Your Complete Guide to Buying Miami Dade Approved Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors
Miami Dade and Broward County has a long history of severe weather. Hurricanes remain a constant threat each year, as they can cause massive damage to all types of homes. On average, Miami is impacted by a hurricane every 1.9 years, as installing impact windows and doors in Miami is essential to protect your home against these natural disasters. Staying proactive by installing hurricane-proof windows and doors is critical in giving your South Florida home the best protection against severe weather.
Did you know If you live in Broward or Miami-Dade county, the Florida Building Code now requires all openings to be impact-resistant or have approved hurricane protection over them. Older homes, regardless of the year they were built, are not required to update the windows & doors until you do decide to replace them. Then, you will have to follow the current building codes.
Window technology has improved dramatically in the past two decades. Today, laminated glass window systems provide remarkable impact resistance and increased protection. Impact windows are designed to withstand the impact of flying debris, and they will not shatter inside of your home due to the use of laminated glass. Following reliable hurricane safety tips is also important in limiting damages.
Investing in impact windows and doors in Miami offers homeowners remarkable returns. These hurricane-ready products not only provide superior storm protection but also enhance security, offer potential insurance savings, increase property value, and improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Although Before settling for the wrong deal, it's a good idea to conduct proper research! Make sure you install the right impact-resistant windows and doors for your Miami Dade home - By either calling us to set up a free consultation with our expert or reading this guide can help!
Your complete guide to impact resistant windows and doors. Discover everything you need to know about impact windows and doors in Miami. Learn all about their construction, their performance and their warranties. Get information on sales tax exemptions, government programs, financing options, warranties, brochures and building codes.
WHY PURCHASE IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS?
Purchasing impact windows and doors for your home is an important investment that offers a wide range of benefits. These hurricane-proof products give you the best protection against severe weather, and you can choose from a wide variety of styles to boost the aesthetics of your home.
Hurricane-resistant windows offer dual benefits, providing additional protection against severe weather and enhancing security against burglaries. Specially designed and tested to withstand debris from category five hurricanes, these impact windows and doors are shatterproof, making it challenging for criminals to break in. By installing impact products throughout your home, you not only mitigate the risk of break-ins but also ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
Investing in impact windows offers multiple benefits. Firstly, it enhances safety and boosts home value, making it easier to sell in the future. Additionally, impact windows reduce UV damage and outdoor noise, providing a more comfortable living environment. Moreover, they lower energy costs by regulating indoor temperature, resulting in reduced utility bills and increased comfort year-round.
HURRICANE IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS BENEFITS
Hurricane impact windows and doors offer multifaceted benefits for homes and businesses. They enhance security by resisting break-ins and provide additional protection from severe weather. Hurricane Impact windows and doors other benefits also improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs while contributing to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, they effectively reduce external noise, creating a quieter indoor environment. Additionally, impact windows enhance curb appeal, adding aesthetic value to properties. Considering their numerous advantages, investing in impact windows is a worthwhile decision that can yield significant returns, including potential tax breaks and insurance reductions.
IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS INSTALLATION
Choosing the right installer is critical to getting not only the best price on impact windows and doors, but the best service! It can be tempting to just go to a big-box store and do the job yourself, and that may be a viable option. But If you prefer to have someone else handle the installation of your impact windows and doors, You need to make sure that the contractor is experienced with installing these products. You will not experience the complete benefits of your windows if they aren’t properly installed. But most importantly, your manufacturer’s warranty could be voided if the windows are installed incorrectly or you do not use a professional contractor. Choosing to buy impact windows and doors in Miami is often an intimidating process for homeowners. Trying to find the right installer for your home isn't easy due to the wide range of options in South Florida.
One way to reduce the number of available installers is to check out online reviews from previous customers. These online reviews can usually help you determine if an installer is a good fit for impact window installation or if you need to continue looking elsewhere.
Finding installers with the proper licenses and certifications is also important to ensure the job is done right. Asking for a few references from your friends and family is also helpful in narrowing down your available options.
Taking the extra time to find the highest quality of contractors in Miami Dade is essential for anyone investing in hurricane-resistant windows. These hurricane-proof windows play a vital role in protecting your home, as you will want to hire a contractor that specializes in impact windows and doors in Miami.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS
HOW SAFE ARE IMPACT WINDOWS?
Impact windows are a popular choice for severe storm areas because of their construction; these items were built to last!
One way that impact windows keep your property safe is with the help of shatter-resistant film. This film is applied on either side of the window panes, sealing the glass inside. This means that even if the window is struck by flying debris or subject to extreme atmospheric pressures, the glass will stay contained and in place. The glass may crack, but won’t blow into the room or cause any further damage.
Aside from impact-resistant films, some hurricane impact windows also rely on an inner membrane technology that fills the space between the window panes. This membrane is made up of a PVB layer that holds the glass together, preventing it from blowing outward.
When combined with window film, this makes the windows nearly impervious to any kind of puncture or shattering even up to wind speeds of 200 mph, or a Category 5 hurricane.
The frame construction of impact windows makes them that much tougher as well. Most impact-resistant windows are constructed using aluminum, vinyl, or steel frames. These kinds of frames resist warping, weakening over time, or accumulation of rust. Steel and aluminum frames are obviously extremely tough, but they can be more expensive than vinyl.
Impact windows aren’t only convenient and thoroughly constructed, they have the testing to back up their durability. Impact windows use a DP — design pressure — rating to identify how much wind they can withstand before bending or breaking. What’s unique about DP ratings is that they aren’t just assigned based on metrics like glass thickness or window size. Instead, a DP rating is only given after a specific model has gone through a barrage of laboratory testing.
Impact windows go through a design pressure test that will ensure the windows will be able to hold up during dangerous major storms. The test consists of three parts:
- Air Pressure
Usually, the first test is air filtration. It is simulated to measure the pressure on the windows. Air filtration pressure alone does not affect the pressure rating of the window. - Water Penetration
The amount of water that the windows keep out is tested by pressure and is based on the type of window being tested. It is tested by the percentage of water pressure that is kept out. - Structural Testing
The glass and frame of the window are tested. A higher rating is given due to the thickness of the glass and the hardware of the frame. When higher-end and structurally sound material is used the rating is usually higher. The rating of the frame can actually increase the overall rating of the window itself.
Since Florida, especially in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, is known for having severe storms and hurricanes, it has additional requirements for testing impact windows. The tests cover the typical air, water, and structural testing for rating impact resistant windows. But an additional test involves impact resistance. This test is done by firing a 2×4 piece of wood twice to see if the window successfully holds.
THE AVERAGE COST OF IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS
Buying locally manufactured windows means that you are significantly cutting on tax and stamp duty-related expenses. You will also get your windows from the local manufacturer, which further eliminates or lowers transportation costs. However, it is important to highlight that hurricane impact windows are premium building glasses that are available at premium prices. By paying above the market rate, you are guaranteeing yourself high-quality and durable glass windows.
The cost of hurricane windows in Florida can vary widely based on several factors, such as the type of window, size, materials used, installation complexity, and the specific requirements of the property. Prices may also be influenced by the manufacturer or supplier, the level of impact resistance, and any additional features or customization. According to information published by Architectural Digest in 2023, the average cost of hurricane-impact windows for an entire home ranges from $1,900 to $10,000 with a national average of $5,332. It’s important to note that this is an estimate, and actual prices can vary based on the factors mentioned above.
Now that you know how to choose hurricane-proof windows, it is time to order these products for your next project. Contact us today for a FREE Quote.
For more in depth information on How much do hurricane impact windows and doors cost click on the following link to read full article "How much do Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors Cost?".
IMPACT WINDOW MANUFACTURERS IN MIAMI
Choosing the right manufacturer of impact windows is an important decision. Doing some research in advance is always a good idea. A few of the most popular window manufacturers include PGT, MR. Glass, Eco Window Systems, and ESWindows.
Mr. Glass is a premium impact window manufacturer providing the highest quality of protection against hurricane-force winds. You can choose from an almost countless variety of styles and sizes. Mr. Glass is known for producing top-quality windows, which is why they are the manufacturer of choice at Super Impact Windows and Doors 365 for installing impact windows and doors in Miami.
GETTING THE BEST DEAL ON IMPACT WINDOWS IN MIAMI
Understanding the secrets for finding the best deal on impact windows is essential for homeowners. Learning as much as you can about impact windows while scheduling several consultations is always a good idea. Asking for recommendations and proof of certifications is also important to ensure you are satisfied with the final results. Comparing warranty promises and paying attention to the materials delivery estimate is critical to avoid any delays.
Follow these steps to get the best deal available for impact windows and doors in Miami:
Read Our Impact Windows Guide
Checking out an impact windows guide is always a smart option to learn more information about installing these windows in your South Florida home. Understanding the numerous benefits of impact windows is a major selling point for homeowners. Choosing the right manufacturers is also important to ensure you are well-satisfied with your purchase. Keeping your windows well-maintained will even further increase their lifespan and maximize the curb appeal of your home.
Schedule Multiple Consultations
Only reaching out to one contractor for impact windows and doors in Miami isn't a wise decision. Instead, it's always a good idea to schedule multiple consultations to help you find a top-quality contractor at an affordable price. Comparing multiple bids will allow you to understand the average cost of installing impact windows by breaking down the differences in costs between materials, permit, and labor.
Check Warranty
Comparing the various warranty promises between companies is always a good idea before you make a final decision. Many warranties will offer labor free of charge for repairing or replacing a product that's deemed defective due to faulty manufacturing. Warranty exceptions may include damages due to neglect, misuse, abuse, or vandalism. Understanding the warranty promises is always important before signing a contract for installing impact windows.
ALWAYS Ask For This Discount
An often overlooked way to receive a discount during the installation of impact windows is to allow a company to place a sign in your yard for a period of time. Including this sign in your yard provides a valuable marketing opportunity for the installer while also helping you receive a discount. Ultimately, taking advantage of this discount is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Pay Attention To Materials Delivery Estimates
Meeting tight deadlines is a common reality for anyone in the construction industry. Falling behind on a deadline can cost you money while also impacting everyone else working on a new home. Always paying attention to materials delivery estimates is a good idea to ensure everything remains on schedule. If you notice any issues, reaching out to an impact window installer is important to make any delivery changes.
Schedule A Follow-Up Walkthrough After The Job Is Done
Scheduling a follow-up after the job is complete is always important for homeowners. A follow-up walkthrough can identity any damages during the installation process while ensuring everything is completed to exact specifications. A top-quality contractor will repair any damages free of charge, whether it's stucco, drywall, or flooring. A walkthrough is also a great time to ask any final questions about hurricane impact windows.
MAINTAINING YOUR NEW WINDOWS
In addition to superior protection from severe weather, the construction of impact windows provides several ancillary benefits for your home, business, or rental properties.
Cleaning Your Impact Windows
Keeping your windows both looking great and functioning properly requires an infrequent touch of maintenance. Routine cleaning to remove dust, dirt, pollen, and other airborne particles can go a long way in keeping your windows in top shape. The following is an overview of how you can clean impact windows.
- Use microfiber towels, not paper towels.
- Spray with a low-pressure hose.
- Clean away from direct sunlight.
- Use a squeegee to remove excess water.
- Finish by applying a non-abrasive glass cleaner.
REPAIRING IMPACT WINDOW
During severe weather seasons, heavy winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes frequently pick up man-made and natural debris and send it flinging at our homes. But for as strong and capable as impact windows and doors are, they can become cracked or broken following a particularly bad natural disaster. In addition, something unpredictable might happen, such as a fallen tree or errant golf ball, to cause damage to your investment. The good news is that yes, impact windows and doors can be repaired. But that repair or replacement should be done as soon as possible.
Contact us today for a Hurricane Impact windows and doors repair/service quote.
CORROSION RESISTANT IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOOR
One of the major factors you need to contemplate when choosing hurricane glass windows is the ability to resist corrosion from the salty water of the sea. Windows that are likely to corrode with ease, are more vulnerable to hurricanes and other strong winds. However, corrosion-resistant hurricane-proof windows will serve you for many years without being affected by salty water.
Recent hurricanes, such as category-3 Hurricane Idalia, have underscored the importance of robust building materials in coastal regions. Corrosion-resistant hurricane-proof windows play a pivotal role in mitigating damage, as they are designed with advanced materials and coatings that withstand not only the harsh coastal environment but also contribute to the overall resilience of a structure during severe weather conditions. Investing in corrosion-resistant windows is not just a precautionary measure; it is a practical and proactive step toward fortifying properties against the escalating challenges posed by climate-related events.
IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS DURABILITY
Every 40 years, most of the buildings in Florida and other parts of the country are inspected to ascertain whether they are up to standards. In most cases, most of the condos are required to replace their high-impact glass windows and doors. It is a costly structural undertaking that you don’t want to experience. Therefore, you have to make sure that your impact windows have met the necessary standards so that they can last for several decades after inspection.
A durable window ensures that it can tolerate the force of strong winds, heavy rain, and other elements associated with extreme weather events. One of the primary purposes of hurricane impact windows is to provide protection against airborne debris propelled by powerful winds. A durable window is less likely to shatter or break upon impact, maintaining the structural integrity of a home and preventing potential injuries. Additionally, long-lasting windows should have effective sealing mechanisms to prevent water infiltration. This helps prevent water damage during heavy rain or storms.
HURRICANE LEVEL RESISTANCE
Checking on the hurricane-resistant levels is an important factor that you should know if you are learning how to choose hurricane-proof windows. Different categories of hurricanes strike Florida and the Caribbean islands. It’s upon you to make sure that your estate can withstand any level of the hurricane that will come. It would be better to have impact-resistant hurricane windows and doors that can withstand category five hurricanes, which are the strongest.
Keep in mind that the primary purpose of hurricane-proof windows is to provide safety and protection for your home and its occupants during severe weather events even during the most heavy of storms. Different regions experience hurricanes of varying intensities, and selecting windows with the appropriate resistance level ensures that they can withstand the specific forces associated with the typical hurricanes in your area. It’s a proactive step toward fortifying your property against the unique challenges posed by hurricanes.
ADHERENCE TO BUILDING CODES
If you want to be on the right side of the law, make sure that you buy high-impact glass windows that meet the local building codes. Both Federal and state governments have various codes that should be met when it comes to glass windows. Although the Federal building codes might be very generic, Florida building codes pay huge attention to hurricanes and other storms. Most of the window manufacturers in Florida understand the local building codes and it would be better to buy from them.
Other key aspects of Florida’s building codes related to hurricanes and storms include specific provisions for wind load requirements, which are crucial for structures to withstand hurricane-force winds. Roofing materials and installation methods are also regulated to ensure they can withstand high wind speeds. In coastal areas susceptible to storm surges, building codes may include elevation requirements to mitigate flood risks. Staying informed about these codes and working with licensed professionals during construction or renovations will help ensure compliance and enhance the resilience of your property against hurricanes and storms.
PRODUCT TIPS - JUST FOR MIAMI RESIDENTS
Avoiding a few products is a good idea for anyone living in Miami. For example, using insulated glass windows will attract unnecessary heat and raise your utility bill. Fog will often get trapped inside insulated glass windows if the inner seal is broken. These windows are nearly impossible to repair, which is never a cost-effective option for homeowners.
Vinyl frames should also be avoided for anyone living in South Florida. You can only choose from a small selection of colors and styles, which makes it much more difficult to match the design of your home. Direct sunlight exposure will often cause vinyl frames to fade over time, which gives them a dull appearance and it decreases the visual appeal of your house.
For the Best Deal, Trust Super Impact Windows and Doors 365
We are the leading supplier and installation company of impact windows and doors in Miami. Our team members are happy to present our products and discuss the many advantages of installing impact windows and doors in your home. Give Super Impact Windows and Doors a phone call today to learn more about installing impact windows and doors in Miami!
CONTACT US
Phone: (786) 867-7252
Email: superimpact365@gmail.com
VISIT US
1873 Opa Locka Blvd Opa Locka, FL 33054SOCIAL MEDIA
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