The windows you choose for your home will have a huge impact on it’s character. Aesthetics and budget will play a major role in narrowing down your options, but your home’s window arrangement should also be functional. They will need to deliver on security, ventilation, and the amount of natural light in your home, too.
Impact Windows
Impact Windows
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or criminal activity, like Florida, impact windows are essential. Their superior quality glass and reinforced framing is crucial in protecting your home from damage by natural disasters or intruders. There are lots to choose from, so we’ve created a guide to help you make your dream home.
You’ll find impact-resistant glass made from both tempered and laminated glass. Tempered glass is heat-treated so that when it cools, the surface and edges of the glass become compressed. This means that tempered glass is about 5-10 times stronger than normal glass. Its added strength makes tempered glass windows a great choice to protect your home from damage by hurricanes or intruders. On top of this, this type of glass is shatter-safe. This means that, when it does shatter, it breaks into small pebbles that have no sharp edges. With tempered glass impact windows, flinging glass will never injure you, nor will you hurt yourself during clean up.
Laminated glass is comprised of multiple panes of glass bonded together with a thin layer of film or vinyl in between. This membrane is designed not only to be shatter-proof, but also to catch broken glass. Broken glass will stick to the vinyl, which will hold the pieces together so the barrier is not penetrated. This will protect you from flying glass, and your home from being exposed to the elements in the wake of any storm.
Non-Impact Windows
If you live somewhere where hurricanes and intruders are a non-issue, save on costs with non-impact windows. These are made with normal glass and are not designed to withstand heavy impact. However, they still provide many in-demand features – from energy efficiency to heavy-duty construction.
Brands sold in Florida
ES Windows
ES is one of the leading manufacturers of hurricane fixtures, focusing on impact windows and doors specifically. With heat-strengthened impact glass, their hurricane-proof windows and doors have a higher design pressure when compared to some of the leading manufacturers. This makes their fixtures ideal for both residential condos and commercial condos that are on higher floors.
PGT
This company is best-known for creating quality hurricane and stormproof windows. PGT collaborates with Miami-Dade County to create reliable windows that meet safety protocols and International Building Codes.
CGI
CGI Windows & Doors is the premier manufacturer of hurricane impact-resistant fixtures. Their high performance, high aesthetic product collections offer advanced hurricane protection.
Custom Windows
Custom Windows Systems has manufactured high-quality windows and doors since 1986. Their products are designed specifically for hurricane impact zones in Florida and other coastal markets. This is a brand that proudly innovates and introduces products that meet or exceed the most stringent coastal requirements.
Eco Windows
Eco Window Systems offer economy, efficiency, dedication, professionalism, and reliability. As one of the leading manufacturers in South Florida, Eco Windows’ products have passed Florida’s rigorous building codes to ensure their durability, elegance, and safety.
Types of windows
Single Hung
Single-hung windows are perfect if you’re looking for a more traditional design for your home. They have a single sash that’s fixed in place, giving them a very classic look. You’ll also find these windows incredibly durable and easy to clean, thanks to their commercial-grade aluminum frames and stainless-steel fasteners.
These windows are water and air resistant, so no matter the weather, you will never suffer leaks. Multiple points of weatherstripping protect single-hung windows from the elements, prolonging their lifespan and protecting your home from issues such as damp.
Horizontal Roller
If your home is set among incredible views, choose horizontal roller windows. This modern fixture brings unobstructed horizontal views and increases ventilation wherever it is installed. With tracks built into both the top and bottom of the frame, they work like a sliding glass door, opening and closing horizontally. Designed with two and three lite panel configurations and double weatherstripping, you can be confident that your house will never fall victim to the elements.
Fixed Picture
The large frame of fixed windows can really open up a space. They provide lots of natural light and wonderfully expansive views, creating a contemporary and very airy look in any room. They have silicon sealed corners, which are great for preventing leaks as well as keeping your home warm.
Casement
Commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, these are usually hinged at the side. This allows you to open them outwardly and let air flow freely throughout your home. Our casement windows have a multi-point locking system, so you can feel safe and secure in your home. With clean lines and sharp edges, they are visually appealing in a modern way, complementing any home.
Architectural
To maximise sunlight in your home and create a modern, airy feel, the fixed and non-operational architectural impact window is a great choice. They can stand alone, but they also provide the perfect complement for casement windows, creating a cohesive look with matching sightlines.
Our architectural impact windows are available in a variety of architectural shapes – including hexagon, full circle, oval, quarter circle, half eye-brow, half arch, trapezoid, arch, half-circle, and eyebrow – to make your home feel extra stylish.
Awning
Often placed in high spaces, awning windows are hinged on top and open outwards. This means you can leave them open even on rainy days. They are perfect for bringing light to a loft space, and with a multi-point locking system, you can feel safe with enhanced security. This type of window comes with inbuilt screens on the inside to protect against the elements.
Shutters for non-Impact Windows
Hurricane shutters provide a more affordable alternative to impact-resistant windows. Install shutters over any window to protect the glass underneath. They are incredibly stylish, adding character and charm to any home, and come in varying wind and impact ratings. Use them to add a pop of colour to your home, or add a finished look to your home with dark, elegant tones. Choose from our wide range of shutters, including motor-operated shutters which you can open and close with the flick of a switch.
