What are the Best Rated Hurricane Impact Windows in 2025?

By Admin August 10, 2020

When hurricane season rolls around in Florida, choosing impact-resistant windows for your home isn’t just smart — it’s about protecting your loved ones. For mid-range homeowners in places like Miami, Tampa, or Clearwater, installing hurricane impact windows means keeping your family secure, staying cool during the sweltering summer, and cutting down those ever-rising energy bills.

Let’s explore how these windows can safeguard you from storms, boost comfort, and increase your home’s potential resale value.

What Are Hurricane Windows?

Hurricane windows, also known as impact-resistant windows, are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high-speed winds and flying debris. These windows use laminated glass technology that prevents shattering, keeping your home secure even under intense pressure.

In Florida, especially in coastal cities like Miami or Clearwater, these windows are essential. If your home was built over a decade ago, you might lack the storm protection that modern impact windows provide. Timely upgrading ensures compliance with local building codes and adds a layer of protection against rising energy bills as a bonus.

Do You Need Impact (Hurricane) Resistant Windows?

The answer is likely yes, particularly if you live in Florida where hurricanes are a regular threat. Durable, hurricane-resistant windows protect your home from storm damage and offer extra perks like better energy efficiency, which helps keep cooling costs down.

This is a big deal for homeowners in South Florida cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where the heat and humidity can feel relentless year-round.

Selection Criteria: Durability, Energy Efficiency, Design, Cost and Warranty

Choosing the best hurricane-impact windows for your Florida home involves evaluating several factors:

Durability

Durability is non-negotiable. Look for the strongest hurricane windows with high-pressure ratings (measured in PSF, or pounds per square foot, and tests like ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 or Miami-Dade certifications) to ensure they can withstand the intense winds and flying debris. Materials like reinforced aluminum frames and laminated glass provide extra strength.

Energy Efficiency

Living in Florida means battling relentless heat, so you can’t go wrong with energy-efficient windows. Products with Low-E (low emissivity) coatings and argon gas insulation between panes help block heat transfer, keeping your home cooler while reducing energy bills. These features can make a noticeable difference in hot Florida summer.

Design

Hurricane windows don’t have to look utilitarian. Top brands like Andersen and CGI offer stylish designs that match the look of your home while providing maximum protection. You can choose from various frame materials, finishes, and glass tints to customize the windows for your space. Whether you live in a historic home in St. Augustine or a modern building in Naples, there’s a design that fits.

Cost

While premium windows may seem expensive initially, they pay off through enhanced durability, energy savings, and reduced maintenance. On average, impact-resistant hurricane windows costs $2,500 per window, depending on size and features. For homeowners in mid-range properties, investing in these upgrades adds value to the home while keeping it protected.

Warranty

Look for lifetime or transferable warranties that cover defects, installation issues, and even accidental damage. For example, PGT offers warranties that include both material defects and glass breakage, a reassuring option for Florida homeowners dealing with unpredictable weather.

Top Brands of Impact-Resistant Windows

Andersen Windows

A trusted industry leader since 1903, Andersen is renowned for its high-quality products. Their impact windows are built with Fibrex composite frames, stronger than vinyl or wood, and come with Low-E glass coatings to improve energy efficiency and UV protection.

Pros

Offers a wide variety of design options, including the A-Series for maximum strength and the E-Series for enhanced aesthetic appeal.
Backed by a 20-year glass warranty, ensuring peace of mind for long-term use.
Excellent noise reduction features, ideal for busy urban areas or homes near highways.

Cons

Higher upfront costs compared to other brands, which might be less desirable for budget-conscious homeowners.

Jeld-Wen ImpactGard®

Known for its advanced ImpactGard® technology, Jeld-Wen creates impact windows that are designed to endure Florida's toughest weather conditions. These windows are also particularly effective at blocking harmful UV rays and reducing noise.

Pros

Blocks up to 95% of UV rays, protecting your interiors from fading while keeping your home cooler.
Features laminated glass technology for outstanding noise reduction, perfect for quieter indoor spaces.
Follows stringent building codes, offering additional security and peace of mind.

Cons

Limited design options compared to premium competitors like Andersen or PGT, which might not suit all architectural styles.

PGT Custom Windows and Doors

PGT is a homegrown Florida brand that has become a trusted leader in hurricane protection. Their WinGuard series is engineered to withstand extreme winds and flying debris, offering unparalleled safety and performance for Florida homeowners.

Pros

Provides strong frame options in both aluminum and vinyl to meet diverse homeowner preferences.
Boasts excellent energy efficiency with features like insulated glass and Low-E coatings, reducing cooling costs significantly.
Offers various window styles like casement, single-hung, and sliding options.

Cons

Premium pricing can make it less accessible for budget-conscious homeowners.

Simonton is known for combining durability with a sleek design, offering impact windows with tempered glass and premium vinyl frames.

Pros

Lifetime warranties cover both the product and glass, ensuring a stress-free investment.
Excellent noise reduction capabilities, making it a great option for homes near busy streets.

Cons

Fewer design customization options compared to other top-tier brands.

CGI Windows

With its heavy-duty aluminum frames and laminated glass, CGI is a standout option for hurricane-resistant windows that enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal.

Pros

Offers a wide range of finishes, colors, and styles to match any home’s design.
A lifetime warranty on glass provides confidence in durability and quality.
Highly rated for its ability to resist impacts from debris, making it a reliable choice for hurricane-prone areas.

Cons

Slightly higher price point, which may not suit all budgets.

Comparison of Hurricane Window Offerings

Brand	Durability	Energy Efficiency	Design Variety	Warranty	Cost (price level compared to competitors)
Andersen	High	Medium	High	20 Years (Glass)	$$$
Jeld-Wen	Medium	High	Medium	Up to 20 Years	$$
PGT	High	High	High	0–25 years: 100% 26 years+: 50% of glass price	$$$
Simonton	Medium	High	Medium	15 Years	$$
CGI	High	Medium	High	0-25 years: 100% 26 years+: 50% of glass price	$$$

Expert Tips To Help You Make the Right Choice?

Here are some crucial tips for choosing the best-rated hurricane-impact windows for your Florida home:

Consider local conditions: Coastal homes in areas like Fort Myers or Miami need higher PSF-rated windows for stronger storm resistance.
Compare features: Prioritize tempered or laminated glass for strength, Low-E coatings for energy efficiency, and aluminum frames for durability.
Don’t forget the aesthetics: Select windows that blend safety with style. Opt for brands with a wide selection of options and choose frame colors and designs that match your home’s architecture.
Balance cost and benefits: Look for windows that provide durability and energy savings to maximize your investment.

Need Consultation on Your Choice?

At FHIA Remodeling, we have over 15 years of experience helping Florida homeowners select and install the best products for their specific needs. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process, whether you’re after energy-efficient upgrades or heavy-duty protection against storms. From custom designs to expert installations, we’ve earned the trust of over 100,000 satisfied customers.

FAQ

What Are the Best Windows for Hurricane Impact?

Brands like Andersen, PGT, and CGI offer industry-leading hurricane-resistant windows. For a homegrown brand, PGT is the best pick for durability and energy efficiency.

What Is the Highest Rated Hurricane Window?

Andersen’s A-Series and PGT’s WinGuard series are consistently high-rated. These are the most energy-efficient, high-performance windows these brands have to offer. Their products have also undergone ASTM/E1886/E1996 large missile tests.

What Company Makes the Best Hurricane Windows?

Local companies like FHIA Remodeling partner with top brands, including ETI, PGT, and CWS, to provide tailored solutions for Florida homes. Another good option is Andersen’s windows, however, this option is typically more costly compared to PGT or ETI.