Foggy Impact Windows: Why the Seal Fails and What It Costs to Fix
Fog between the panes means the insulated glass seal has failed, and no cleaning will fix it. How to diagnose a foggy impact window and what repair costs.
04
SEP
Armor Pro Blog
Author: Steve Mardini
Steve Mardini
Steve has over 20 years of experience in the hurricane protection industry across South Florida. He specializes in impact window and door installation for residential and commercial properties, with deep expertise in Miami-Dade NOA compliance and HVHZ building code requirements.
01
SEP
Wind Mitigation Inspection Cost in Florida: What You Pay and Two Ways to Get It Free
What a wind mitigation inspection costs in Florida, what changes the price, and the two legitimate ways to get the OIR-B1-1802 report free or reimbursed.
21
AUG
Impact Windows and Break-In Resistance: What Laminated Glass Does Against Forced Entry
How secure are impact windows against forced entry? What laminated glass actually does in a break-in, which tests measure security versus hurricanes, the manufacturer burglary riders, and the honest limits.
18
AUG
Florida Garage Door Wind Code: Pressure Ratings, HVHZ Rules, and What Inspectors Check
What the Florida garage door wind code actually requires: design pressure ratings by region, DASMA 108 and 115 testing, HVHZ impact rules, label reading, permits, and how the door affects your insurance credit.
16
AUG
Which Impact Door for Which Opening: Sliding, French, Entry, Bi-Fold, and Pivot Compared Honestly
Five impact door types compete for every Florida opening, and each carries a different trade: clear opening, water resistance, wind rating, and price per square foot. Here is the honest comparison, by opening and by budget.
12
AUG
Installing Impact Windows During Hurricane Season: Why Mid-Season Is Not Too Late and Waiting Costs More
Yes, you can install impact windows during hurricane season, and mid-season is still worth it. Here is how lead times, permits, the post-storm demand surge, and the calendar-year hurricane deductible actually shape the timing math.
11
AUG
Using the My Safe Florida Home Grant for Impact Windows: What Ten Thousand Dollars Actually Buys
The My Safe Florida Home grant pays up to $10,000 toward impact windows and doors, which covers 5-7 openings outright or a $15,000 project with matching. Here is how to spend it for the most protection and the largest insurance credit.
10
AUG
Impact Window Tax Breaks in Florida: The $500 Refund and What Replaced the Federal Credit
There is no federal window tax credit for 2026 installs. Florida's replacement is a one-time sales-tax refund of up to $500 per homesteaded home for impact windows, doors, and garage doors, claimed from the Department of Revenue after installation.
22
JUN
OIR-B1-1802: The Florida Wind Mitigation Form, Explained (2026 Update): What the wind mitigation inspection checks, how the new Rev. 04/26 form changes things, and how to turn it into a smaller insurance premium
The OIR-B1-1802 wind mitigation form decides your Florida hurricane insurance discount, often $300 to $3,500 a year. Here is what it checks and what changed in the new April 2026 version.
09
MAY
The Five-Year Plan to Harden a Florida Home Against Hurricanes: Nobody does it all at once—here's how to prioritize the upgrades
To harden a Florida home against hurricane damage on a real budget, sequence the upgrades over four or five seasons. Roof first, openings second, garage door, generator, yard.
07
MAY
Impact Windows vs Hurricane Screens: Permanent Glass vs Deployable Fabric Protection
Hurricane screens are lighter, cheaper, and easier to deploy than metal shutters. But how do they compare to impact windows on protection, code compliance, and long-term value? Here's the data.
06
MAY
Do Impact Windows Reduce Noise? How Much Quieter Your Home Can Be
Impact windows reduce exterior noise by 25-35 dB thanks to laminated glass with a PVB interlayer that absorbs sound vibrations. Learn how STC and OITC ratings work, what configurations block the most noise, and why impact windows outperform standard dual-pane for soundproofing.
06
MAY
Hurricane Season 2026: Preparation Guide for Florida Homeowners: Month-by-Month Timeline and Home Hardening Checklist
Hurricane season 2026 runs June 1 through November 30. Here's a month-by-month preparation timeline, a printable home hardening checklist, and the window and door upgrades that should be complete before the first storm.
05
MAY
Impact Windows in Palm Beach County: Luxury Hurricane Protection for the Gold Coast
Palm Beach County is NOT in the HVHZ but sits entirely within the Wind-Borne Debris Region with 160-170 mph design wind speeds. More product options, a luxury market, and strict HOAs make it a unique installation environment.
04
MAY
Hurricane Window Film: Does It Actually Work? What Film Can Do, What It Cannot, and Why It's Not a Substitute
Hurricane window film is marketed as affordable storm protection, but it does NOT meet Florida Building Code requirements. It won't stop a 2x4 projectile, won't pass building inspection, and won't qualify for insurance discounts. Here's the honest breakdown.
03
MAY
Hurricane Shutters for French Doors: Protecting Your Double Doors Without Sacrificing Their Character
French doors need hurricane protection too, and the double-door configuration creates specific shutter challenges. Here's every option, what each costs, and when to consider impact French doors instead.
02
MAY
Choosing an Impact French Door: A Florida Buyer's Guide to Styles, Glass, and Cost
Hurricane impact French doors combine double-door elegance with Category 5 protection. In-swing and out-swing options range from $4,000 to $8,000 per pair installed. Here's what to look for.
01
MAY
Hurricane Shutters for Sliding Glass Doors: Every Protection Option for Your Largest Opening
Your sliding glass door is the largest and most vulnerable opening in your home. Here's every shutter option that fits, what each costs, and when to consider an impact door replacement instead.
30
APR
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home, Family, and Finances
The complete hurricane preparedness checklist for Florida homeowners: home hardening, emergency supplies, insurance review, evacuation planning, and post-storm recovery, everything you need to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
30
APR
Hurricane Garage Doors: Complete Guide to Impact-Rated Garage Door Protection
Your garage door is the largest and most vulnerable opening in your home. During Hurricane Milton, garage door failures caused roof damage in otherwise code-compliant homes. Here's what you need to know about hurricane-rated garage doors, bracing, costs, and Florida code requirements.
28
APR
What a Wind Mitigation Inspection Actually Checks (and How Each Item Saves You Money): A Homeowner's Guide to the OIR-B1-1802 Form
The wind mitigation inspection is the single most valuable document for reducing your Florida insurance premium. Here's what the inspector checks, what each item is worth, and how to maximize your discounts.
28
APR
Impact Windows Insurance Savings: How Wind Mitigation Discounts Work and What Your Savings Will Be
Impact windows save Florida homeowners $1,000-$3,500 per year on insurance in South Florida. Here's exactly how the wind mitigation discount works, what your savings will be, and how to claim them.
22
APR
My Safe Florida Home Program: The Complete Guide for 2026-2027
My Safe Florida Home is a grant, not a loan. Free wind mitigation inspections plus up to $10,000 for impact windows, doors, shutters, and roof upgrades. Who qualifies, how to apply, what changed for 2026-2027.
01
APR
The Ultimate Guide to Impact Windows: Protecting Your Home from Hurricanes
Impact windows are a must for any home in hurricane-prone regions. Learn how they keep your home safe...
01
APR
Get Storm-Ready Now: Impact Windows and Doors Before Hurricane Season Hits
Hurricane season starts June 1, and time is running out to fortify your home. Armor Pro Windows offers South Florida’s most trusted impact windows and doors—designed to withstand extreme winds, flying debris, and everything a major storm can throw at you...