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: Premium brand, still active, $900-$1,400/window in Melbourne — best for waterfront homes
- ⚠CGI: Discontinued Nov 2025 — was $650-$1,000/window, warranties still valid
- ✓ES Windows now fills CGI's market position at similar pricing for Brevard County
- ✓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)
- • Highest wind rating (200+ mph)
- • Lifetime limited warranty
- • Best resale value for Melbourne homes
- • Superior energy efficiency options
- • Miami-Dade NOA certified
- • 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 | 200+ mph | 180+ mph |
| Miami-Dade NOA | ✓ Certified | ✓ Was Certified |
| 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 | Excellent (U: 0.29-0.35) | Very Good (U: 0.32-0.40) |
| 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: oceanfront properties (Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach) where the highest wind rating matters, 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. For most Melbourne and Palm Bay family homes, ES Windows delivers comparable protection at a significantly lower price.
Energy Efficiency: PGT vs ES Windows for Melbourne's Climate
With Melbourne's AC running 8+ months per year, energy efficiency directly impacts your monthly FPL bill. Here's how the two active brands compare on the specs that matter most:
| Energy Spec | PGT WinGuard | PGT EnergyVue | ES Windows | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Factor | 0.32-0.38 | 0.25-0.31 | 0.30-0.38 | Lower = better insulation |
| SHGC | 0.22-0.28 | 0.17-0.22 | 0.21-0.27 | Lower = less solar heat |
| Est. Annual Savings | $500-$800 | $700-$1,100 | $500-$850 | vs old single-pane |
Key insight for Melbourne homeowners: ES Windows' standard Low-E glass actually matches PGT WinGuard's energy performance at a lower price point. If maximum energy efficiency is your top priority, PGT's EnergyVue line is the clear leader — but it's also the most expensive option. For most Brevard County homes, ES Windows provides excellent energy efficiency at the best value.
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, any brand we carry (PGT, ES Windows, ECO) meets these same standards:
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
- Miami-Dade NOA certification required
- Large missile impact testing (9 lb 2x4)
- DP50+ design pressure minimum
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, or ECO.
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
ES Windows (TechnoGlas) fills CGI's market position with similar quality at competitive pricing. ES is the #1 selling impact window brand in Florida, Miami-Dade NOA certified, and priced at $600-$950/window — very close to CGI's former pricing. We've installed ES Windows extensively across Melbourne and Palm Bay with excellent results.
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:
Indialantic & Indian Harbour Beach Waterfront
PGT WinGuard — Maximum protection, widest selection, best resale value for luxury coastal properties.
Melbourne, Palm Bay & West Melbourne Family Homes
ES Windows — Fills CGI's former role perfectly. Best quality-to-price ratio in Brevard County.
Budget-Conscious or Rental Properties
ECO Window Systems — Meets all codes, qualifies for insurance discounts, most affordable option.
Visit our showroom at 310 Babcock St Suite B, Melbourne FL 32935 to see and compare PGT, ES Windows, and ECO 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, and ECO 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. PGT offers the highest wind ratings (200+ mph) — best for Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach oceanfront. ES Windows provides great protection (180+ mph) at lower cost — ideal for most Melbourne and Palm Bay homes. 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 — all qualifying for the $10,000 MSFH grant.
Serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa Beach, Viera & all Brevard County