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
Category: Impact Windows 101
03
SEP
Laminated vs. Tempered Glass: How Each Breaks and Why It Matters in a Hurricane
Tempered glass breaks into cubes and falls out of the frame; laminated glass cracks and holds. What codes require, and which one protects a Florida home.
03
SEP
Replacing Impact Glass Without Replacing the Window: When It Works and What It Costs
Glass-only replacement keeps your frame and costs a fraction of a new unit, but the new glass has to match the product approval. Here is when it works.
02
SEP
Single Hung vs Double Hung Impact Windows: Cost, Cleaning, and Code in Florida
Florida's approved impact lines skew hard toward single hung. We compare cost, wind-driven rain performance, cleaning, and code so you can pick the right sash.
02
SEP
Mr. Glass Impact Windows Review: Where the Value Line Fits
Mr. Glass builds its impact line at two price points from one Miami-Dade frame family. Here is what each tier is built for and how to specify it.
01
SEP
Turtle Glass Windows in Florida: What Sea Turtle Lighting Codes Require
Turtle glass is window glass tinted to 45% or less light transmittance, required near Florida nesting beaches. Where it applies, costs, and impact options.
28
AUG
Black Frame Impact Windows: Heat, Finish Durability, and What They Cost
Black window frames are the most requested finish change in South Florida right now. Here is what the color actually does, what it does not do, and how availability limits your options.
26
AUG
What an Impact Window Permit Costs in Florida: County by County
Permit fees for the same ten-window job range from $94 to $2,000 across Florida, depending only on which city the house sits in. Here is what drives the difference.
22
AUG
Impact Window Types Compared: Casement, Single-Hung, Sliding, and Which Fits Each Room
Casement, single-hung, sliding, awning, and picture impact windows compared, including which styles seal tightest against air and which can serve as bedroom egress.
21
AUG
Impact Windows and Ventilation: Airflow, Operable Styles, and Florida Breezes
How impact windows affect ventilation: which operable styles move the most air, how vent latches and egress rules work, and how a tighter building envelope changes airflow for the better.
21
AUG
Impact Window Performance Ratings Explained: DP, U-Factor, SHGC, and What They Mean in Florida
Design pressure, U-factor, SHGC, and Performance Grade decoded for Florida homeowners, including why a window's water rating is not the same as its DP.
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.
20
AUG
Mr Glass vs PGT vs ES Windows: Three Florida Impact Brands Compared
Mr Glass vs PGT vs ES Windows from an installer's seat: lineups, certifications, design pressures, prices, warranties, and the project profiles where each of the three Florida impact brands wins.
20
AUG
Impact Window Glass Explained: How Laminated Glass Stops a Hurricane
Impact window glass is laminated glass built to crack but hold. Here is how the glass types, PVB and SentryGlas interlayers, and Low-E coatings actually work in Florida.
19
AUG
Eastern Architectural Systems Review: EAS Windows, Doors, and How They Compare to PGT
An installer's review of Eastern Architectural Systems: the 176 Bertha and 143 vinyl lines, aluminum windows and sliding doors, the 20-year insulated glass warranty, approvals, prices, and how EAS stacks up against PGT.
19
AUG
ES Windows vs PGT: An Installer Compares Florida's Two Biggest Impact Brands
ES Windows vs PGT from an installer who puts in both: product lines, design pressures, glass, lead times, installed prices, warranty terms from the actual documents, and which brand fits which Florida project.
18
AUG
PGT WinGuard Windows Review: Aluminum vs Vinyl, Prices, and Florida Fit
An installer's review of PGT WinGuard impact windows: the aluminum and vinyl lines model by model, installed price ranges, glass and finish options, and how to pick the right frame for your Florida home.
14
MAY
Impact Windows and HOA Approval in Florida: Your Legal Rights and How to Navigate the Approval Process
Florida law prohibits HOAs from blocking impact window installation. But your HOA can regulate color, style, and uniformity. Here's how to navigate the approval process and avoid delays.
12
MAY
Hurricane Impact Lanai Windows: Five Ways to Protect Your Florida Outdoor Living Space
Florida lanais are screened enclosures that provide zero hurricane protection. During a storm, the screen tears away and the aluminum frame becomes airborne debris. Here are five ways to protect your lanai and the doors behind it.
11
MAY
Do Impact Windows Increase Property Value? What the Data Shows About Resale Value, Appraisals, and Total Return
Impact windows return 70-85% of their cost at resale, add 7-10% to home value, and help homes sell 20% faster in South Florida. Here's what the data actually shows.
09
MAY
Plywood, Hurricane Shutters, or Impact Windows: How Florida Homeowners Actually Protect Their Glass: An honest comparison of the three options, and why most veterans eventually pick one
An honest impact windows vs hurricane shutters vs plywood comparison from a South Florida installer: real costs, deployment time, insurance credits, and which option fits your house.
08
MAY
Why Sliding Glass Doors Leak During Hurricanes (and What's Changing): What FIU Research and FEMA Reports Reveal About Water Intrusion
Current sliding glass door water testing uses only 15% of design wind pressure. FIU Wall of Wind research and two FEMA reports confirm this is inadequate. Here's what's changing and what to look for when buying.
08
MAY
Wind-Driven Rain: Why Your Impact Windows Might Not Keep All Water Out: An Honest Look at What Impact Windows Can and Cannot Do During a Hurricane
Impact windows are designed to stop wind-borne debris and keep your building envelope intact. They are not designed to be 100% watertight during a 16-hour Category 4 hurricane. Here's what the research says and what you can do about it.
07
MAY
Hurricane Protection for Florida Keys Homes: Impact Windows and Doors for Island Living
The Florida Keys face the most extreme hurricane conditions in the continental United States. Monroe County design wind speeds of 170-190 mph, Exposure D on every side, and no way out when a storm hits make impact windows a necessity—not an upgrade.
07
MAY
Do You Need Impact Windows in Orlando? Central Florida Hurricane Protection Explained
Impact windows are not code-required in most of Orlando, but insurance savings, energy efficiency, hurricane risk, and property value gains make them one of the smartest upgrades a Central Florida homeowner can make.
06
MAY
How to Clean and Maintain Impact Windows: Simple Care That Protects a Major Investment
Impact windows require almost no special maintenance, but a few simple habits protect your investment and ensure they perform when the next hurricane hits. Here's the complete care guide.
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
Can Hurricane Impact Windows Stop a Bullet? And 6 Other Impact Window Myths Debunked With Data
Impact windows are engineered to stop hurricane debris, not bullets. We debunk 7 common myths about impact windows with hard data, from ballistic claims to tape myths, so you know exactly what your windows can and cannot do.
06
MAY
How to Tell If Your Windows Are Impact-Resistant: Five Ways to Check for Real Hurricane Protection
Five ways to tell if your windows are impact-rated: check the glass label, check the frame label, look for the interlayer, do the tap test, or pull your permit records. Here's how to do each one.
05
MAY
Impact Windows in Sarasota: Gulf Coast Hurricane Protection Guide
Hurricane Milton changed the equation for Sarasota. Design wind speeds of 140-155 mph, direct Gulf exposure, and a post-storm demand surge make impact window selection and timing critical. Here's what Sarasota homeowners need to know.
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.
05
MAY
Impact Windows in Broward County: HVHZ Requirements, Permits, and Neighborhood Guide
Broward County is HVHZ with 170 mph design wind speeds. Every window replacement must carry a Miami-Dade NOA or equivalent Broward approval. Here's the complete guide for Broward homeowners.
05
MAY
HVHZ vs Impact Rating: Understanding the Difference: One Is a Place, the Other Is a Test. Here's Why It Matters.
HVHZ is a geographic zone (Miami-Dade and Broward). Impact rating is a product certification. They're related but not the same thing, and confusing them can cost you money or code compliance.
04
MAY
Impact Windows for Florida Condos: What Condo Owners and Associations Need to Know
Replacing windows in a Florida condo involves association approvals, Declaration of Condominium responsibility rules, high-rise engineering, and building-wide coordination. Here is how it works for unit owners and associations.
04
MAY
Salt Air and Your Windows: What a Decade of Florida Corrosion Research Tells Us: Lessons from 10 Years of FBC-Funded Corrosion Studies
The Florida Building Commission funded corrosion research in two consecutive cycles because coastal degradation is a real problem. Here's what actually corrodes, what doesn't, and how to choose windows that survive 25+ years in salt air.
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.
04
MAY
Aluminum vs Vinyl Impact Windows: Which Frame Material Is Right for Your Florida Home?
Aluminum is stronger and has the broadest HVHZ selection. Vinyl costs 15-30% less and insulates better. Here's how to choose the right frame material for your Florida home, with specific product recommendations by region.
04
MAY
Hurricane Windows vs Impact Windows: What's Actually Different
Hurricane windows and impact windows are the same product. What actually differs are storm windows, window film, and unrated lookalikes. Here's the full breakdown.
03
MAY
How to Protect Your Windows for a Hurricane: Every Protection Option Ranked by Cost, Convenience, and Performance
There are nine ways to protect your windows during a hurricane, from impact windows (permanent, always-on) to plywood (emergency-only last resort). Here's every option ranked by protection level, cost, and convenience.
03
MAY
Do I Need Hurricane Shutters If I Have Impact Windows? When Doubling Up Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)
If your home already has impact windows, you typically do not need hurricane shutters. Impact windows are standalone opening protection under the Florida Building Code, but there are specific scenarios where adding shutters makes sense.
02
MAY
CGI Windows & Doors Review: A Legacy Review of the Discontinued Brand and What It Means for Florida Homeowners
CGI Windows & Doors was discontinued on October 31, 2025 when MITER Brands sunset the brand. Here's what CGI homeowners need to know about their existing windows, warranty coverage, and what to buy instead.
02
MAY
ES Windows Review: An Installer's Honest Assessment of Florida's #1 Impact Window by Volume
ES Windows (Tecnoglass) is the #1 selling impact window manufacturer in Florida by volume. They're approximately 20% less expensive than PGT with Low-E, Kynar coatings, and stainless hardware included standard. Here's our installer's review.
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
PGT Windows Review: An Installer's Honest Assessment of Florida's Most Recognized Impact Window Brand
PGT is the company that created the impact window category after Hurricane Andrew. Here's an installer's review of their product lines, what we see in the field, and how they compare to ES Windows, ECO, and WinDoor.
01
MAY
Are Impact Windows Worth It? Pros, Cons, and the Honest Financial Math
Impact windows cost $15,000-$65,000. They save $1,500-$4,300 per year in insurance and energy, add 7-10% to your home's value, and have a documented zero-destruction rate in major hurricanes. Here's the complete ROI analysis.
01
MAY
How Much Do Impact Doors Cost in Florida? 2026 Pricing Guide by Door Type, Material, and Configuration
Impact doors in Florida cost $2,000-$12,000+ per door installed, depending on type. Sliding glass doors start at $3,500, entry doors at $2,000, French doors at $4,000 per pair. Here's the complete pricing breakdown.
30
APR
Impact Windows in Miami-Dade County: HVHZ Requirements Every Homeowner Must Know
Miami-Dade County has the strictest impact window requirements in the United States. Every replacement must carry a Miami-Dade NOA. Here's what that means for your project, your products, your permits, and your insurance.
30
APR
Best Hurricane Impact Front Doors: 2026 Buyer's Guide
The best hurricane impact front doors combine Category 5 protection with curb appeal. Fiberglass, aluminum, and steel options range from $2,000 to $6,000 installed. Here's how to choose.
30
APR
Impact Windows and Energy Efficiency: How Much Can You Save on Cooling Costs?
Impact windows with Low-E glass and argon-filled insulated units can cut Florida cooling costs by 25-40%. Here's how U-factor, SHGC, and glass options translate to real savings on your electric bill.
29
APR
Best Hurricane Impact Windows in Florida: An Installer's Guide to the Six Manufacturers That Matter
Six manufacturers dominate the Florida impact window market. Here's how they compare on price, product range, HVHZ certification, lead times, and what we see after thousands of installations.
29
APR
Florida Building Code for Impact Windows: What Homeowners Need to Know
The Florida Building Code governs where impact windows are required, what products qualify, and how they must be installed. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what matters for your home.
29
APR
Hurricane Impact Sliding Glass Doors: Complete Buyer's Guide for Florida Homeowners
Impact sliding glass doors are the largest, most complex, and most expensive opening in most Florida homes. Here's everything you need to know about sizes, track systems, design pressures, pricing, and manufacturers.
28
APR
Are Impact Windows Required in Florida? Code Requirements by County and Wind Zone
Whether impact windows are required in your Florida home depends on your county, your proximity to the coast, and whether you're replacing more than 25% of your windows. Here's exactly what the code says, county by county.
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.
27
APR
How to Hurricane Proof Your House in Florida: Complete Guide to Residential Hurricane Hardening
There is no such thing as a hurricane-proof house, but there is a proven hierarchy of upgrades that makes a Florida home hurricane-resistant. This guide covers every component, from roof-to-wall connections to impact windows to flood barriers, in the order that matters most.
25
APR
What Are Impact Windows? A Complete Guide for Florida Homeowners
Impact windows use laminated glass bonded to a polymer interlayer inside reinforced frames. When debris strikes, the glass may crack but the interlayer holds, keeping your home sealed. Here's how they work, what they cost, and whether you need them.
06
SEP
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Impact Windows in Palm Beach: Five costly pitfalls Palm Beach homeowners can avoid
Impact windows are a smart upgrade in Palm Beach, but the install isn’t plug-and-play. Avoid the five mistakes that waste money and weaken protection: wrong ratings, the wrong installer, skipped permits, poor energy choices, and rushed timelines that collide with hurricane season.
22
AUG
Designing Resilient Medical Centers in Hurricane Zones: A Guide to Impact Windows, Doors and Financing Options
Florida hospitals can’t close for storms. Impact-rated windows, doors, and hardened envelopes keep care online, cut downtime, and lower insurance. With Risk Category IV standards, phased upgrades, and FEMA/insurance financing, resilience becomes mission continuity—and measurable ROI.
09
JUL
Hurricane Season 2025 Is Now Here: Protect Your Home with Impact Windows and Doors
NOAA predicts 60% chance of above-normal hurricane activity for 2025, with up to 19 named storms expected. Recent Texas floods show extreme weather is already here. Protect your home with impact windows & doors before peak season arrives.
07
JUL
Tropical Storm Chantal: A Wake-Up Call for Storm Preparedness in South Florida
Chantal’s lightning-fast intensification is a clear warning. Reinforcing your home with impact-rated windows and doors now, before the next cyclone appears on radar, can keep wind-blown debris and floodwater outside, turning a potential rebuild into a quick cleanup.
07
APR
Choosing the Right Impact Window Manufacturer: Key Factors to Consider
Not all impact windows are created equal. Here’s what you need to know to select a manufacturer you can trust...
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...
17
MAR
Hurricane Helene: Devastation, Recovery, and the Critical Role of Impact Windows
Hurricane Helene's devastation revealed a stark reality: homes with impact windows were 80% more likely to remain structurally sound, protecting families from both wind damage and catastrophic water intrusion...