When you live in South Florida, preparing for hurricane season is more than just a good idea — it’s a necessity. With high winds and tropical storms regularly affecting areas such as Miami-Dade and Palm Beach, homeowners need to take every measure to protect their properties. One of the most effective steps you can take is installing impact (hurricane) windows. These windows aren’t just about peace of mind — they’re about making sure your home can withstand the harshest elements nature throws your way.
Choosing the right impact windows and doors goes beyond just aesthetics. In areas prone to high-velocity hurricanes, selecting heavy-duty replacement windows and sliding glass doors can make a significant difference in both home security and long-term savings. Quality impact windows are designed to endure the severe conditions of a hurricane, from high winds to flying debris. They also offer additional benefits, such as noise reduction and ultraviolet (UV) ray blocking.
In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of impact windows and introduce you to five top companies to help you make the best choice for your home.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
70 years of experience
Frequent discounts
Offers virtual and in-person appointments
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
- Impact windows have superior quality glass panes as well as highly reinforced framing.
- Impact windows are made to withstand strong surges of wind and rain.
- Having impact windows offers an added layer of hurricane protection to save lives and property.
What Are Impact Windows?
Understanding how hurricanes cause damage is key to knowing how impact windows protect your home. Hurricanes do most of their damage when high winds and flying debris smash through home features such as windows and doors. Depending on the intensity of the storm, flying debris may range from tree limbs to even parts of cars and structures. Once something breaks through your windows or doors, those strong winds can get inside and create pressure that could even rip your roof off. If you’ve got hurricane-resistant impact glass installed, you’re giving your home that extra layer of storm protection.
Impact windows feature superior-quality glass and highly reinforced framing, making them an important investment in storm protection. If you’re out shopping for hurricane-proof windows and you live in Miami-Dade, make sure to look for the Notice of Acceptance. It’s your guarantee the windows meet tough standards for hurricane resistance.
Advantages of Impact Windows
No glass is completely unbreakable, but impact windows come pretty close. These windows are built to handle powerful winds and heavy rain, making them a reliable choice during a storm. What’s great about them is that even if they do break, they won’t shatter into dangerous flying shards. Impact windows can withstand winds up to 200 miles per hour, which means they can keep your home safe even in the fiercest storms. Plus, they block 99% of UV light and provide excellent sound insulation, adding more value to your home.
Read more about the cost of hurricane windows for more detailed information.
If you already live in South Florida or are looking to purchase a house in the area, anticipating the challenges Mother Nature throws at your home requires smart choices. Having impact windows provides the proper protection to keep your family and your belongings safe.
Top 5 Best Options for Impact Windows in South Florida
Choosing the right impact windows is more than just a home improvement — it’s a proactive step toward safeguarding your property and loved ones. Whether you’re installing new windows, French doors, or upgrading a storefront, the installation process plays a key role in providing you maximum protection. With the right choices, you’ll not only enhance your home’s security but also potentially lower homeowners insurance premiums and energy bills. Impact windows are a practical and cost-effective investment.
Plenty of companies offer impact windows, but the ones below are the best in South Florida.
Winco Window
Winco Window manufactures tornado and hurricane-rated windows, meeting the standards of FEMA P-361 (the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s standard for safe rooms for tornadoes and hurricanes). Winco states its windows can withstand winds up to 250 miles per hour. The company has been in business since 1915 and continued to innovate via high-performance windows that are certified and tested, so you can expect high-quality products assembled by experts in the field. With the company’s vast experience, choosing Winco Window for your hurricane impact window needs is a smart choice.
CGI Impact Resistant Windows & Doors
CGI Impact Resistant Windows & Doors offers premier hurricane impact windows, and the company is proud to make them their specialty. The company’s Sentinel line offers impact durability and energy efficiency at a reasonable price. CGI offers Sentinel windows in a variety of styles, including casement, single hung, outward-projecting awning, and fixed.
Origin
Origin Windows are a fantastic choice if you’re looking for durable, hurricane-resistant windows. They meet Florida’s strict High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) ratings, making sure they can withstand the intense winds that come with hurricanes. Built from strong yet lightweight aluminum, these windows won’t warp or corrode in extreme weather, giving you long-lasting protection. Plus, their sleek, flush casement design adds a modern touch to your home without sacrificing safety, style, or security. Their windows come with a 10-year warranty.
Beyond hurricane resistance, Origin Windows offers safety and security features for everyday life. Their advanced locking systems, stainless steel hinges, and crimped frames create an impenetrable seal, keeping your home safe from storms and potential intruders. Origin offers style options such as casement, fixed-frame, and awning windows. You can choose a design that not only protects your home but looks great, too, making Origin one of the best options for impact windows in South Florida.
Kolbe
Kolbe Windows are another excellent choice for hurricane-prone areas, offering a wide selection of impact-resistant products. Their windows are built to meet the strict building codes required in coastal regions, keeping your home protected during severe storms. With rigorous testing against wind-borne debris, Kolbe’s windows can withstand intense wind loads. This keeps the structural integrity of your home intact during hurricanes. These impact-rated windows still maintain a sleek and beautiful appearance without any bulky brackets or extra locks.
Kolbe offers a variety of products across several series, all designed to handle hurricane-force conditions. From the Ultra and Heritage series to the Forgent and VistaLuxe lines, they have everything from casement and awning windows to sliding patio doors. These products have impact ratings for Zone 4 and HVHZ. Whether you’re looking for classic crank-out casements or modern sliding doors, Kolbe provides stylish, hurricane-resistant options.
PGT Custom Windows & Doors
PGT Custom Windows is one of the best options when it comes to hurricane-resistant windows in South Florida. They specialize in impact-resistant designs. What sets them apart is their dedication to protecting homes and families. After Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in 1992, causing massive damage, PGT stepped up and helped create tough impact-resistance codes. Their WinGuard® line offers a full range of hurricane windows that handle flying debris and high winds. They’re not just about strength — these windows look great, too, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for safety.
Whether you prefer aluminum or vinyl, PGT has options that let you customize your windows while knowing they can handle the toughest conditions. With PGT, you’re getting peace of mind that your home is protected by some of the most reliable products on the market. You can check out our PGT windows review for more insight into their windows options.
4.1
Exclusive Fibrex framing
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Team of certified installers
4.3
70 years of experience
Frequent discounts
Offers virtual and in-person appointments
4.3
Impressive customer ratings
Lifetime window warranties
Large catalog of additional remodeling services
4.3
Offers wood and vinyl framing
Outstanding customizability
Seven glass options
Key Takeaways
Living in South Florida means that preparing for hurricane season isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity. With the constant threat of high winds, heavy rains, and flying debris, protecting your home with the right impact windows is crucial. These windows aren’t just another home improvement project — they’re a vital investment in your family’s safety and your property’s resilience. Whether you’re replacing old windows or upgrading to the latest storm protection technology, making the right choice can make all the difference when a storm hits. Choosing the best impact windows involves more than just picking a brand — it’s about understanding the unique needs of your home and the demands of South Florida’s weather. The companies highlighted in this article are among the most trusted in the region. They offer windows that combine strength, durability, and energy efficiency. I recommend selecting one of these top options. You’re not just buying windows — you’re securing peace of mind, knowing your home is prepared for whatever nature throws your way. Make sure to prioritize quality and reliability so your home remains a safe haven no matter the storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between impact windows and regular windows?
Impact windows are made to withstand strong winds and flying debris. This makes them much stronger and safer than regular windows, which can break easily during extreme weather.
Can impact windows withstand Category 5 storms?
Yes, high-quality hurricane impact windows are built to endure Category 5 storm conditions, including high winds, flying debris, and extreme temperatures.
Where are impact-rated windows required in Florida?
The Florida Building Code mandates that windows must be impact resistant or protected if they’re within one mile of the coast where wind speeds reach 110 miles per hour or higher.
