Be Careful - Purchasing replacement windows is complex. You need a company that guides you through the process and Tropical Windows failed to provide that guidance.
To be fair, the crew installing the windows and doors was very good and I would hire them again. We chose Tropical Windows because they are local and have a positive reputation of providing great service in our area. We replaced two large patio doors along with over 20 windows in our home. Our windows were 24 yrs old and had many issues and needed replacement. The sales representative recommended doors from PGT and windows from MI Windows. I was assured there was no significant difference between PGT and MI Windows. Looking at the windows in their showroom, they were correct. I was excited with my purchase.
When the windows were installed, I was stunned by the appearance of the glass at night - looking at the MI windows at night from the inside toward the outside was like looking at a green mirror. The PGT doors had some reflections but was nowhere near the MI Windows green mirror like reflection (see picture). I was told by Tropical Windows that this was the industry standard and to basically live with it.
As i did more research, the green mirror like reflection is a result of the Low-e coatings that are applied to the glass. It also turns out that the reflection color can be adjusted by the chemistry of the coating on the glass. PGT has a different reflection color and appearance than MI. How am I as a layman be aware of these issues? I needed Tropical Windows to be my guide, and this is where they failed me.
What should Tropical Windows do differently?
1. As a layman, I made the erroneous assumption that glass is clear and colorless. I should have been made aware of the reflection differences and the impact on the appearance. According to the Tropical Windows personnel this is a common issue with customers purchasing new windows, specifically with the MI windows.
2. As part of the purchasing process, we should have had glass samples in our house so I could observe the reflection under our lighting conditions. The process is similar to assessing paint colors with a small paint chip. Tropical Windows should not duck this issue but should help guide the customer in the purchasing process.
3. MI Windows is the parent Company of PGT as well as New South Windows. The MI windows probably provide the installer with a greater profit margin and that is why Tropical Windows recommended using MI Windows. There are substantial differences between manufacturers and Tropical Windows should not recommend two separate manufacturers especially when the windows are adjacent with each other in the living area.
What can I do now?
1. It has been a month living with the windows. I am trying to get used to my green mirrors at night, but it is extremely annoying and reminds me of how stupid I was in not being more careful with my window purchase.
2. I am looking at alternative lighting systems that minimize the intensity of the green reflections.
3. I cover the windows at night with shades, so I do not see the reflections.
Bottom line: if you are considering purchasing windows from your home, get samples of the glass being used and evaluate the glass in your home lighting. Demand excellence from the window installer in guiding you through the process. read more