PGT vs CGI Windows: A Melbourne FL Installer's Honest Comparison
As Melbourne FL's trusted impact window installer, we've installed thousands of both PGT and CGI windows across Brevard County over the years. This gives us a unique perspective — not from reading spec sheets, but from hands-on experience installing them in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, and every city in between. In November 2025, CGI was discontinued by PGT Industries, making this comparison especially important for homeowners making decisions today.
Important Update — November 2025
CGI Windows & Doors has been discontinued by PGT Industries. CGI products are no longer manufactured or available for new installations. Existing CGI warranties remain valid through PGT. This article helps Melbourne FL homeowners understand both brands and find the right alternative for new projects.
Key Takeaways for Brevard County Homeowners
- ✓PGT, CGI, ES Windows, ECO, and MR. Glass are all HVHZ-rated at 200+ mph under Florida Statewide Product Approval — code-legal statewide, including Miami-Dade
- ✓ECO Window Systems: Our top recommendation as a CGI replacement — every product line HVHZ-approved, Miami-Dade favorite, same Low-E + argon energy efficiency as PGT at a better price
- ✓PGT: Premium brand, still active, $900-$1,400/window in Melbourne — widest style/color selection and top warranty
- ⚠CGI: Discontinued Nov 2025 — was $650-$1,000/window, warranties still valid
- ✓My Safe Florida Home grant covers up to $10,000 regardless of brand chosen
PGT Windows: The Premium Choice for Melbourne FL Homes
PGT Industries, founded in 1980 in Venice, Florida, is the largest manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors in North America. In our experience installing PGT across Brevard County, these windows consistently deliver the highest build quality, widest product selection, and best long-term durability we've seen.
PGT is what we recommend for Melbourne's waterfront properties, Indian Harbour Beach oceanfront homes, and any project where maximum protection and aesthetics are the priority. Their WinGuard line is the most popular PGT product we install in Brevard County.
PGT Product Lines We Install in Melbourne
WinGuard (Most Popular)
Impact-resistant windows and doors. Our #1 PGT product for Melbourne homes. Available in aluminum and vinyl. $900-$1,200/window.
EnergyVue
Maximum energy efficiency with advanced Low-E glass. Best for Viera and Rockledge homes prioritizing AC savings. $1,000-$1,400/window.
ClassicVue Max
PGT's entry-level impact line. Good protection at a lower price point. $750-$950/window.
PGT Strengths
- • Widest selection (50+ styles, 20+ colors)
- • HVHZ-rated 200+ mph wind resistance
- • Lifetime limited warranty
- • Strong resale value for Melbourne homes
- • Low-E + argon gas energy upgrades available
- • Florida Product Approval (HVHZ) / Miami-Dade NOA
- • Made in Florida
PGT Considerations
- • Highest price (15-25% more than alternatives)
- • Longer lead times (6-10 weeks)
- • May exceed budget for whole-home projects
- • Custom sizes add additional wait time
CGI Windows: A Brevard County Favorite — Now Discontinued
Discontinued November 2025. CGI manufactured impact windows from 1992 until PGT Industries consolidated operations. This section is maintained for homeowners with existing CGI installations.
CGI was one of our most-installed brands in Brevard County for years. Founded in 1992 in Miami, CGI built a strong reputation for quality impact windows at accessible pricing. Melbourne homeowners loved the quality-to-price ratio — you got Miami-Dade NOA certified protection without the premium PGT price tag.
PGT acquired CGI in 2019 and continued operating it as a separate brand until November 2025, when they made the decision to discontinue CGI and consolidate manufacturing. For homeowners who had been planning to purchase CGI windows, ES Windows (TechnoGlas) now fills the same market position with similar quality at competitive pricing.
CGI Product Lines (Historical Reference)
Sentinel Series — CGI's most popular line. Impact windows and doors at mid-range pricing. Was $650-$900/window.
Estate Series — Premium line with enhanced features. Was $850-$1,100/window.
Commercial Series — Heavy-duty options for storefronts and offices.
PGT vs CGI: Detailed Specification Comparison
Based on our installation experience in Melbourne FL, here's how these brands compared side by side:
| Feature | PGT (Active) | CGI (Discontinued) |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne FL Price/Window | $900-$1,400 | Was $650-$1,000 |
| Wind Resistance (HVHZ) | 200+ mph | 200+ mph |
| HVHZ Approval | ✓ FL Product Approval / Miami-Dade NOA | ✓ FL Product Approval / Miami-Dade NOA |
| Warranty | Lifetime Limited | Limited Lifetime (honored by PGT) |
| Style Options | 50+ styles | 30+ styles |
| Color Options | 20+ colors | 12+ colors |
| Lead Time | 6-10 weeks | N/A |
| Frame Materials | Aluminum & Vinyl | Aluminum & Vinyl |
| Energy Efficiency (Low-E standard) | U: 0.29-0.35 (argon upgrade available) | U: 0.29-0.35 (argon upgrade available) |
| Insurance Discount | 30-45% | 25-40% |
| Status | Active | Discontinued |
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Melbourne FL Pricing: PGT vs CGI vs ES Windows
Based on our actual project costs in Brevard County, here's how the three brands compare for a typical Melbourne home. Since CGI is no longer available, we've included ES Windows as the current mid-range alternative:
| Project Size | PGT (Current) | CGI (Was) | ES Windows (Current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Windows | $12,000-$16,000 | $8,500-$12,000 | $8,500-$12,500 |
| 15 Windows | $16,000-$21,000 | $11,500-$15,000 | $10,500-$14,250 |
| 20 Windows | $20,000-$28,000 | $15,000-$20,000 | $14,000-$19,000 |
| After MSFH Grant (15 win) | $6,000-$11,000 | N/A | $4,500-$8,250 |
Prices include professional installation, Brevard County permits, and disposal of old windows. Current as of March 2026.
PGT vs ES Windows: Cost by Window Type in Melbourne
Since CGI is no longer available, here's how PGT compares to ES Windows (CGI's market replacement) by specific window and door type — based on our actual Melbourne FL project costs:
| Window/Door Type | PGT (Installed) | ES Windows (Installed) | You Save with ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Hung | $900-$1,200 | $600-$850 | $250-$400 |
| Horizontal Slider | $950-$1,300 | $650-$900 | $300-$400 |
| Casement | $1,100-$1,500 | $750-$1,050 | $350-$450 |
| Picture/Fixed | $800-$1,400 | $550-$950 | $250-$450 |
| Sliding Glass Door (8ft) | $2,800-$4,500 | $2,000-$3,200 | $800-$1,300 |
| Entry Door | $3,000-$5,500 | $2,200-$4,000 | $800-$1,500 |
When PGT Is Worth the Premium
PGT's 15-25% premium is justified for: luxury homes where aesthetics and resale value are priorities, and custom projects where PGT's 50+ styles and 20+ colors offer options ES doesn't have. Note that both PGT and ES Windows carry the same 200+ mph HVHZ rating, so the protection level is equivalent — the premium is for selection and customization, not for storm performance. For most Melbourne and Palm Bay family homes, ES Windows delivers the same protection at a significantly lower price.
Energy Efficiency: How the Brands Compare in Melbourne's Climate
With Melbourne's AC running 8+ months per year, energy efficiency directly impacts your monthly FPL bill. Here's the truth most retailers won't tell you: all major impact window brands use the same Low-E glass technology, so their baseline energy performance is essentially identical. The only real energy upgrade is adding argon gas fill between the panes — and PGT, ES Windows, and ECO all offer that upgrade.
| Energy Spec | Low-E (Standard) | Low-E + Argon (Upgrade) | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Factor | 0.29-0.35 | 0.25-0.31 | Lower = better insulation |
| SHGC | 0.21-0.28 | 0.17-0.22 | Lower = less solar heat |
| Est. Annual Savings | $500-$850 | $700-$1,100 | vs old single-pane |
Key insight for Melbourne homeowners: Whether you buy PGT, ES Windows, or ECO, you'll get the same energy performance using the same Low-E glass. To get better numbers, you need the argon gas upgrade — which all three brands offer. There is no energy efficiency advantage in paying more for a specific brand; the difference is in glass package, not brand.
For complete energy specs and comparisons across all brands, see our full brand comparison with energy ratings.
Brevard County Building Code Requirements
Both PGT and CGI met all Brevard County building code requirements. For new installations, every impact brand we carry (PGT, ES Windows, ECO, MR. Glass) meets these same standards. Important clarification: a Florida Statewide Product Approval listed for HVHZ is what makes a window legally installable anywhere in Florida, including Miami-Dade and Broward. A Miami-Dade NOA passes the same testing, but on its own it is a local approval — valid only in Miami-Dade County.
Wind-Borne Debris Region
- All Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville homes
- Minimum DP40-DP50 design pressure
- ASTM E1886/E1996 impact testing
- Florida Product Approval required
HVHZ Coastal Zones
- Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, Satellite Beach
- Florida Statewide Product Approval (HVHZ) — valid statewide; a Miami-Dade NOA alone is Miami-Dade only
- Large and small missile impact testing
- DP50+ design pressure minimum
Approval Coverage by Brand — What This Actually Means
ECO and MR. Glass: Every product line is HVHZ-approved under Florida Product Approval for both large and small missile testing combined — meaning every model they make can be installed in Miami-Dade, Brevard's coastal HVHZ zones, or anywhere else in Florida.
PGT: Only certain PGT product lines are HVHZ-approved. PGT also sells non-impact and low-impact lines that cannot be installed in Miami-Dade or coastal HVHZ zones. PGT's approvals typically list large or small missile separately by product name. When choosing PGT for an HVHZ project, you have to confirm the specific product line is HVHZ-rated.
Our team handles all Brevard County permitting and inspections for every project. We ensure your installation meets all applicable codes whether you choose PGT, ES Windows, ECO, or MR. Glass.
What CGI's Discontinuation Means for Brevard County Homeowners
If You Already Have CGI Windows
Your windows are excellent products and your warranty remains valid through PGT Industries. Replacement parts and glass are still available. If you need service on existing CGI windows in Melbourne or Brevard County, call us at 321-610-1005 — we can handle all CGI warranty claims and repairs.
If You Were Planning to Buy CGI
Our top recommendation as a CGI replacement is ECO Window Systems. ECO has every product line HVHZ-approved under Florida Product Approval for large and small missile combined, making it one of the most flexible brands on the market. ECO matches PGT's energy efficiency with the same Low-E + argon gas glass package, carries the same 200+ mph HVHZ wind rating, and is one of the favorite brands in Miami-Dade. ECO is the brand we install most often in Brevard County because it consistently delivers the best overall value for our customers.
MR. Glass is another excellent choice with the same all-product-line HVHZ approval as ECO — also a Miami-Dade favorite and a strong value option.
ES Windows (TechnoGlas) also fills CGI's market position with similar quality. HVHZ-rated at 200+ mph and priced at $600-$950/window — very close to CGI's former pricing.
If You Want the Best Regardless of Price
PGT remains the premium choice for Brevard County homeowners. If CGI's discontinuation was a factor in your decision, consider PGT's ClassicVue Max line ($750-$950/window) as a more affordable PGT option that still delivers PGT quality and warranty coverage.
Our Recommendation for Melbourne FL Homeowners in 2026
After installing both PGT and CGI for years across Brevard County, here's our honest recommendation for Melbourne homeowners shopping for impact windows today:
Luxury Homes Wanting Maximum Style Options & Top Warranty
PGT WinGuard — Widest selection (50+ styles, 20+ colors), best warranty, strong resale value. Same HVHZ protection level as the other brands at a higher price.
Melbourne, Palm Bay & West Melbourne Family Homes
ES Windows — Fills CGI's former role perfectly. Same HVHZ 200+ mph protection as PGT at a more accessible price. Excellent quality-to-price ratio for Brevard County.
Best All-Around Value (Miami Dade Favorite)
ECO Window Systems & MR. Glass — Every product line is HVHZ-approved (large and small missile combined), making them favorites in Miami-Dade. Same Low-E + argon energy efficiency as PGT, full HVHZ protection, and the most competitive pricing in Brevard County.
Visit our showroom at 310 Babcock St Suite B, Melbourne FL 32935 to see and compare PGT, ES Windows, ECO, and MR. Glass products in person. We'll help you choose the right brand for your specific home, budget, and priorities.
Impact Window Installation Across Brevard County
We install PGT, ES Windows, ECO, and MR. Glass impact windows in all Brevard County cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CGI still making impact windows?
No. CGI was discontinued by PGT Industries in November 2025. For Brevard County homeowners who had been considering CGI, we recommend ES Windows or ECO as alternatives in the same price range.
Are my existing CGI window warranties still valid?
Yes. PGT Industries continues to honor all existing CGI warranties. If you have CGI windows in your Melbourne or Brevard County home, your warranty coverage remains unchanged.
How much do PGT windows cost in Melbourne FL?
PGT impact windows in Melbourne typically cost $900-$1,400 per window installed. A 15-window project ranges from $16,000-$21,000 before the My Safe Florida Home grant of up to $10,000.
What brand replaced CGI Windows in Florida?
ES Windows (TechnoGlas) has effectively replaced CGI as the mid-range impact window leader in Florida. ES offers similar quality and Miami-Dade NOA certification at $600-$950/window.
Can I get replacement parts for CGI windows?
Yes. PGT Industries supplies replacement parts for existing CGI installations. Contact our Melbourne office at 321-610-1005 and we can help source any CGI components you need.
Which is better for coastal Melbourne homes, PGT or ES Windows?
Both are excellent and both carry HVHZ-rated 200+ mph wind resistance — the protection level is the same. Both hold Florida Statewide Product Approval for HVHZ, so either brand can be installed in Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, or any coastal HVHZ zone (and anywhere else in Florida). PGT offers more style/color options and a better warranty; ES Windows delivers the same protection at a lower price. Visit our showroom at 310 Babcock St to compare.
Related Melbourne FL Impact Window Guides
Get Expert Advice on Impact Window Brands in Melbourne FL
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We carry PGT, ES Windows, ECO & MR. Glass — all qualifying for the $10,000 MSFH grant.
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