As Mike pointed out, there are a number of conflicting and overlapping code issues involved. For example, Kritlyn's orginal question concerned impact glass. Technically, impact glass isn't actually required anywhere. A homeowner can use shutters or even plywood (with certain requirements/restrictions for plywood) and not need impact glass. Windzone requirements specific to impact glass are spelled out in ASTM E1996-05 and include several levels of protection required anywhere from a garden shed to "essential" structures such as hospitals, schools, police and fire stations. Within the windzone guidelines are levels of testing for the different types of structures within the specific windzones. It isn't particularly complex, but it is involved. The specific requirements do separate roof windows from vertical windows for example and also windows that are above and below 30'. As Mike pointed out, local codes can become much more (or less) restrictive and much more specific. Design Pressure, or DP, requirements also vary by location and windzone. DP is NOT necessarily indicative of an impact product. That is why some manufacturers can get away with saying they sell "hurricane" windows that are not impact resistant - they have met windload Design Pressure requirements, but remember that that window isn't specifically protected from the neighbor's flying lawn furniture in the event of a storm. It will require something to protect it from an impact. DP ratings do apply to specific windspeeds and as such may be mandated in certain areas. Often, the requirement is specified by the architect or engineer designing the home or the protection for the home...and it is quite possible to have different requirements for windows in the same house based on orientation and location (such as near a corner).

Hi Alex, I went with ES Windows I made the purchase right before they had a rate increase back in May to lock in the price but we are now placing the order since is for a new upcoming build. The dealer I purchased the windows through will be installing the windows. Oh by the way I ended getting the Elite series casement windows and the prestige series for the sliding doors.

Whomever told you that your windows needed to be impact rated did you a disservice and made you a target for salespeople to push expensive impact windows on you. Impact windows only need to be used if you are not going to protect whatever windows you decide to install with approved hurricane protection. So, in a way, you might be viewed as an "easy mark" as someone stated earlier. Don't feel bad - I hear these stories every day. You would be surprised to hear the many folks that I speak with who say "I don't need shutters - my windows are hurricane proof!" There are no hurricane proof impact glass windows available to the general public. Simply stated, if you windows are made from glass - no matter what king - they're going to break - period. Click on the link below to see what happens to an impact window during a large missile impact event: Impact window test This leads to my next question of, "If you opt for the more expensive impact windows, how are you going to protect them from breaking?" You see, impact windows ARE resistant to hurricane wind load pressures but they AREN'T that good when it comes to being impact resistant. They are a "sacrificial" form of fenestration designed to break when impacted but remain in place to preserve the integrity of the building envelop and thus prevent pressurization of the structure during a tropical weather event. They were never intended to "survive" or "withstand" a hurricane impact. Quite the opposite is true. And as you can see from the video, once they are impacted they no longer pass air infiltration or water penetration standards and need to be replaced. Those impact windows weren't cheap when they were installed and they aren't going to be cheap to replace. So, no matter what windows you choose, protecting their investment cost only makes sense. Whether you decide on a high quality aluminum framed version with a 50+ year life expectancy or a pvc framed unit that only lasts for 25-30 years, protecting them is something to consider to avoid the expense, mess and inconvenience of having to replace them when they break. The bottom line is do your homework before you plunk down a ton of cash for new windows. There are dozens of types, styles, construction materials & methods, glazings and sealants used for manufacturing. If you're environmentally conscious you'll probably want to stay away from pvc because of their toxic hazards during the manufacture and disposal. However, if you're a "flipper", you'll most likely opt for the low cost of pvc and not worry about lifespan or toxic effects. If you're looking for something dimensionally stable, steel frames might be your choice. There's also aluminum, fiberglass and wood models to check out, as well. Once you decide if the up front expense or long term payoff is more important, your choices get easier. Good luck with your search.

If it matters to you, ES windows are imported from Columbia while CGI are manufactured in Florida. Not a comment on the windows specifically, more about the potential for customer service in the future.