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Best Hurricane Impact Windows

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.

Can Impact Windows Withstand Category 5 Hurricanes?

Yes, many modern impact windows have been specifically designed to withstand category 5 wind and debris.

Which Is Better: CGI or PGT?

Both are excellent choices, but PGT offers more energy-efficient options. They also offer similar warranties.

What Are the Negatives of Impact Windows?

Higher upfront costs and potential difficulty in replacement are common issues.

How Do I Choose the Best Impact Window?

Focus on durability, PSF rating, energy efficiency, and warranty when making your decision.

Your Continued Safety is FHIA’s #1 Priority

Click Here to View Safety Procedures

As of June 29th, 2020:

Are Hurricane Windows Required in Florida?

Florida’s Building Code requires impact windows or exterior protection used over the windows of homes in some areas of the state. In fact, certain counties and cities may have even more stringent requirements for their resident’s windows. If you’re planning to replace your windows, make sure you get the correct kind to meet your county or municipalities requirements.

What are Hurricane Windows?

Hurricane windows are designed specifically for areas that are hit by hurricanes on a regular basis. These windows may be constructed of stronger materials, with a more durable design, and using special glass. Hurricane windows in Miami are tested according to the state and county regulations where you live and certified as meeting those basic requirements.

There are two basic kinds of glass used in hurricane windows:

Impact-Resistant: Made from two pieces of glass sandwiched together with a thin sheet of plastic. When broken the glass adheres to the plastic and remains in the frame.
Tempered Glass: Made from heat-treated glass that is brought to a high temperature and rapidly cooled to compress the edges. It breaks into small fragments, rather than shards, when broken which minimizes the hazard to people.

The Basic Requirements of the Florida Building Code for Windows

In 2001, after the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Andrew, the Florida Building Code (FBC) Association established stronger requirements for wind and debris resistant housing. The association incorporated certain requirements for hurricane resistant windows that apply to homes within 1 mile of the coast where the wind speed can reach 110 m.p.h. or greater.

However, the code also allows counties and municipalities to establish stricter regulations than required by the FBC. So, you’ll want to check with your city’s building code department to find out what codes your windows need to meet where you live.

The current version of the FBC offers three basic options for protecting your windows:

You can install impact-resistant windows that pass one of these tests; Miami-Dade TAS 201, 202 and 203 or ASTM E1886 and E1996 impact tests.
You can install precut plywood shutters that are a minimum of 7/16-inch thick. These shutters must also be installed with a code-appropriate anchorage system.
You can install shutters of another material that are of an approved design type, such as roll down, panel, or accordion. They must pass one of these tests; Miami-Dade protocols TAS 201, 202 and 203 or ASTM E1886 and E1996 impact tests.

High Velocity Hurricane Zones

If you live in Miami-County or Broward County, you are considered to be living in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). These are areas where the wind speeds can be even higher during a hurricane, as much as 180 m.p.h. or greater.

Both Miami-Dade and Broward County have established more stringent building codes and their own testing protocols. Residents will want to make sure their windows are specifically evaluated and approved for HVHZs before having them installed.

If you are planning on replacing your windows, turn to FHIA Remodeling. We’re a hurricane window company serving South Florida. Our team is familiar with state building codes and can source exceptionally strong Miami impact-resistant windows for your property. Give us a call or fill out our online form to begin with a free consultation and window replacement quote today.

FHIA’s COVID-19 Procedures

Click Here to View FHIA’s COVID Procedures

Dear FHIA Remodeling Customers:

Amidst the coronavirus, it’s more important than ever to ensure your home is properly protected. That’s why we here at FHIA Remodeling are taking every measure to properly service your remodeling needs while ensuring your health is our number 1 priority.

From online meetings and digital analyses of interior and exterior remodeling during planning phases; to social distancing practices and communication tools to avoid face to face interactions during in home installation, we’re implementing safety precautions that will allow you to maintain the home environment you need, while ensuring the safety that your family deserves.

Our pledge to you:

Maintain regular temperature checks of our staff members
Wear gloves at all times
Clean all samples before and after appointments
Make online video quoting technology easily accessible to plan projects via the phone
Allow for easy texting with our staff to coordinate installation in the home without any direct engagement with our team
Allow for easy texting with our staff to coordinate installation outside of your home without any installers entering your home

So whether you need bathroom remodeling or replacement windows, we are here to deliver quality customer service and products; keeping your home the safe space you need it to be in the process. In fact, while your home, give us a call and we’ll teach you how to do the necessary evaluations to plan improvements that you’ve noticed while cooped up inside!

We appreciate your continued trust in FHIA Remodeling.

For questions or concerns about your particular project, please call us today. Thank you.

Contractor Spotlight: Florida Home-Improvement Associates

South Florida-based Florida Home-Improvement Associates (FHIA) offers top-quality hurricane impact windows, roof replacements, and kitchen refacing services for homeowners across the southeastern coast. FHIA has been in the business for 11 years and with an extensive reach covering Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville, they’ve earned an excellent reputation for delivering both hurricane resistance and energy efficiency products to their customers.
To get an inside look into FHIA’s work and relationship with Renew Financial, we spoke with FHIA owner Mel Feinberg.

Tell us about your relationship with Renew Financial.

Mel: It’s a phenomenal relationship. I’ve been in the business for around 40 years, and financing has always been a very important part of the business. I’ve never seen a program like Renew Financial’s PACE program. It allows the customer to repay on their property taxes, it breaks the payment down into a much smaller, affordable number for them. Many customers who were never able to purchase any kind of product like we have under credit terms are now eligible through the Renew Financial PACE program.

How has your relationship with Renew Financial affected business?

Mel: It has been a major influence on business, absolutely. There is such a segment of the market here, especially in south Florida, where the economy is good right now, but it wasn’t too long ago that it was very, very bad. People got a little behind on their bills, their credit was not as strong as it used to be…But with the PACE program, it has opened an opportunity for them that they may not have otherwise had.
It has enhanced our business tremendously and, to tell you the truth, our marketing efforts are really guided towards the type of consumer who really needs this program.

Can you tell us about a customer who was helped by Renew Financial?

Mel: We have several examples of customers who just could not find the affordability or the creditworthiness to go for conventional financing, and they’ve been sitting with a leaky roof that’s been causing tremendous damage to the inside of their homes. Well, with Renew Financial’s PACE program, we’ve been able to go to those customers and really take care of their needs and not just fix their roof, but put a roof on that’s going to last them many, many years to come. We’ve eliminated so many of their problems. Without Renew, they’d still be sitting there with a leaky roof.

What does the future hold for FHIA?

Mel: We’re counting on Renew Financial to keep expanding! There’s a tremendous amount of opportunity here in Florida, and it’s been highly successful for FHIA. I see us following the program not just in Florida, but also to contiguous states outside of Florida. It’s a great, great program for our company.

Ready to grow your business and expand your customer base with Renew Financial? Contact us to learn more about becoming a participating contractor. Or click here!

Florida Market Leader in Home Improvement Begins National Expansion with Acquisition of Texas Market Leader

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, July 31, 2019 –Florida Home Improvement Associates (FHIA) today announced its 100% acquisition of the largest specialty home remodeling company in Texas, Statewide Remodeling. This purchase represents the first phase of FHIA’s planned expansion outside its current home market of Florida.

Ranked as the #1 remodeling company in the state of Florida for the past three years by Remodeling magazine, and the fourth largest in the country in the Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 List; Florida Home Improvement Associates is uniquely positioned for continued growth with the financial backing of York Capital Management, an investment firm with over $18 billion in assets under management.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Statewide, which shares our unsurpassed commitment to quality and best-in-class customer service across all areas of home improvement,” said Mel Feinberg, founder & CEO of FHIA.

Since opening its doors in 1994, Statewide Remodeling has grown to over $65 million in annual sales. As the largest specialty remodeling company in Texas, it ranks as the #3 Full-Service Remodeler in the U.S. by Qualified Remodeling Magazine. Statewide Remodeling has offices and showrooms in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, serving over 40,000 customers, and is currently expanding its offerings to Oklahoma and Arkansas. Statewide’s commitment to customer service has earned it the coveted “Consumers’ Choice Award” for the past ten years straight. Statewide has also been named “Service Provider of the Year” by multiple large retail establishments over the past ten years.

“Statewide Remodeling has enjoyed the path our founders took us down for the past 25 years, and we are excited for the new partnership with FHIA and York Capital Management. With the combined strength of the teams, we will be the leaders in the industry,” said Jerry Melton, President of Statewide Remodeling.

Both companies will retain their current organizational structures and focus on opportunities to provide an even broader portfolio of services to consumers. For more information please visit https://www.fhaproducts.com and https://www.statewideremodeling.com.

During the past 50 years, Florida Home Improvement Associates has helped over 40,000 families make their homes more beautiful, safe and energy efficient. FHIA has over 800 employees in offices throughout Florida, serving communities in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, Daytona, Fort Myers, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Sarasota. Watch FHIA’s remodeling expertise weekly on ABC’s SoFlo Home Project and Ready Set Renovate.

Statewide Remodeling is one of the top specialty home renovation providers in the United States. For over 25 years Statewide has offered ultra-high quality, branded products, and competitive prices, presenting a compelling value to our customers. Statewide Remodeling currently serves the great state of Texas with offices in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, and is expanding its service area to Oklahoma and Arkansas.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Deborah Montella, Vice President, Media and Communications at 954-697-9830 or email Deborah.Montella@fhaproducts.com.

FHIA Remodeling Acquires Wisconsin-Based Mad City Windows and Baths

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – March 2, 2020 – FHIA Remodeling (“FHIA”), today announced the purchase of Mad City Windows and Baths (“Mad City”), the largest specialty home remodeling company in Wisconsin. This is the second acquisition made by FHIA recently, following the purchase of Statewide Remodeling, one of the largest specialty contractors in Texas, in July 2019.

Backed by affiliates of York Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar investment firm, FHIA is creating a national network of leading remodeling service providers in their respective markets. Through the purchase of Statewide Remodeling, FHIA now has an established presence in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and a leading market position in Florida. The acquisition of Mad City extends FHIA’s reach into Wisconsin, with plans to expand across the Midwest region. Post-closing, FHIA is expected to have annual sales in excess of $300 million.

“Mad City Windows and Baths is a perfect addition to the FHIA platform, as we have targeted companies that are leaders in their respective markets and bring the same legacy of best-in-class customer service that FHIA has always prided itself on. Mad City is the brand name in home improvement in the state of Wisconsin, and we look forward to adding them to our industry-leading portfolio of products, services, and partners,” said Mel Feinberg, Founder, and CEO of FHIA.

Founded in 1998, Mad City Windows and Baths provides replacement windows and doors, siding installation, roofing services, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen refacing services. In 2019, the company delivered over $65 million in annual sales, ranking as one of the 25 largest remodelers in the U.S. by Qualified Remodeling Magazine. Mad City’s commitment to outstanding service has earned the company the #1 spot as the top-rated remodeler in Wisconsin for the last eight years. Mad City is a proud partner and official sponsor of the Green Bay Packers.

“We are incredibly excited about our new partnership with FHIA and York Capital Management and the resources and support that they bring to our organization. We have had tremendous growth over the last 22 years and have expanded our coverage to now include the entire state of Wisconsin. Our new partnership with FHIA will enable us to expand our business outside our home markets and bring our best-in-class product suite and customer service into other attractive markets across the Midwest,” said Nathan Richmond, President, and CEO of Mad City Windows and Baths.

The companies will retain their current organizational structures and focus on opportunities to provide an even broader portfolio of services to consumers. For more information, please visit https://FHIARemodeling.com and https://MadCityWindows.com.

FHIA Remodeling has helped over 42,000 families make their homes safer, more beautiful, and more energy-efficient. The company has more than 1,300 employees, with offices throughout Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. FHIA Remodeling has long-standing relationships with leading home improvement retailers and wholesale clubs, chosen for their expertise and best-in-class service.

If you would like more information, please contact Deborah Montella, Vice President, Media and Communications at 954-697-9830 or DMontella@FHIARemodeling.com.