Serving St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Indian River and Brevard Counties.
Showroom Open By Appointment Only
License #CGC1505772
License #CGC1533258
For Florida homeowners, selecting hurricane rated windows is a vital step in safeguarding your property from severe storms. Windows are not just aesthetic elements, they are a critical defense against hurricane-force winds and flying debris. At H&M Impact Window and Door, Inc., we prioritize quality and compliance to ensure your home remains secure. This guide outlines essential factors to consider when choosing hurricane rated windows for your Florida home, helping you invest wisely in safety and comfort.
Ensure Certification Meets Florida Standards
The cornerstone of selecting hurricane rated windows is confirming they meet Florida’s stringent building codes. In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, windows must comply with High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards. Elsewhere in the state, they require Florida Building Code (FBC) approval. Verify the windows have a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) or Product Approval Number, proving they’ve passed rigorous impact and wind-pressure tests. At H&M Impact Window and Door, all our windows are HVHZ certified windows, ensuring reliability across Florida’s regions.
Choose Between Aluminum and Vinyl Frames
Selecting the right frame material impacts both performance and aesthetics. Both aluminum and vinyl frames can be hurricane rated windows, each with distinct benefits:
- Aluminum: Offers exceptional strength, ideal for large openings, and a sleek, modern look.
- Vinyl: Provides superior insulation, though with fewer color options and slight thermal expansion in Florida’s climate.
Your choice should reflect your home’s design, budget, and energy efficiency needs. Our team at H&M can help you navigate aluminum vs vinyl impact windows to find the perfect match.
Understand the Role of Impact Glass
Impact glass for hurricanes is the heart of hurricane-rated windows. These windows feature laminated glass and two panes bonded with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. This design allows the glass to crack under impact without shattering, keeping wind, water, and debris out. During Hurricane Ian, homes with impact glass for hurricanes experienced minimal interior damage compared to those with standard windows, demonstrating its real-world effectiveness.
Verify Wind Pressure Ratings
Wind pressure ratings, known as Design Pressure (DP), indicate a window’s ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. Ratings vary by location and building height, with coastal and high-rise properties needing higher DP values. At H&M Impact Window and Door, we install windows with a minimum DP of +50/-50, surpassing standard requirements for most Florida homes. Consult local codes or our experts to ensure your hurricane rated windows meet the necessary ratings for your property.
Avoid Questionable Sales Tactics
When choosing impact windows installation in Florida, be cautious of companies using misleading practices, such as “buy one, get one” deals with inflated prices, unverified “hurricane-tested” claims, or aggressive sales tactics. Reputable providers focus on quality products, proper permitting, and code-compliant installation. At H&M, we emphasize transparency and proven performance to deliver lasting protection.
Prioritize Expert Installation
Even the best hurricane rated windows can fail if installed improperly. At H&M Impact Window and Door, our in-house, trained installers ensure precision and consistency, unlike subcontractors used by some competitors. Our commitment to quality impact windows installation Florida guarantees your windows perform as intended during a storm.
Explore Energy Efficiency and Noise Reduction
Beyond storm protection, modern energy efficient hurricane windows offer added benefits. Features like Low-E coatings reduce UV rays and heat gain, while insulated glass units (IGUs) enhance energy savings, potentially cutting cooling costs by up to 20% in Florida’s humid climate. These windows also reduce noise, ideal for homes near busy streets, train tracks, or airports. Choose windows that balance hurricane preparedness with everyday comfort.
Selecting hurricane rated windows for your Florida home is an investment in safety, value, and energy efficiency. By prioritizing certified products, professional impact windows installation in Florida, and features like energy efficient hurricane windows, you can protect your property while enhancing its livability. H&M Impact Window and Door is committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet Florida’s strict standards and your unique needs.
Contact H&M Impact Window and Door today for a free consultation and discover how our expertise ensures your home is storm-ready.
