Are Impact Windows Required In Florida?

Home Renovations

Impact Doors, Impact Windows

Are Impact Windows Required In Florida?

Are Impact Windows Required In Florida? When building a new home or upgrading your windows to a more modern look and feel, there are things to consider.  One of those considerations might be a question like, “Are impact windows a requirement if I live in Florida?”  If you are unfamiliar with building codes in Florida, it “requires windows to be impact-resistant or protected if located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 110 mph or greater.”  Windows have many functions aside from the gorgeous Florida views.  Windows allow light to enter a space, reduce heat, provide protection from wind or debris, be energy efficient and provide safety and security.  There are many things to take into account when picking the right window in terms of style and functionality but you also have to take into account regulations of your local state to ensure you’re abiding by local law.  After Hurricane Andrew, we now know windows are a key entry point for wind and debris so the Florida Building Code now requires windows be resistant to wind and debris if you live near the shore.  Even if your home isn’t directly on the coast, it’s a great idea to protect your home and family with precautions such as upgrading your windows to newer and more efficient impact windows.  If you are in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone close to the coast you may also be provided and required to install shutters or impact resistant windows to protect against wind-borne debris caused by storms.  All of these regulations and requirements are put in place to keep your home protected and safe. If you would like to speak with one of our experts, please give us a call or fill out a form on our website so that we can get in touch and provide you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision about upgrading your windows or doors in your home.  We provide excellent customer service, quality window and door options, expert installation and product satisfaction that is meant to make you feel informed and proud of your new purchase.  Windows and doors can redefine your home and provide an additional layer of security and safety that you may be looking for in a home upgrade.

Impact Doors, Impact Windows

Are Impact Windows Worth The Money

Are Impact Windows Worth The Money? When you’re making the decision to upgrade the windows and doors in your home there are many things to consider.  Your home is an investment and making good economic decisions that will have a lasting impact on energy efficiency, aesthetics and safety and protection of your family and home just makes sense.  During a storm, the protection and safety you get from installing impact resistant windows and doors is priceless.  Protecting your family and home is paramount and we deliver products and services that ensure that safety.  Price is going to be one of those considerations as well and as with any purchase, you should know what you are paying for and make an informed decision as to why this is the right buy for your home.  USA Windows and Doors offer some of the lowest prices in South Florida for both our windows and door products which is a huge bonus for someone shopping around for the best price.  In addition to the sticker price, you also will get expert knowledge, installation done by our team and years of experience which will translate into the project being done right the first time.  Aside from the service side and price considerations, the windows and doors provide huge energy savings that translate into real dollars each month.  Some homes see an average of $125-$450 per year in energy costs by replacing single-pane windows with double-pane impact windows.  You can also save on homeowners insurance with impact windows which is just more money directly into your pocket.  Whether it be energy efficient savings, homeowner’s insurance savings or the safety and protection of your family and home, it’s clear that impact windows and doors are worth the money and peace of mind and upgrading your home is always a good idea.

Impact Doors, Impact Windows

Hurricane Vs Impact Windows

Are Hurricane Windows The Same As Impact Windows You might think that these terms are interchangeable but you might be surprised to find out that there are distinctions between the two and the terms are not the same.  To be considered a hurricane window, the window just needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance.  To be considered an impact window, these windows offer wind resistance as well as protection from projectiles and impacts to the glass.  Impact resistant windows can withstand even Category 5 wind conditions and some projectiles in the storm.  There are benefits to these two types of windows as well such as noise reduction, energy efficiency and aesthetics that both offer.  Both offer superior protection against wind conditions and should help you in a storm but again, these two terms are not the same and they do have clear distinctions.  Depending on what you’re looking for in a window or door, USA Windows and Doors offer a huge selection of both in our showroom and our experts can show you the right window or door for your home.  If you are looking for a superior product and experts to teach you about our selection, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help in your selection process.

Impact Doors, Impact Windows

Impact Door Types

Impact Door Types Hurricane impact windows and doors come in a range of types available to consumers. Each is designed to be energy efficient, save you money and to enhance the beauty of your home. The impact windows and doors that we offer at USA Windows and Doors are engineered and installed with safety and protection of your family and home at the top of our priority list. We live in South Florida so we want to make sure that you are protected to the best of our ability during a storm or severe weather event. We sleep well at night knowing that we’re installing the highest quality products in your home.   We have a full suite of products designed to enhance your home from French Doors, Sliding Glass Doors, Impact Doors, Balcony or Patio Doors and Cabana Doors. No matter which door you pick for your home, we offer the best quality and will make sure our experts on staff are the ones who will do the installation without subcontracting the work out. Our expertise and ability to come to your home locally and do the job right is what you can depend on when you’re looking to do business with us. We are licensed, insured and ready to service your home or business no matter how large the project.  Windows and doors are our specialty and we want to make sure you are informed about all of the options, know the characteristics of each, feel safe in the design and protection it will provide your home, and most of all we want you to be happy with this upgrade to your home.

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Impact Doors, Impact Windows

How Much Energy Impact Windows Can Help You Save?

Do leaky windows drive up household energy costs? The answer to that question is a resounding yes. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “ Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” That means that every day you’re paying for hours of climate control that’s literally going out the window. RELATED: LEARN MORE ABOUT PGT GLASS Some of the biggest causes of drafty windows are poor installation, deteriorating seals, single-pane construction, and worn frames. For many, the best solution to these very common issues is upgrading to energy efficient impact windows. The Department of Energy estimates that switching from single-paned windows to ENERGY STAR® – certified double-paned, clear-glass windows can bring annual savings between $126-$465 nationally, depending on the region. RELATED: VIEW PGT ENERGYVUE® PRODUCTS However, finding the right energy efficient window for your home can really depend on where you live. For example, certain frame types, glazing’s, and insulation options might work better for some homes than others. There are also a few other things to look for and consider to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck. ENERGY STAR® Rating This symbol indicates that your windows either meet strict energy efficiency standards and exceed local energy-code requirements. ENERGY STAR® products are independently tested and certified. National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Rating NFRC ratings allow you to compare energy efficient impact windows and doors by providing multiple energy performance ratings. This includes how well a product prevents heat from escaping a room, resists unwanted heat gain from the exterior, and effectively lights your home with natural daylight. It also rates how much air will leak into and out of a room. High-performance Low-E Low-emissivity glass is an option for energy efficient impact windows. Its benefit is that it minimizes the amount of ultraviolet light allowed through the glass and reflects heat to keep it outside your home. Glass Tints Tints can mitigate the amount of heat coming into your home. They often come in a variety of hues, from bronze to blue. Argon Gas Filling energy efficient windows with gas provides effective insulation. This feature is often paired with Low-E coatings.

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