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Impact Windows

How to Choose Impact Windows?

Christin Blazekovic August 5, 2025Blog, Impact Windows
The threat of hurricanes is very real in Florida. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity between mid-August and late October when ocean waters are at their warmest. Since the 1850s, every mile of Florida’s coastline has been struck by at least one hurricane, with the southeast coast and panhandle being particularly vulnerable.

For homeowners, hurricane impact windows provide a permanent solution to the ever-present risks of hurricanes, tropical storms, and even tornadoes. But how do you choose the right ones for your home? Let’s break it down.

Call Guardian Hurricane Protection today at 239-438-4732 for a free consultation, or message us online and take the first step toward comprehensive storm protection.

What Are Impact Windows?

Impact windows are specially engineered with heavy-duty frames and laminated glass. The glass is made of two outer panes bonded to a strong inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Even if the outer layer cracks, the glass remains bonded to the frame, resisting wind speeds up to 200 mph and keeping debris out.

This makes them different from traditional windows, which can shatter easily and leave your home vulnerable.

PGT Winguard Single Hung window

How Do Impact Windows Work?

Impact windows are designed to resist penetration from flying debris during storms. Once a window is breached, pressure builds inside the home, often leading to roof or structural failure. By staying intact, impact windows help maintain your home’s envelope, reducing the risk of catastrophic damage.

For a window to qualify as “impact-rated,” it must meet hurricane and wind-borne debris codes set by certified agencies such as:

  • Miami-Dade County
  • Florida Building Code (FBC)
  • International Building Code (IBC)

Are Impact Windows Worth the Cost?

Knowing the safety, efficiency, and comfort benefits, is installing impact windows worth the cost? The price of installing impact windows can range anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on how many windows your home requires. These upfront costs can be a high price tag for the peace of mind that impact windows deliver.

Energy Saver

Impact doors and windows are designed to be thermal absorbers during summer seasons and to retain heat in cool seasons. Energy-friendly features such as ENERGY STAR-ratings, low-emissivity properties and customizable solar ratings make impact doors and windows the best choice for energy savings.

Security and Protection

Anti-hurricane approved impact windows and doors are shatter and penetration resistant. Constructed with several layers of glass, anti-hurricane approved impact windows and doors provide top-notch, year-round home security and protection.

Reduce Noise

Enjoy the anti-noise reduction features of impact doors. Super-thick, multi-layered glass and hard-sealed framing prevent air and sound leakage.

Sunlight’s UV Ray Protection

Protect yourself and your precious items from the sun’s UV rays by installing impact windows and doors.

Insurance Discounts

Most insurance companies offer premium discounts for windstorm protective systems. Another estimate by Florida real estate agents is that homeowners have seen up to a 50% discount on their premiums because the risk is reduced for the insurance provider, not just from hurricanes but also from burglaries.

Increase Curb Appeal

There are variety of impact windows to enhance your home’s curb appeal for potential buyers or to match your home structural style.

Resale value

Better windows = better home envelope = better resale value.

How to choose the right impact windows for your home in Lee and Collier County?

(10 Key Factors When Choosing Impact Windows)

Choosing the right impact windows goes beyond storm protection — it’s about finding windows that match your home’s style, energy efficiency needs, and local building requirements. Here are the most important factors to guide your decision:

1. Types of Impact Windows

The style of your impact windows plays a big role in both functionality and aesthetics. Consider how each type will work in different areas of your home:

A bathroom with a freestanding tub, glass shower enclosure, black fixtures

Single Hung

A classic option where the bottom sash moves up while the top stays fixed. Cost-effective, & energy-efficient.
A bright and airy bedroom with white furniture, bedding and black windows

Double Hung

Both the top and bottom sashes can be moved, allowing for better ventilation and easier cleaning.
A spacious living and dining, sectional sofa, red and white accent pillows

Casement Window

Hinged on the side and opening outward, these windows catch breezes and provide maximum airflow.
PGT Awning Windows

Awning Window

Hinged at the top and opening outward, perfect for letting in fresh air even during light rain.
Horizontal Rolling Windows

Horizontal Roller

Great for wide openings; the sashes slide side-to-side, making them ideal for patios and modern homes.
Picture Window

Picture Windows

Large, fixed panes that don’t open but provide unobstructed views and plenty of natural light.
A bright living room featuring gray sofas, armchairs, colorful throw pillows

Fixed Window

Customizable, non-operable windows that can be used to complement other window types.

2. Frame Materials

The window frame affects strength, durability, energy efficiency, and maintenance needs. Here’s how the main options compare:

Materials Pros Cons
Aluminum Strong, lightweight, resistant to corrosion, low maintenance, recyclable, modern look Conducts heat more than other materials; may need painting
Vinyl Excellent insulation, high energy performance, affordable, virtually maintenance-free Limited recyclability, fewer color options than aluminum
Wood Timeless aesthetic, excellent insulator, can be painted/stained for a custom look, recyclable Susceptible to rot, termites, and warping; higher maintenance

3. Glass Options

Laminated-Laminated-Insulating-Glass-Types-of-Window-Glass

Not all impact glass is the same. Choosing the right type is important for both protection and comfort:

  • Laminated Glass
    The standard choice for impact windows. It consists of two panes of glass bonded with a durable plastic interlayer. Even if the outer glass cracks, the inner layer holds everything together, preventing dangerous shards and keeping your home sealed.
  • Insulated Laminated Glass
    This option includes an additional pane of glass with a sealed air space in between, providing superior insulation. It helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduces outside noise, and boosts energy efficiency.

Tip: If your home receives a lot of direct sunlight, insulated laminated glass combined with a Low-E coating (see #6) is an excellent choice for both comfort and energy savings.

4. City & Building Codes

Florida has some of the toughest building codes in the country, and for good reason. With the entire state vulnerable to hurricanes, impact windows must meet strict requirements to ensure homes are protected against high winds and flying debris.

Key standards to look for include:

  • Miami-Dade County Approval – Considered the gold standard for hurricane testing. Products must withstand repeated impacts and extreme wind pressures before they can be approved.
  • Florida Building Code (FBC) – Enforced statewide, this code sets minimum standards for hurricane protection. Any impact window sold and installed in Florida should carry FBC approval.
  • Local Municipality Requirements – Some counties and cities have their own additional rules for hurricane-prone zones, so it’s important to confirm compliance before installation.

Tip: Work only with a licensed Florida contractor, like Guardian Hurricane Protection, who understands local codes. This ensures your windows are installed correctly, pass inspections, and provide the level of protection your home truly needs.

5. Hurricane Resistance Levels

Not all impact windows are built or tested to the same standards. Each product is rated for the level of wind speed and flying debris it can withstand. These ratings are often compared to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5.

  • Category 3 (111–129 mph winds) – Provides strong protection against major storms but may not be sufficient for homes in high-risk coastal areas.
  • Category 4 (130–156 mph winds) – Offers advanced protection, suitable for most hurricane-prone areas in Florida.
  • Category 5 (157+ mph winds) – Delivers the highest level of storm resistance, designed to withstand the most extreme hurricanes.

Tip: In Florida, where storms can quickly intensify, it’s wise to invest in windows rated for Category 5 conditions. This ensures maximum protection for your home, family, and property—even during the strongest hurricanes.

6. Low-E Glass

Low-E (low-emissivity) glass is one of the smartest upgrades you can choose when selecting impact windows. A nearly invisible, ultra-thin metallic coating is applied to the glass surface, designed to reflect infrared heat while still allowing natural light to pass through. This makes your home more comfortable year-round and improves energy efficiency.

Low-E Glass Breakdown

Different Types of Low-E Glass

  • Passive Low-E Coating – Best for colder climates, designed to maximize solar heat gain in winter while still insulating.
  • Solar Control Low-E Coating – Ideal for hot climates like Florida, designed to minimize solar heat gain and keep interiors cool.

Tip for Florida Homeowners: For homes in sunny, hurricane-prone regions, Solar Control Low-E glass is usually the best option. It provides maximum protection against heat while still letting in plenty of natural daylight.

7. R-Values and U-Values

When shopping for impact windows, you’ll often see R-values and U-values listed on product labels. These numbers may seem technical, but they’re important for understanding how well your windows will insulate your home.

  • A high R-value keeps outside heat from getting in.
  • A low U-value keeps your cooled indoor air from escaping.

Why It Matters in Florida?

Because Florida is a hot, humid climate, keeping your home cool is the top priority. A low U-value will help prevent heat from entering your home, reduce the strain on your air conditioning system, and lower energy bills.

8. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures how much solar radiation passes through a window and becomes heat inside your home. It’s expressed as a number between 0 and 1:

  • Lower SHGC (0.25–0.40) – Blocks more solar heat, keeping your home cooler.
  • Higher SHGC (0.40–0.60+) – Allows more heat to enter, which may be desirable in colder climates where homes benefit from passive solar warmth.

Homeowner Tip: When selecting impact windows, look for products with a low SHGC combined with Low-E glass coatings. This combination maximizes protection against heat gain while still allowing natural daylight to brighten your living spaces.

9. ENERGY STAR® Certification

energy star
Image Credit: www.energystar.gov

When comparing impact windows, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. This certification is recognized nationwide as a symbol of superior energy efficiency and performance.

To earn the ENERGY STAR® label, impact windows must:

  • Be manufactured by an ENERGY STAR® partner.
  • Be independently tested and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC).
  • Meet or exceed strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Tip: In Florida, ENERGY STAR®-certified impact windows can make a big difference in both comfort and savings. Ask your contractor if the models you’re considering qualify for tax credits, rebates, or insurance incentives. 

10. Brands & Manufacturers

When it comes to impact windows, not all products are created equal. Choosing a reputable manufacturer is just as important as selecting the right style or frame material. A trusted brand ensures your windows have been tested under Florida’s rigorous hurricane standards and are built to last.

Leading Impact Window Brands in Florida

PGT® – One of the most recognized names in the industry, PGT is known for its durable, Florida-tested designs. Their windows consistently meet or exceed Miami-Dade and Florida Building Code requirements, making them a top choice for homeowners who want reliability and peace of mind.

PGT logo

CGI® – Offers premium hurricane-resistant styles with a focus on strength and aesthetics. CGI windows combine robust engineering with sleek design, making them a favorite for homeowners who want storm protection without sacrificing curb appeal.

CGI Impact Resistant Window & Doors Logo

WinDoor® – Specializes in luxury impact windows and doors. WinDoor products are engineered for maximum performance while offering high-end finishes and customization options to complement upscale homes.

Windoor Logo

Homeowner Tip: Always ask your contractor for documentation such as Miami-Dade NOAs (Notice of Acceptance) or Florida Product Approvals. These certifications prove the product has been thoroughly tested and meets the strictest hurricane-resistance standards.

Why Choose Guardian Hurricane Protection?

Guardian Hurricane Protection is one of the most trusted names in impact windows in Naples, FL, and surrounding areas. We offer CGI, PGT, and WinDoor products with both aluminum and vinyl frame options. Our mission is to provide reliable, safe, and stylish impact window installations with top-quality craftsmanship and unbeatable service.

  • Fully licensed & insured
  • Florida Certified General Contractor
  • OSHA Certified
  • PGT Glazing Certified
  • EuroWall Installation Certified
  • Nami Certified Manufacturer

Most Trusted Impact Windows Installer in Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties Florida

Hurricanes may be unpredictable, but preparing your home doesn’t have to be. Impact windows offer more than storm protection—they improve energy efficiency, increase security, reduce noise, and enhance your home’s value. Choosing the right windows and working with a trusted installer ensures you and your family stay safe and comfortable year-round.

At Guardian Hurricane Protection, we combine top-quality products with expert installation to give homeowners in Southwest Florida peace of mind before, during, and after hurricane season. We offer CGI, PGT, and WinDoor Impact Windows with aluminum or vinyl frame options.

Contact Guardian Hurricane Protection at 239-438-4732 for solid protection with high quality and custom color selections of hurricane shutters in Naples or visit our showroom at 1410 Pine Ridge Rd #16, Naples, FL 34108.

References & Resources