Impact Windows & Doors: What Florida Homeowners Need to Know for Hurricane Safety

When selecting impact windows and doors for your home in Florida, it’s crucial to choose products that meet the current Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements to ensure the safety and durability of your property, especially during hurricane season. Here’s a guide on what to consider when making your selection:

Florida Building Code Compliance

• Hurricane Impact Resistance: Impact windows and doors must meet the high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) standards outlined by the FBC. These zones are primarily in coastal areas, including much of Florida. Products must be tested to withstand wind speeds of up to 200 mph (Category 5 hurricane winds).
• Miami-Dade County Approval: For areas in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, products must also be approved by Miami-Dade’s stringent protocols, which are considered some of the most rigorous in the country. Look for the “NOA” (Notice of Acceptance), a certification that proves the product meets these standards.

Impact-Resistant Glass

• Laminated Glass: Impact-resistant windows and doors typically use laminated glass, which consists of two panes of glass with a plastic interlayer (such as PVB) between them. This design ensures the glass doesn’t shatter upon impact from debris. Instead, it stays intact, preventing wind-driven rain from entering the home.
• Glazing Systems: The glazing system must pass a series of tests, including wind-load tests and impact resistance tests using both large missile impacts (2x4s shot at high speeds) and small missile impacts (such as steel balls).

Structural Integrity

• Framing: The window and door frames must be made from durable materials such as aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass, designed to withstand the forces of hurricane winds. The FBC requires frames to be properly anchored and able to handle the pressure created by high winds and impacts.
• Anchoring: Proper installation is crucial. The products must be anchored securely into the building’s structure, following detailed installation guidelines to ensure they remain intact under extreme wind pressures.