Our Story

We started out as homeowners looking to upgrade and protect our South Florida home from the inevitable hurricane season. We were taken aback by the overwhelming number of options and the uncertainty plaguing the Hurricane Impact Window industry. After spending countless hours researching and being misled by dubious contractors, we decided to share our story and hard-earned knowledge with others.

This frustrating yet enlightening experience ignited our mission to educate fellow South Florida homeowners about the incredible advantages of impact windows. We understand the concerns, the questions, and the hesitations because we've been exactly where you are now—navigating confusing sales pitches, contradictory information, and contractors who don't always have your best interests at heart.

Through this website, we're committed to cutting through the noise and sharing honest, practical insights that help you make informed decisions about protecting your most valuable investment—your home. Our goal is to be the trustworthy resource we wish we had when we started this journey.

Where and why you should consider impact windows and doors.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) - Highest Risk

Miami-Dade County and Broward County are classified as High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), which represents the highest risk category in Florida. These areas have the most stringent building code requirements and are considered more prone to damage from hurricanes than any other county in Florida.

Wind-Borne Debris Regions - High Risk

The Florida Building Code requires impact windows for buildings located within one mile of the coast where the basic wind speed is 110 mph or greater. This covers most populated regions of South and Central Florida.

Specific High-Risk Areas Include:

South Florida (East Coast):

Miami-Dade County (including Miami, Miami Beach, Aventura, North Miami)
Broward County (including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach)
Palm Beach County (including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach)

West Coast Florida - Tampa Bay Area:

Hillsborough County (including Tampa)
Pinellas County (including St. Petersburg, Clearwater)
Manatee County (including Bradenton)
Sarasota County (including Sarasota)
Pasco County (coastal areas)

Southwest Florida:

Lee County (including Fort Myers, Cape Coral)
Collier County (including Naples)
Charlotte County (including Punta Gorda)

Central Florida Coastal Areas:

Orange County (parts of Orlando metro)
Brevard County (Space Coast)
Volusia County (including Daytona Beach)
Indian River County

Northwest Florida (Panhandle):

Escambia County (including Pensacola)
Santa Rosa County
Okaloosa County
Bay County (including Panama City)

Bottom Line: While Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the strictest requirements, the entire Florida coastline—including the Tampa Bay area, Southwest Florida, and the Panhandle—faces significant hurricane risk. Any coastal community or area within one mile of the coast with high wind speeds should strongly consider impact windows for both protection and insurance savings. The 2017-2018 hurricane seasons demonstrated that the West Coast is equally vulnerable to major storm impacts.

Hurricane Impact window and Door Frequently Asked Questions

What are impact windows and how do they work?

Impact windows are made with multiple layers of glass with a tough, transparent plastic inner layer (typically polyvinyl butyral or PVB) between the two sheets of glass. This interlayer holds the glass together, even when it shatters, preventing it from breaking into dangerous shards. The windows are also securely attached to the structure of your home in an entirely different way than old fashioned windows, making them significantly stronger than standard windows.

How much do impact windows cost?

Impact windows typically cost between $300 to $1,500 per window, with the national average around $950 per window including materials and installation. A good estimate to budget for is about $1,800 per window when including permitting, ordering, measuring, installation, and removal. The final cost depends on factors like window size, material (vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass), installation complexity, and additional features.

Will impact windows save me money on insurance?

Yes! According to the Florida Division of Emergency Management, homeowners can save up to 45% on their insurance premiums by installing impact windows. On average, Florida homeowners can expect to save anywhere from 10% to 45% on their insurance premiums after installing impact-resistant windows and doors. The state of Florida requires insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners for protecting their home and mitigating damages that may be caused by hurricane-force winds.

Do I need a permit to install impact windows in Florida?

Yes, obtaining building permits for impact window installation is generally mandatory in Florida, especially in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Residential permits can take up to 30 days for approval, while commercial applications can take up to 50 days. Your contractor should handle the permitting process for you.

What's the difference between impact windows and hurricane windows?

Impact windows main characteristic is the special film applied on the glass that doesn't allow the glass to be shattered into tiny pieces that can cause injuries. Hurricane windows are made to resist the impact of large sized objects flying in a hurricane with speeds up to 140 mph without breaking the glass. In practice, these terms are often used interchangeably, as both refer to windows designed to withstand severe weather conditions.

How long does installation take?

The full process for impact windows and doors usually takes 3-4 weeks from the time we receive your deposit. Each window takes about two hours to install. The timeline depends on the number of windows, their size, and any structural modifications needed.

Do impact windows provide energy savings?

Yes, impact windows significantly improve energy efficiency. Their heavy-duty materials and tight seals keep your home insulated, reducing the need for heating and cooling, which can lead to lower energy bills. For example, the Smiths noticed a decrease in their monthly energy bill by approximately 15% after installing impact windows.

Are impact windows worth the investment?

According to researchers from Miami University in 2021, impact windows are worth the money for the following reasons: 1) a significant reduction in home insurance premiums, 2) decrease energy bill, 3) a high return on investment. Beyond financial benefits, they provide peace of mind, enhanced security, noise reduction, and increased property value.

How do I qualify for insurance discounts with impact windows?

After you install your new windows, you will have to schedule a wind mitigation inspection. A wind mitigation inspection is a type of inspection that looks at how your home is protected from hurricanes and strong winds. Most insurance companies will ask for documentation such as a certificate of compliance from the window manufacturer or a report from a wind mitigation inspection

What maintenance do impact windows require?

Impact windows and doors require minimal maintenance. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, plus periodic inspections for any signs of wear, will keep them performing optimally for years. After the final inspection and 48 hours has passed then rest assured that all of our impact windows and doors will give you many years of maintenance free service. The durable construction means they're built to last with minimal upkeep compared to traditional windows.

Hurricane Impact Window Guide

Hurricane Impact Window Guide

Our Story

Where and why you should consider impact windows and doors.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) - Highest Risk

Wind-Borne Debris Regions - High Risk

Specific High-Risk Areas Include:

Hurricane Impact window and Door Frequently Asked Questions

Impact Window and Door Manufacturers

Drop us a line!

Hurricane Impact Window Guide

Hurricane Impact Window Guide

Our Story

Where and why you should consider impact windows and doors.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) - Highest Risk

Wind-Borne Debris Regions - High Risk

Specific High-Risk Areas Include:

Hurricane Impact window and Door Frequently Asked Questions

Impact Window and Door Manufacturers

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Drop us a line!

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