Building Envelope
Protection meets clarity.
Impact windows for Florida living
Your windows face hurricanes, UV rays, and break-in attempts. Here's what makes Florida-grade windows different.
Window Types
Different window systems offer different levels of protection and performance.
Impact Windows
(Hurricane Windows)Laminated glass windows designed to withstand hurricane-force debris impacts. Required in many Florida coastal areas.
Best For
- Hurricane protection without shutters
- 24/7 storm readiness
- Security against break-ins
- Sound reduction
Considerations
- •Higher upfront cost
- •Heavier than standard windows
- •Required in HVHZ areas
- •Insurance discounts available
Non-Impact Windows
(Standard Windows)Traditional windows that require hurricane shutters or panels for storm protection.
Best For
- Budget-conscious projects
- Areas outside HVHZ
- When using permanent shutters
- Interior applications
Considerations
- •Require shutter storage
- •Must install before storms
- •No 24/7 protection
- •Limited insurance discounts
Insulated Glass
(Double-Pane / Low-E)Multiple glass panes with insulating gas fill and low-emissivity coatings for energy efficiency.
Best For
- Energy efficiency
- UV protection
- Comfort near windows
- HVAC load reduction
Considerations
- •Standard on quality windows
- •Various coating options
- •Affects visible light transmission
- •Combined with impact for best performance
What Determines Your Windows?
Code requirements, location, and performance goals drive window selection.
High-Velocity Hurricane Zone
Properties in HVHZ areas (Miami-Dade, Broward) must use impact-rated products or approved shutters.
- •Impact windows or shutters required
- •Miami-Dade NOA approval needed
- •Large missile impact testing
- •Strictest standards in the nation
Wind Zone & Design Pressure
Windows must be rated for the design pressure (DP) required by your location and building height.
- •DP rating indicates pressure resistance
- •Higher floors need higher ratings
- •Coastal areas require more
- •Engineering determines requirements
Energy Performance
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) and U-factor affect cooling costs and comfort.
- •Low SHGC reduces cooling load
- •Low-E coatings block UV
- •Affects furniture fading
- •Part of energy calculations
Aesthetics & Function
Window style, frame color, and operation type affect both looks and function.
- •Single-hung, casement, sliding options
- •Frame colors to match exterior
- •Grid patterns if desired
- •Screen options for ventilation
Florida Building Code Requirements
Window requirements for Florida residential construction.
Impact Protection
- Impact-rated or shutters required in HVHZ
- Approved product list (NOA) compliance
- Large and small missile impact testing
- Cyclic pressure testing required
Design Pressure
- DP rating must meet wind zone requirements
- Higher ratings for upper floors
- Engineering specifies exact requirements
- Testing documentation required
Energy Code
- Maximum U-factor per climate zone
- Maximum SHGC for cooling efficiency
- Part of overall energy compliance
- May affect other envelope components
Installation
- Per manufacturer specifications
- Proper flashing and sealing
- Anchoring per wind requirements
- Inspection before close-in
How PrimeBid Handles Windows
PGT Impact. Installed right.
We specify impact windows from PGT, Florida's leading impact window manufacturer, as standard. Proper installation is verified.
Engineering Review
Window schedule developed per plans with design pressures for each opening.
Product Selection
PGT impact windows with insulated low-E glass. Frame color matched to exterior.
Factory Order
Custom sizes ordered from PGT with specified glass and frame options.
Professional Installation
Factory-trained installers following PGT specifications exactly.
Inspection & Warranty
Installation verified, product warranties assigned to owner.
PGT Impact
Florida's leading impact window manufacturer
Insulated Low-E
Energy-efficient glass standard
Color Matched
Bronze to match fascia/soffit/gutters
Warranted
Manufacturer warranty assigned to owner
Common Questions
Why PGT specifically?
PGT is Florida's largest impact window manufacturer with excellent quality, availability, and warranty support. They've been making windows in Florida since 1980. We've found their products reliable and their service responsive.
Do I still need shutters with impact windows?
No. That's the main advantage of impact windows. They're always in place, always ready. No storage, no installation before storms, no boarding up. Your home is protected 24/7.
What about insurance discounts?
Impact windows typically qualify for significant insurance discounts on your wind portion of coverage. The exact discount varies by insurer, but many homeowners see 25-45% reductions. Ask your insurance agent for specifics.
Can I choose different frame colors?
Yes. PGT offers multiple frame colors. Our standard is Bronze to match our soffit, fascia, and gutters for a coordinated look. We can specify different colors if you prefer, but note it may affect lead time.
Ready for hurricane-grade windows?
Start your design session. We'll specify windows that protect and perform.
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