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Privacy·Terms·Lee County · Collier County
Modern impact windows in Florida home

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 PGT impact windows as standard—Florida's leading impact window manufacturer. Proper installation is verified.

1

Engineering Review

Window schedule developed per plans with design pressures for each opening.

2

Product Selection

PGT impact windows with insulated low-E glass. Frame color matched to exterior.

3

Factory Order

Custom sizes ordered from PGT with specified glass and frame options.

4

Professional Installation

Factory-trained installers following PGT specifications exactly.

5

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 impact 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—just note it may affect lead time.

Ready for hurricane-grade windows?

Start your design session. We'll specify windows that protect and perform.

Start Design Session
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