benefit
Double hung windows get sold hard—but in Florida, they're not always the best fit (especially in high-humidity areas where interior sashes can warp).
Why it matters:
Your home’s airflow and structure determine the best window style—not a brochure. Sometimes a classic single hung outperforms all expectations.
🚧 7. The Installer Makes or Breaks the Whole Thing
You can buy the best window money can buy… and still end up with a disaster if it’s installed wrong. That’s why we don’t just sell product—we sell process.
Why it matters:
How the window is sealed, fastened, foamed, flashed, and finished will make or break its performance. And guess what? Most companies never talk about it.
🏁 Final Word from The Pros
Look—window shopping isn’t glamorous. We get it. But it doesn’t have to be confusing, intimidating, or full of surprises either.
At Windoor Retro Professionals, we’ve seen every red flag, every lazy install, and every “how did they pass inspection?” moment there is.
So if you’re ready to cut through the noise and get the windows that actually work for your home, your budget, and your future—we’re just one phone call away.
📞 Call Windoor Retro Professionals today.
Real expertise. Real honesty. No nonsense.
(And yes, we’ll explain what a nail fin is without making you feel like you skipped contractor school.)
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