Hurricanes are a regular threat to Florida, especially areas like Miami, every year. It has been forecast that the frequency and power of these hurricanes will continue to increase. This means that the need for high impact rated windows will also increase. It’s dangerous for weak windows to be subjected to high-velocity winds. They can shatter and increase to the catastrophe by adding flying glass to the mix of wind and rain and other flying debris. These sturdy-framed, multi-pane products can save you money and ensure peace of mind in the midst of a devastating hurricane. In terms of value, impact-resistance windows account for around 10% of the market for windows and doors. Both are expected to continue to increase in the coming years due to the forecast of increased frequency and power of hurricanes in Florida. The main reason for this is their ability to mitigate storm-related damage to residential and business properties. It doesn’t help that four of the top five costliest hurricanes in US history have happened in the past 15 years. Be sure to look into Florida Engineered Glass’s impact window installation to cut down on the chance of a disaster getting even worse and costlier.

What Drives the Growth of This Product?

There are several factors which drive the growth of impact window installation, such as increasingly popular stringent statewide building codes, strong construction and population growth in the southern US, Heightened storm risk, and the array of benefits for homeowners who aren’t even in storm-prone areas. An example of these more stringent building codes are the ones introduced in 1992 following hurricane Andrew, and in 2005 following hurricane Katrina. The North Atlantic Basin is a prime area for cataclysmic weather conditions to hinder or completely halt construction work. The NOAA has predicted an increasing number of tropical cyclones and hurricanes with levels unseen since 2012’s hurricane Sandy. Not only can impact resistant window provide benefits against storms, but they can also help against burglars, provide ambient noise reduction, energy efficiency, UV light protection, and discounts to your insurance premiums.

More Info on Impact Rated Windows

Traditionally, these windows are manufactured from metal, which is thought to be more capable of withstanding physical damage in the case of high winds and wind-blown debris. Many times, manufacturers use aluminum to be in line with the strict Dade County specifications for high-velocity hurricane impact resistance without sacrificing high-value aesthetic appearance. Recently, many have been using reinforced vinyl products due to their attractiveness to homeowners which stems from their lower cost and safety. Thanks to this, the sales of plastic impact windows has been projected at an increase in market, and it’s believed that they will even surpass the sales of metal-based products by 2020.

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If you are interested in getting impact rated windows for your home or business, reach out to Florida Engineered Glass Corp in Miami to get a quote for impact window installation and understand the benefits of using these windows. Don’t put your safety or the safety of your loved ones up to chance. Reach out today at start saving money and keep your peace of mind.

Hurricanes are an unfortunate aspect of living in the coastal state of Florida, and homeowners should be proactive and be prepared in the case of strong tropical storms or hurricanes. There are rigorous testing procedures and installation standards that most people aren’t aware of, that hurricane impact windows should meet in order to properly protect your home. Moreover, the simple fact that a window is being marketed and sold as a “hurricane impact window” does not necessarily mean it is the right type of window for your condo or house. Thus, it is in your best interest as a buyer to be informed regarding the best hurricane windows for your specific situation in order to ensure that you’re getting the value and protection your home needs. Florida Engineered Glass Corp. provides hurricane windows and doors Miami residents can trust. Call us today to hurricane-proof your home!

What To Know When Installing Hurricane Impact Windows

There are a few things you should know prior to installing hurricane impact windows in your home or condo. First of all, you should check the wind-borne debris testing. During a hurricane, every exterior opening, including windows, must be protected from wind-borne debris caused by the hurricane. Impact and pressure requirements are the two main elements of wind-borne debris testing. There are certain tests such as the large-missile debris test and small-missile debris test that you can utilize in order to test for the rating of the window, and you should also take into consideration the height of your window when conducting these tests as they have an effect on the type of window you should get. Secondly, you should look for a label on the window to check which standards it has passed. You need to take into account the geographical location of your home, as it will dictate the wind zone and exposure category of your home. This means that the location of your home also impacts the installation requirements of your windows. For example, Broward and Miami-Dade counties have the highest standards when it comes to installation as they are in a high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ). Any window that meets the HVHZ standards are considered safe in other counties.

How To Choose the Best Hurricane Windows For You

Florida Engineered Glass Corp., who produces hurricane windows and doors Miami residents rely on, notes that you need to check for a building permit prior to installing a hurricane impact window. This is generally to the homeowner’s benefit, as building permit applicant is required to provide information such as what is being installed, the manufacturers, product approval numbers, and also often the installation instructions. The building department’s job is to make sure that the products used meet the standards of the building. Lastly, and perhaps most obviously, it’s important to pick a contractor who will install the windows properly, as the impact resistance of the windows are compromised if installed improperly.

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There are a few things you should keep in mind in order to choose the best hurricane windows for you. Florida Engineered Glass Corp. provides hurricane windows and doors Miami residents can rely on. Call us today for your hurricane-proof windows and doors!

Windows may seem like an afterthought when building, designing, or remodeling a home. After all, their primary job is allowing light and air inside. However, Miami residents know that windows are not just for show, they are an essential part of the home. Not only do we need windows to keep the heat and humidity out, but they must also keep the cool air-conditioned air inside the house. More importantly, windows are a key entry-point for wind, rain, and debris during a storm, especially tropical storms and hurricanes. Unfortunately, hurricanes are a weather phenomenon Floridians are all too familiar with, and we must keep our homes safe. Florida Engineered Glass Corp can help build the specialty glass hurricane windows and doors Miami needs to protect their homes during a storm. We can meet the Florida building code for impact windows with ease.  

What are Hurricane Impact Windows?

Many consumers may assume that tempered and impact-resistant are the same, but they are not. Tempered glass is a heat-treated glass. When it breaks it typically fractures into small fragments. Due to the small size of the pieces, they are relatively harmless and present a reduced likelihood of injury to people. Tempered glass is traditionally used in places where there is a higher risk of human exposure, like bathtubs or hot tub enclosures. Impact-resistant glazing is a type of laminated glass. When impact-resistant windows break, the glass tends to stick to the plastic interlayer. This prevents wind, water, or debris from entering the home. Keep in mind that all glass other than impact-resistant window glass, even if tempered, needs to be protected during severe wind events such as tropical storms and hurricanes.

Does the Florida Building Code for Impact Windows Affect Me?

The Florida Building Code (or FBC) prescribes performance and construction requirements for exterior windows and glass doors installed in wall systems. It requires windows to be impact-resistant or protected by a shutter if the structure is located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 100 mph or greater. Furthermore, the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) section of the FBC states every exterior opening, residential or commercial, must be provided with protection by shutters or impact-resistant windows against wind-borne debris caused by hurricanes. Although not all of Florida is required to have impact-resistant windows, Miami-Dade County has the most stringent requirements in the country when it comes to rain, wind, and wind-borne debris tests. The HVHZ applies to all Miami-Dade and Broward counties, regardless of how far from the coast the building is located.  You will need to ensure the hurricane windows and doors Miami homes have will meet the Florida Building Code. Florida Engineered Glass Corp is ready to help. We have products available designed to protect your home. They are tested and approved for wind load and wind-borne debris.

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We can design the glass hurricane windows and doors Miami residents need. Florida Engineered Glass Corp will ensure your beautiful home also meets Florida building code for impact windows and doors. Call us today.

Living in Florida, especially Miami, it is almost insane to live in a home that is not equipped with hurricane proof windows. Insulated windows make sure that our homes and family are protected from outside debris and winds that can cause devastating damage. Are you aware that these windows also save you tons of money? Here at Florida Engineered Glass Corp., we are here to ensure you are fully protected and also your wallets are not harmed. We are the best option for impact window installation.

Are These Windows Effective?

Windows that are marketed as hurricane-resistant or storm-proof are constructed with impact-resistant glass treated with a layer of polyvinyl butral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). While this impact-resistant glass will probably still shatter upon strong impact from flying objects, it generally remains attached to the inner membrane and the window frame. When they break, these windows crack in a fine, spider-web pattern rather than sending out flying shards of glass.

With an ordinary window, it can be made more resistant to shattering by adding a surface membrane that covers the window glass. This will improve the shatter-resistant quality of the window. Although, it does not have the same effect that a genuine hurricane resistant window will have. Ask our professionals about impact window installation.

Insulated Windows are Cheaper

Hurricane-resistant windows can increase your overall construction cost, but they offer excellent protection during the storm season. It works out in the end. The investment may well pay for itself by preventing storm damage, and it can also allow you to qualify for discounted homeowner’s insurance rates.

A good hurricane window, including frame and glass, will cost between $40 and $55 per square foot of glass area. Some studies have shown that by installing hurricane windows, the construction cost is increased only by a few thousand dollars on a new home. As an average, a hurricane impact door size 60 x 80 inches can cost about $1,900 while a sliding window 72 X 80 inches is around $1950. An average single-hung window costs between $500 and $600, materials only.

What Are The Advantages?

In reality, no matter what anyone says, there is no glass that is entirely break-proof. However, hurricane-resistant and storm proof windows have an enormous advantage of breaking in a manner that cracks without sending out a flying shard of glass that can potentially injure anyone in its path. Here is a list of some of the advantages:

• Will survive winds up to 200 mph without blowing out
• No flying shards of glass
• Available in different styles and sizes
• Offer excellent insulation against sound
• Blocks 99% of transmitted UV light
• May reduce homeowners insurance costs by as much as 45 percent.

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At Florida Engineered Glass Corp. we genuinely care about the safety of your home and family. We also want to ensure that you are familiar with how to properly weatherproof your home with insulated windows. We offer the best hurricane windows and doors Miami, Florida! Our variety of impact products will keep you satisfied and your house protected.  When it comes time to prepare for the next hurricane, get a step ahead of the game and call us for a free estimate on our impact window installation.

We look forward to protecting your home.

You live in Florida. Because of that, you, your family, and your home is always at risk for a big storm hitting every summer. Living in South Florida the last few years proves that. It seemed almost every rear recently there has been a storm that has made landfall. This is precisely why hurricane preparation is vital. Here at Florida Engineered Glass Corp, we are here to let you know what to use in order to keep you safe. Our answer? Impact windows and doors Miami!

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As a homeowner, you need to make sure that you take all precautionary measures to keep your property safe. There is a cost-effective and long-term technique where you are able to save yourself from the hassle of repairing windows and risking damaged property. This is when the installation of impact windows and doors comes into play. When you make the wise decision to incorporate these into your home, there is a long list of advantages that come with them. Your home needs impact windows and doors Miami.

The Benefits of Hurricane Preparation

• Hurricane and Storm Protection: Let us begin with the most obvious benefit. You are safe and protected from a storm. These windows and doors are extremely strong and can withstand major weather including heavy rain and powerful winds. When you are providing a protective shield against a hurricane and storm damage, these windows and doors can cut down the price of regular repairs and will help save your home from extensive damage that can come from flying debris.

• Corrosion-resistant: Even though the winds are the most important aspect you will face in South Florida, people who live in damp or semi-arid zones can face another challenge. They are vulnerable to salty and humid hair. This affects your air conditioning systems, and also can corrode your doors and windows. With the installation of impact protection, a home is safe from wearing away.

• Heat and Noise Reduction: We are all aware how busy Miami can get during the summer months. There are tourist everywhere. Because of this there noise and heat can get unbearable. With these specially designed windows and doors, your home is safe from strong heat waves and loud noises. Think of it as another barrier that is difficult for waves to move through. You will be able to enjoy some peace and quiet.

• UV Protection: UV light is an extremely dangerous source that can cause many skin-related issues, such as skin cancer. But that is not all. Their harmful rays can also cause damage to the furniture in your home, artwork, and other household items. Because the design of impact windows, they are equipped with Low E Glass Coating, window tinting, and double glazing which increased the energy efficiency and reduces the damaging effects of UV light.

• Increased Security: Another benefit of installing hurricane windows and doors is the increased security and protection from burglars and intruders. Homeowners will have a peace of mind knowing they are more thoroughly protected by having these protective systems in place.

• Insurance Discounts: Impact windows are some of the most significant windstorm protection systems, which have been recognized by a number of different insurance agencies. Because of this, insurance firms may offer a deduction or discount on insurance premiums. Many homeowners with impact windows also qualify for a wind mitigation insurance rebate.

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When it comes to hurricane preparation, your home needs impact windows and doors Miami. Here at Florida Engineered Glass Corp., we are here to ensure that you get the exact protection you need. Call or contact us today for more information.

Remember Imra? Remember how she devastated South Florida? Were you lucky enough to have your home unscathed from hurricane damage? It is doubtful. Chances are this will happen again. We do live in Florida, after all. You need to weatherproof your home with hurricane windows and doors Miami. Here at Florida Engineered Glass, we are here to help! You do not want your home to end up looking like a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Hurricanes Are Nothing To Joke About

Hurricanes are among the worst types of weather phenomena. They are a natural disaster with devastating outcomes. They carry strong winds, no matter the category, that creates storm surges that can blow away roofs, break down doors, shatter windows, submerge basements, and send debris flying all over the place.

In the USA there are 18 states that are prone to hurricane destructions. Out all of them, Florida has the strictest building codes that require homes to be hurricane proof, as they should be. We have created some home improvements you can do to protect your home from a violent storm that includes installation of hurricane windows and doors Miami.

Ways to Weatherproof Your Home

• Secure Roofing
  • As previously stated, a strong hurricane can rip your roof apart. If your home is missing a rood, then your home will be completely exposed to the elements. If the roof collapses, it might even extend the damage to the structure of the house. Florida allows only certain materials and shaped of roofs to ensure optimal load and runoff.

• Window Shutters
  • This is the most vulnerable during a storm. Strong winds carry debris that can come crashing through the window at what seems to be lightning speed. Because of the speed, the wind can cause the glass to shatter. One way to protect our windows is to install sturdy storm shutters. Make sure once they are installed, to lock the shutters to protect all the glass panes.

• Reinforce Doors
  • Another very vulnerable entryway to your home for a storm is the garage door. If it breaks down, storm winds can enter the home and tear the roof apart. This is when you need to replace your existing doors with storm-resistant models. Also secure your patio, porch, or lanai by replacing sliding glass doors with storm-resistant panels and thicker frames. Storm screens can also do wonders in protecting from natural forces.

• Keep Landscape Free of Debris
  • You may have many trees on your property that surround your home. If this is the case, be sure to inspect them before the start of the next hurricane season. You can do this by trimming branches that extend toward your home and over power lines. Check for cracks in the trunk and if the tree is leading. This can help avoid the tree collapsing. Also, remove any landscaping decor that could turn into projectiles during a hurricane. This includes potted plants, rocks, gnomes, lawn furniture, gravel, and solar lamps.  

Contact Us Today

At Florida Engineered Glass Corp. we genuinely care about the safety of your home and family. We also want to ensure that you are familiar with how to properly weatherproof your home. We offer the best hurricane windows and doors Miami, Florida! Our variety of impact products will keep you satisfied and your house protected.  When it comes time to prepare for the next hurricane, get a step ahead of the game and call us for a free estimate.

We look forward to protecting your home.

We are Floridians. What is a threat to us every year? Hurricanes. The rest of the country expects us to be hurricane experts because they occur so frequently. But are you? It not, do not worry. By the time you are finished reading this, you will have some worthy knowledge to share with the rest of the country. As well as providing dependable hurricane rated windows, Florida Engineered Glass has all the hurricane information you are craving for. Our knowledge will give you the inspiration to install an impact window Miami residents trust. Contact us today!

The Wind Scale

By now we are aware of the system used to measure hurricanes. We hear it all the time when we turn on the news, and they inform us of whatever category the storm is, or what category it has the potential of becoming. But do we actually know the speeds that are involved within the scale?

The scale is called The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. First introduced to the public in 1973, it has a rating of 1 to 5 based on the hurricane’s sustained wind speed. In order to even be considered a hurricane, a tropical cyclone must have one-minute maximum of sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour.

Hurricane Rated Windows Are Necessary For All These Speeds

• Category 1: Wind speeds of 74-95 mph. Hazardous winds will produce some damage.
  • There may be damage to the roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap. Shallowly rooted trees will topple. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that can last several days.
• Category 2: Wind speeds of 96-110 mph. Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage.
  • Homes can sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block roads. Near-total power loss is expected that can last weeks.
• Category 3: (major hurricane) Wind speeds of 111-129 mph. Devastating damage will occur.
  • Homes can incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will snap or become uprooted, which will block numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days or weeks.
• Category 4: (major hurricane) Wind speeds of 130-156 mph. Catastrophic damage will occur.
  • Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the city will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
• Category 5: (major hurricane) Wind speeds of 157 mph or higher. Catastrophic damage will occur.
  • A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the city will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.

Get an Impact Window Miami!

At Florida Engineered Glass Corp. we genuinely care about the safety of your home and family. We offer the best hurricane rated windows and expertise on hurricanes in Miami, Florida. Our variety of impact products will keep you satisfied and your house happy.  When it comes time to prepare for the next hurricane, get a step ahead of the game and call us for a free estimate. We offer an impact window Miami deserves. Visit our office or contact us today!

We look forward to protecting your home.

The windows in your home are not designed to protect your house from storms. Even though we are at the end of hurricane season, this does not mean that you should not prepare for next Summer. If your window gets struck by any debris in the air and shatters, the interior of your house, as well as the individuals inside, will be at risk. Hurricane impact windows are a necessity, especially in Miami. At Florida Engineered Glass, we are here to ensure your home and family is protected. We will make you an expert too, on impact window installation. Contact us today!

The Calm Before The Storm

Hurricane winds deliver force to buildings that are extremely damaging. Most of this is due to the debris the winds pick up. It can be anything from tree branches to pieces of other homes. Imagine any of this flying through your window and into the interior of your house. Roof sheathing, roof tiles, or garbage can instantly become missiles that are hurled toward your loved ones. The secret weapon in keeping everything protected is impacted windows. Windows are the critical point of entry for storms, so it is essential that they resist the damaged, forced winds.

Hurricane Impact Windows Installation

20 years ago, impact-resistant windows were very limited. Since then there has been lots of research and technology that led to the development in creating windows that are caught up with stricter building codes. You are bound to find one that is perfect for you. Windows with impact-resistant designs now include fixed-pane, awning, casement, horizontal roller, and single-hung and double-hung models. Skylights, door glass, and patio doors are also available in impact-resistant formats.

Impact Window Installation can sometimes get tricky. Or maybe you just don’t feel like doing it yourself. That is okay.  We are here to do all the hard work for you. When installing these windows, you want to ensure that it gets done correctly? Who know the windows you purchased better than the company who sold them to you? Trust us. We know how to keep your house hurricane free.

A key factor when installing impact-resistant windows is a watertight caulk seal. This keeps water out. Often, the closer the home is to the coastline, the more stringent the requirement for fasteners. Homes on the beach typically require stainless steel screws to stand up to the salt spray. Those further inland may need galvanized screws. Screws rather than nails are specified because nails are less resistant to pull-out when a lateral force is applied to the window and surrounding wall. Screws pull material together and won’t pull out. Confused yet? Don’t worry. We are here for you.

Visit Us Today

At Florida Engineered Glass Corp. we genuinely care about the safety of your home and family. We offer the best hurricane impact windows and expertise on impact window installation in Miami, Florida. Our variety of impact products will keep you satisfied and your house happy.  When it comes time to prepare for the next hurricane, get a step ahead of the game and call us for a free estimate. Contact us today!

We look forward to protecting your home.