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Windows Design Dilemma

Need advise for the impact glass windows and doors.

7 years ago

Hi, we are building a new house in SE Florida on the island. The house is contemporary with lots of glass openings through out. My confusion is how do I find the ratings on impact glass products. In my old house we replaced all windows with PGT Winguard and practically half of the windows showed the signs of leaks. Is there any product better than PGT or what is the most frequently used brand in impact windows in South Florida?

I really appreciate your advice and input.

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Comments (4)

PRO
Ultra Windows
7 years ago
Simonton is readily available in Florida, and they’ve done extensive testing on their Stormbreaker Plus series. I’ve used them here in Texas with good results. While not the most attractive window, or the best efficiency ratings, they are a good choice for impact windows and they do stand behind their product, in my experience.
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dirtmechanic
7 years ago
Sorry for the bad format, its phone copied from a pdf file put out by University of Florida has few sources and names.

"There are testing standards set forth by the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) and/or others that must be met

before a window is certified as being impact-resistant. One of the most stringent testing requirements is referenced in the High

Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) section of the Florida Building Code, which applies to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

Every exterior opening, residential or commercial, must be provided with protection by shutters or impact-resistant windows

against wind-borne debris caused by hurricanes in the HVHZ. The Florida Product Approval System, under the Florida Building

Commission, covers products that affect the structural integrity of buildings—therefore windows are included. A company may

have its products approved for local or state use. Click on “Product Approval” at www.floridabuilding.org for more information.

Note that not all areas of the state require impact-resistant windows. Check with your local building official to determine if

you live in such an area. However, if this is a concern, Miami-Dade County has the strictest test protocols in the country for

wind-borne debris, air and water tests. The Florida Building Commission recognizes products receiving Miami-Dade NOAs

as state-approved products."
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What is the code for your area? What about your homeowners insurance? They might give you bigger discounts if your windows are approved, mine did. Also, your other big openings like double front doors, garage and sliders factor into insurance costs. I would think it is easier to specify for impact doors and windows during the build as opposed to retrofitting later. So these windows might be fine but without the designation, your insurance might not give you all the benefits you deserve. Just so you know, PGT windows is right off 75 near Venice. so it's in your area Their windows are MIami/Dade impact approved.
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
7 years ago
Will you be incorporating some storm shutters or other protection into the build? Impact windows are great, but if I were building a home in a storm zone, I would have multiple levels of protection engineered into the project.
Jagruti Pandya
Original Author
7 years ago
This is the plan. I am going to have so many glass openings that I can't have shutters for all windows. The other important point is the rear elevation is on the 2 miles wide water and exactly facing the West, meaning very harsh sun in the afternoons. So I am looking for energy efficiency along with the impact too. I was told by one pro that PGT is overrated and due to its pvc frames, does not expand with heat and cracks or leaks. At this point I am stuck. Thinking there are many homes built in Miami areas. What Windows being used, most frequently?
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