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.
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.
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.
Casement, single-hung, sliding, awning, and picture impact windows compared, including which styles seal tightest against air and which can serve as bedroom egress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Roll-down shutters deploy in under 5 minutes with a button press. Accordion shutters cost 40-60% less and close in 15-30 minutes by hand. Both provide code-compliant hurricane protection. Here's how to decide.
Accordion shutters cost $300-$700 per window. Impact windows cost $1,000-$3,000. Both meet code. The difference is what you get the other 360 days of the year.
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.
Hurricane shutters cost $7-$40 per square foot installed, depending on the type. Storm panels start at $150 per window, accordion shutters run $300-$700, and motorized roll-downs reach $700-$1,500. Here's the complete pricing breakdown.
Impact windows and hurricane shutters both protect Florida homes from wind-borne debris, but they differ sharply in protection level, convenience, long-term cost, and daily livability. Here's the data-driven breakdown.
