Impact windows and doors: what you need to know.
What impact windows are, how hurricane glass is tested, what Florida code requires, and how to choose between impact glass, shutters and screens. Written by the licensed team that installs them across Boca Raton and Palm Beach County.
What are impact windows?
Impact windows, also called hurricane windows or hurricane impact windows, are windows built with laminated safety glass in a reinforced frame that are tested to stay in the opening when struck by wind-borne debris. The glass can crack, but a tough plastic interlayer holds it together, so wind and rain stay out of the house. In Florida they protect the opening every day with nothing to put up before a storm, and they also add security, cut outside noise and block most UV. Impact doors use the same glass and framing for sliding glass, French and entry doors.
It can crack. It is built not to let go.
Ordinary glass shatters and leaves an open hole. Once a window or door is breached, wind pressure inside the house can push up on the roof. Impact windows are designed to keep the opening sealed.
Laminated glass
Two layers of glass are bonded to a strong plastic interlayer under heat and pressure.
The interlayer holds
If debris hits, the glass may crack in a spiderweb pattern, but the pieces stay stuck to the interlayer.
Reinforced frame
Heavier aluminum or vinyl frames grip the glass so the pane stays seated under wind load.
Anchored install
The frame is fastened to the wall to the approved anchoring schedule, which is what lets the system meet its rating.
What "impact rated" actually means.
To be sold as impact resistant in Florida, a window or door system has to pass standardized lab tests, then carry a product approval that says where and how it can be installed.
Large missile impact
A 9 pound 2x4 is fired at the glass at 50 feet per second, about 34 mph. The window has to stay in place without a breach.
Cyclic pressure
The same window is then put through thousands of cycles of positive and negative pressure, simulating the push and pull of hurricane winds.
Design pressure rating
The rating, in pounds per square foot, tells you how much wind load the unit is approved for. Your required DP depends on the opening's size, height and location on the house.
Palm Beach County is a wind-borne debris region under the Florida Building Code, so new and replacement windows and doors need approved impact protection. Miami-Dade and Broward counties are in the stricter High Velocity Hurricane Zone. A licensed contractor matches each opening to a product with the right approval and pulls the permit.
Every opening, storm-ready.
Impact protection is not just for windows. Sliders and entry doors are often the largest and most exposed openings on a Florida home.
Impact windows
Single hung, horizontal roller, casement, picture and custom shapes, sized to each opening.
Impact windows →
Impact sliding glass doors
Large sliders and French doors that keep the indoor and outdoor connection without shutters.
Impact doors →
Impact entry doors
Therma-Tru impact entry doors that pair hurricane protection with a stronger, more secure front door.
Entry doors →Impact windows vs shutters vs screens.
All three can protect an opening in a hurricane. They differ in effort, everyday benefits and where they fit best.
| Option | Before a storm | Everyday benefits | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact windows and doors | Nothing to put up | Security, noise reduction, UV protection | Windows and doors on the main house |
| Accordion shutters | Slide closed and lock | Lower upfront cost, keeps existing windows | Windows, sliders and condo balconies |
| Roll-down hurricane screens | Lower by crank or motor | Shade and privacy on the lanai | Patios, lanais and wide openings |
| Crimsafe security screens | Nothing to deploy | Airflow, insect screen, security | Patios and doors you leave open |
Impact windows and doors
- Before a storm
- Nothing to put up
- Everyday benefits
- Security, noise reduction, UV protection
- Best for
- Windows and doors on the main house
Accordion shutters
- Before a storm
- Slide closed and lock
- Everyday benefits
- Lower upfront cost, keeps existing windows
- Best for
- Windows, sliders and condo balconies
Roll-down hurricane screens
- Before a storm
- Lower by crank or motor
- Everyday benefits
- Shade and privacy on the lanai
- Best for
- Patios, lanais and wide openings
Crimsafe security screens
- Before a storm
- Nothing to deploy
- Everyday benefits
- Airflow, insect screen, security
- Best for
- Patios and doors you leave open
What impact windows cost in Palm Beach County.
Typical installed prices in Palm Beach County in 2026 run about $500 to $1,500 per window for standard sizes, and $1,500 or more for large and specialty openings. A home with 15 to 20 windows usually lands around $12,000 to $30,000. These ranges are based on published South Florida pricing and are not a quote. These are the things that move the number most.
- How many openings, and how large they are
- Window and door styles, including custom shapes and big sliders
- Frame material and color, and glass options such as tint or Low-E
- The design pressure each opening needs for its size and location
- Stucco, trim and finish work around the new frames
- Permits and inspections, which a licensed contractor handles for you
Financing is available through Hearth, up to $250,000 with no home equity required.
From first call to final inspection.
Free in-home measure
We visit, measure every opening and talk through what you want to protect.
Products and quote
You choose glass, frames and screens with clear pricing and financing options through Hearth.
Permits and ordering
As a licensed general contractor we pull the permits and order product built to current Florida Building Code.
Install and inspection
Our crew installs, cleans up and stays through the final inspection.
What Boca homeowners say.
"From the initial consultation to the final installation of our impact windows and doors, the entire process was smooth, professional, and stress-free."Desiree WidstrandSouth Florida
"Through the years as the house settled and small problems occurred they were always available to come out and service our screens in a timely matter."Robert PicowBoca Raton, FL
"Steven was professional, responsive and upfront on costs … would highly recommend and would use him again."John VachaDelray Beach, FL
"This is the only company in Home Improvement that I would recommend to my family and Friends."Mitchell S.Boca Raton, FL
"They kept to their schedule. They cleaned up after themselves. … Most importantly, their work was impeccable!"Chris GodfreyGoogle review
"Their attention to detail and professionalism is above exceptional. Steven Sellers is amazing to work with."Lisa ValkoGoogle review
Impact window questions, answered.
What are impact windows?
Impact windows are windows made with laminated safety glass in a reinforced frame and tested to stay in the opening when hit by wind-borne debris. If the glass cracks, the plastic interlayer holds it together so wind and rain stay out.
How much do impact windows cost in Palm Beach County?
Typical installed prices in Palm Beach County in 2026 run about $500 to $1,500 per window for standard sizes and $1,500 or more for large or specialty openings. A home with 15 to 20 windows usually costs around $12,000 to $30,000. Your price depends on the number and size of openings, frame and glass options and the design pressure each opening needs, so the team measures every opening and gives a free written quote.
Are hurricane windows and impact windows the same thing?
Yes. Hurricane windows, hurricane impact windows and impact windows are different names for the same product: impact-rated laminated glass in a reinforced frame.
How are impact windows tested?
For Florida approval, a window is struck by a 9 pound 2x4 fired at 50 feet per second, then put through thousands of cycles of positive and negative wind pressure. It must stay in place without a breach. Approved products are also given a design pressure rating.
Do impact windows break?
The glass can crack when it is hit, but it is designed to stay bonded to the interlayer and stay in the frame, so the opening remains sealed. A cracked impact pane should be replaced after the storm.
Do I still need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?
No. Approved impact windows and doors are the protection for those openings, so there is nothing to put up before a storm. Many homeowners still add roll-down or Crimsafe screens to protect a lanai or patio.
What does Florida code require for windows in Palm Beach County?
Palm Beach County is a wind-borne debris region under the Florida Building Code, so new and replacement windows and doors need approved impact protection, either impact-rated products or approved shutters. Products need Florida Product Approval, and Miami-Dade and Broward counties also require a Miami-Dade NOA.
Can impact windows lower my insurance?
They can. Florida insurers are required to offer wind mitigation credits, and protected openings are one of the features a wind mitigation inspection documents. Savings depend on your policy and home, so ask your insurance agent.
What impact window brands does All Hurricane Services install?
PGT, CGI and ES Windows impact windows and Therma-Tru impact entry doors, plus Crimsafe screens and hurricane shutters.
How do I get a free estimate for impact windows in Boca Raton?
Call (561) 893-9463 Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or send the estimate form on this page. Steven Sellers' team will schedule a free in-home measurement.
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