Frequently Asked Questions

What if I accidentally ordered the wrong items?

We always confirm the products with our clients before finalizing any orders. Once an order is placed, it is considered final.

Can impact windows enhance my home’s energy efficiency?

Absolutely! Impact Windows & Doors are excellent for lowering energy costs by reflecting heat and regulating indoor temperatures. For additional savings, these windows and doors can be equipped with low emissivity glass (commonly known as LowE), which significantly boosts energy efficiency.

Will installing hurricane impact-resistant windows and doors reduce my insurance premium?

Yes! Florida statute 627.0629 mandates that all insurance companies providing homeowners insurance in Florida must offer discounts for homes with effective windstorm protection systems. To qualify for these discounts, all openings in the home must be safeguarded. Homeowners should consult their insurance agents to ensure they receive appropriate credits for any measures taken to fortify their homes.

What distinguishes a standard-glass window from a hurricane impact-resistant window?

Impact windows and doors feature shatter-resistant glass secured within a heavy-duty aluminum frame. The impact-resistant glazing comprises two layers of annealed or tempered glass bonded to a shatter-proof membrane, typically made of Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). This membrane varies in thickness from .015 to .090 inches, depending on design pressures. If the outer layer breaks, the shards adhere to the PVB film. In contrast, standard-glass windows are made of regular float glass that shatters into sharp, large pieces when broken.

How can I ensure that the windows or doors I’m buying are genuinely impact-resistant?

To be classified as impact-resistant, a window or door must meet testing standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The Florida Building Code sets some of the most stringent requirements, informed by lessons learned from past hurricanes. To verify if a product is impact-resistant, request a copy of the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from your window dealer. The NOA is a document issued by the manufacturer and approved by local or state authorities, detailing specific information about the product, including its pressure resistance and certification of passing impact tests.

How are impact windows and doors tested? 

Impact windows and doors undergo thorough testing. In the large missile impact test, 4kg boards are launched at approximately 55kph; while the glass may break, no projectiles penetrate it, ensuring your home remains protected. Following this, the product is tested with cyclic wind pressure loading to simulate hurricane winds.

Additional questions?

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