Benefits of Impact Glass Windows and Doors In Florida

If you’re a homeowner in Florida, you know how important it is to protect your home from the unpredictable weather conditions that can arise, especially during hurricane season. One effective way to safeguard your property is by installing impact glass replacement windows and doors. Not only do they provide protection from high winds and debris, but they also offer many other benefits. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of impact glass, including energy efficiency, noise reduction, hurricane- resistance, and increased home security, plus which window manufacturer and glass options to choose. 

Hurricane Windows and Doors

In Florida, hurricanes are a common threat, and impact glass replacement windows and doors are designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions that come with them. These hurricane impact windows and doors are made with a special type of glass that’s designed to resist shattering from high winds and flying debris. In the event of a hurricane or severe storm, impact glass can protect your home from damage and provide peace of mind for you and your family during the extreme event. 

Energy Efficiency

Another benefit of impact glass replacement windows and doors is their energy efficiency. Impact glass helps to reduce energy costs by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This is because the glass acts as a barrier against heat transfer, preventing the hot or cold air outside from affecting the temperature inside your home. As a result, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, which can lead to lower energy bills over time. Optional glass features include single pane, double pane, and triple pane. Other options available include Low E glass coating and argon gas for double and triple panes. We will discuss the pros and cons later in the article.

Noise Reduction

Impact glass is also effective at reducing noise pollution from outside your home. This is because it’s thicker and denser than traditional glass, which makes it a better sound barrier. Whether you live near a busy road or in a noisy urban area, impact glass can help you enjoy a quieter home environment. You might not even realize how noisy it is outside your house if you’ve gotten used to noise pollution over the years. Once you hear the difference, you’ll wonder why it took so long to make the change.

Increased Home Security

Impact glass replacement windows and doors increase home security. These windows and doors are much harder to break than traditional glass, which can deter intruders and burglars from trying to enter your home. In addition, impact glass is designed to remain intact even if it does break, which can prevent potential thieves from gaining access to your property. You deserve to have peace of mind in your home, and installing impact replacement windows and doors is a big step to providing it.

Considerations for Exterior Door Replacement

Homeowners often overlook the importance of having a strong entry door. Not only will it add a layer of security to your home, but it also provides an impressive moisture barrier. Using stainless steel hinges is also a detail that will keep your door looking great for many years. The last thing you want is to make a big investment in an entry door, only for it to begin deteriorating in a short time. This won’t happen if you use the best quality materials combined with proper installation. Our doors carry a lifetime warranty, and offer a factory finish so there is no need to paint or stain your door.

The quality of wood being used for front entry doors has diminished over the years. Sometimes new doors and frames begin rotting six years after installation, even when they have an entrance roof covering them. A common misconception about metal doors is they are the strongest and most durable type. While they might be better than wood, fiberglass doors with composite jambs are at the top of the list since they won’t dent or rust. With our fiberglass doors, you can choose to paint or stain and also choose your impact glass options including plain glass, decorative glass, or blinds in between the glass.

What is the Florida Building Code for Replacement Windows?

Miami Dade and the Florida Building Code require that replacement windows be protected in wind zones like Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, Sewall’s Point, and Port Saint Lucie. However, it’s still a good idea to install impact-resistant windows even if you are farther inland. Even then, high wind speeds can throw debris at your windows as a hurricane comes across the state. Proper installation is key with window replacement; the Florida Building Code requires that they must be installed in accordance with the product approval from the manufacturer and stamped by a Florida engineer. 

Trust PGT For Impact Replacement Windows

At db Home Improvements, we use PGT and Custom Windows, which are both manufactured in Florida. Millions of families trust the PGT brand and we do as well. When it comes to building codes, PGT is second to none. They have worked directly with Florida officials to create various code requirements. They live in Florida and pay attention not only to controlled environment testing but also to big-name storms like Andrew. So you know when you get a PGT window, all building code requirements will be met. 

There have been quite a few window manufacturers that have come to Florida with new products that need to meet Miami Dade testing in order to be installed here. Some of these new dealers have verbally told me their new to Florida windows are a division of PGT. PGT makes no such claim with these new to Florida windows. PGT owns PGT®, Custom Windows & Doors, WinDoor®, Western Window Systems, Eze-Breeze® and CGI Commercial. 

These salesmen are using the trusted PGT name instead of overcoming the customer objection of uncertainty with these new to Florida window manufacturers no one ever heard of. With PGT you’ll get not just testing and engineering, you’ll also get a time- and storm-tested window. There is no substitute for the peace of mind of knowing you’re protected from a hurricane or any other severe weather condition with the strength to back up their warranty if ever needed.

U Value R Rating and Air Infiltration 

For the purpose of this information, we will be reviewing options for impact glass in windows. Energy efficacy for windows has a U rating. Walls use an R rating.

No matter how you insulate your windows they have a MUCH lower R value than a properly insulated wall. The U-value of a window tells you how resistant it is to heat transfer, the lower the number the better. A house of windows with a U-Factor of 0.30 has up to a $1500 tax credit. The credit does not come close to covering the bells and whistles of window options added to the cost of the window required to make the window a U 0.30. 

Common wall insulation is R-19, the window U value 0.30 is equivalent to  R-value 3.33 the window if a small fraction of an insulated wall. Equivalent R-6 is just about the highest you can go with a window. Less than ⅓ the insulating property of a common wall. You will have to decide how much to spend on saving the earth. How then do window companies claim ⅓ energy savings? Air infiltration, which is air passing through windows. This can be detected with a candle, slowly pass it around the seams in the window. If the flame moves you have significant air infiltration. If all of the windows are in the same condition, there is a big loss. If the candle blows out, you will most likely save more than 30% with new windows. 

Glass Energy Selection For Windows

The bells and whistles refer to the extra energy features available. If you have air infiltration and you decide on all of these additional features, you will be happy with your savings. If you have air infiltration and decide not to add extra energy features, you will still be happy with your savings. There is no way to get your windows up to the insulation R-value of a wall. With a proper installation that reduces air infiltration, you will have achieved the lion’s share of savings. 

Pros And Cons Of Optional Energy Glass Features

Multi-pane vs single-pane: 

• Double pane glass has a vacuum seal, so there is nothing (including air) in between the panes. This slows heat transfer from going through the window. 
• Adding Argon gas between the panes is heavier than air and slows heat transfer a bit more. 
• Adding Low E coating is a film that significantly reduces harmful sunlight rays. This is extremely effective for sunny windows in Florida. It prevents the sun fade in your home like, furniture, quartz countertops, and paint inside your home. It also makes a noticeable visual difference in natural room lighting when the sun hits it. With multi-pane windows, the coating is typically factory-applied on the inside of the outside pane of glass. Low E coating lasts up to 15 years. When it fails, you can no longer clearly see through the window. Low E is not the worst news because nature abhors a vacuum or an imbalance of pressure (Argon gas). The lifetime warranty on vinyl windows covers the glass for ten years. If the vacuum seal fails within ten years you get new glass. The fact is, the seal will fail eventually and the glass will fog. This leaves you needing new glass at your expense. New glass for vinyl windows costs over 90% of the window. If you plan on staying in your home, this may not be a practical financial choice. You will not save anywhere near the cost of replacing glass in energy savings once the air infiltration issue with your old windows has been resolved. 

Single-Pane Windows

Single-pane windows have aluminum frames that transfer heat faster than vinyl. Since vinyl frame windows only come with multi-pane impact glass, aluminum frame windows can have multi- or single-pane glass. Single-pane impact glass is the most practical approach to protecting your home from a hurricane. Aluminum frame windows are the only available window for a single pane selection. 

The aluminum windows we use at db Home Improvements are superior to those in new construction, that is most likely your existing windows, unless you specify what window your builder uses and are willing to pay the difference. Builders will always use builder-grade windows at less than half the cost of quality replacement windows. Single-pane glass has the benefit of having optional Low E film applied on all of your windows or just the windows facing the sun. After the 15-year lifespan of Low E film, if it fails, it can be removed from the inside of your glass and replaced if desired. Low E on single-pane glass is serviceable, unlike multi-pane glass.     

Upgrade Your Home With Impact Replacement Windows And Doors

Peace of mind can be difficult to find nowadays. But when you’re in the comfort of your home, you deserve to feel confident knowing you’re protected. If you’re considering replacement windows and doors for your Florida home, impact glass should be at the top of your list. Not only will it protect your home from hurricanes and extreme weather conditions, but it will also provide energy efficiency, noise reduction, and increased home security. If you’re in the Martin County, Stuart, Palm City, Hobe Sound, Jensen Beach, Sewalls Point, or Jupiter Island areas, contact dbHomeImprovement today. Learn more about impact glass replacement windows and doors and start enjoying the benefits they offer.