Impact Windows and Doors
Hurricane impact windows and doors are engineered to protect Florida homes from high winds, flying debris, and severe storms. These impact-rated windows and doors combine reinforced frames with laminated glass to provide continuous protection without shutters. Proper installation ensures compliance with Florida Building Code and enhanced home safety.
Key Benefits of Impact Windows and Doors
- Hurricane & Windborne Debris Protection
Impact-rated windows and doors are designed and tested to resist specified impacts and wind pressures. When the complete approved system is properly installed, it can provide permanent protection for vulnerable openings during severe weather.
- Energy Efficiency
Modern impact products can incorporate insulated laminated glass, Low-E coatings, and energy-efficient frame systems. These features can help reduce heat transfer and solar heat gain, which is particularly useful in Florida's warm climate.
- Permanent Storm Protection
Unlike removable storm panels and shutters, impact windows and doors remain installed throughout the year. Homeowners do not need to install and remove separate storm protection every time severe weather approaches.
- Enhanced Security
Impact-resistant laminated glass can provide an additional layer of security. The interlayer helps hold the glass together after an impact, making the opening more difficult to penetrate than standard glass.
- UV Protection
Specialized glass packages can help reduce UV exposure entering the home. This can help protect furniture, flooring, artwork, carpeting, and other interior finishes from fading.
- Improved Comfort
High-performance impact windows and doors can help reduce heat transfer, drafts, outside noise, and unwanted solar heat. This can contribute to a more comfortable indoor environment throughout the year.
What Are Impact Windows and Doors?
Impact windows and doors are specially engineered systems designed and tested to provide protection against specified wind pressures and windborne debris. They combine impact-resistant laminated glass with engineered frames, hardware, seals, and anchoring components.
Unlike temporary storm panels or shutters, impact windows and doors remain installed year-round. This provides permanent protection while allowing the openings to function normally.
For Florida properties, the appropriate product should be selected according to the property's location, opening size, required design pressure, wind exposure, and applicable product approval.
How Impact Windows and Doors Work
Impact windows and doors work as complete engineered opening-protection systems. The glass, frame, hardware, seals, and anchoring system work together to provide the performance for which the specific product has been tested.
During severe weather, windborne debris can strike a window or door. The laminated glass is designed to help keep the glass together following the specified impact. At the same time, the frame and anchoring system help maintain the assembly within the opening.
The entire system matters. Impact-resistant glass alone does not automatically make a window or door hurricane-rated. The specific product must be tested and approved as a complete assembly and installed according to the manufacturer's approved requirements.
KEY FEATURES OF IMPACT WINDOWS AND DOORS
- Impact-Resistant Laminated Glass:
Impact glass typically consists of multiple glass layers bonded with a durable interlayer. This construction is designed to help the glass remain together following a specified impact.
- Florida Product Approvals:
Many impact-rated products available in Florida carry Florida Product Approvals (FPA) for specific configurations. Certain products may also have Miami-Dade Notices of Acceptance (NOAs) and HVHZ approvals.
- Reinforced Frames:
Impact windows and doors are available with engineered aluminum and vinyl frame systems, depending on the manufacturer and product line.
- Low-E Glass Options:
Low-E coatings can help reduce solar heat gain and improve thermal performance while allowing natural light into the home.
- Laminated Insulating Glass:
Laminated insulating glass can combine impact protection with improved thermal performance.
- Weather-Resistant Sealing:
Quality impact systems use appropriate seals and weatherstripping to help limit air and water infiltration.
Ideal Applications for Impact Windows and Doors
- Florida Homes
- Coastal Homes
- Waterfront Properties
- Lanai & Patio Openings
- Home Remodeling
- New Construction
- Commercial Properties
Professional Impact Windows and Doors Installation
Impact Windows and Doors Installation Process
1. Consultation - We begin by discussing your property's existing windows and doors, architectural style, storm-protection goals, energy-efficiency needs, and overall project requirements.
2. Property Assessment - Our team evaluates the existing openings, surrounding structure, wall conditions, and installation areas to determine the appropriate replacement or installation approach.
3. Precise Measurements - Each window and door opening is carefully measured to determine the proper product size, configuration, and installation requirements.
4. Product Selection - We help you select the right impact window or door based on your property's design, opening size, performance requirements, and storm-protection needs. Available options may include different window and door styles, frame materials, glass packages, Low-E glass, tint options, frame colors, hardware, and impact-resistant configurations.
5. Approval & Performance Verification - Before installation, we review the selected product to confirm that it meets the applicable Florida Product Approval requirements and project specifications, including design pressure, impact classification, size limitations, and approved installation requirements where applicable.
6. Custom Manufacturing - Once the product and specifications are approved, the windows and doors are manufactured according to the required dimensions and project specifications.
7. Existing Window or Door Removal - When replacing existing units, our installation team carefully removes the old windows or doors while taking appropriate precautions to protect the surrounding structure, finishes, and property.
8. Opening Preparation - Each opening is cleaned, inspected, and properly prepared before the new window or door is installed. Any necessary preparation is completed to ensure the opening is ready for the new system.
9. Professional Installation - Our experienced installation team positions, levels, anchors, seals, and finishes each impact window or door according to the applicable manufacturer installation requirements and approved product documentation.
10. Operation & Quality Check - After installation, each window and door is inspected for proper alignment, smooth operation, locking, sealing, and overall installation quality. Our team verifies that the installed system functions as intended.
11. Final Walkthrough - Once the installation is complete, we walk through the project with the homeowner and provide guidance on the proper operation, cleaning, maintenance, and care of the new impact windows and doors.
Why work with Destination Contracting, LLC?
We are a State Certified General Contractor. The services we provide are:
– Custom Home Remodeling
– Commercial Tenant Fit-outs
– Residential Additions
– Custom Builds – As a small to medium sized business we primarily focus on construction of buildings that are 3 stories tall or less, but our licensing allows us to build to any height or size. If you have a large residential, multi-family, or commercial project that is taller than 3 stories, we would be happy to explore building a partnership to make it happen.
Our projects typically range between $200,000 – $3,000,000 for renovations and our new construction projects tend to range between $800,000 – $4,000,000.00.
We provide a seamless experience through the construction process that meets your goals for residential remodeling and commercial tenant fit-outs. With Destination Contracting, you can expect trust, integrity, and meticulousness while solving problems before they occur so that you can use and enjoy your spaces sooner.
What counties in Florida do you work in?
We are based out of Sarasota and the most common counties we serve are:
- Sarasota County
- Manatee County
- Charlotte County
Some of the cities and municipalities we most frequently work with include:
- City of Sarasota
- Lakewood Ranch
- City of Bradenton
- Ana Maria Island
- Venice
- Siesta Key
- Osprey
- Nokomis
- Englewood
- South Venice
- Manasota Key
- Placida
- North Port