Impact Windows Installation Metrowest FL
When hurricane season rolls around, Metrowest homeowners know the drill. You've seen what happened during the 2004 storms when windows failed throughout Central Florida. Your home near Turkey Lake Park or along the Metrowest Golf Club deserves better protection than hoping plywood will hold.
Alpine Exteriors installs hurricane impact windows that meet Florida Building Code R4402 requirements. We use PGT WinGuard and Simonton StormBreaker Plus systems - both rated for large-missile impact (Level D) and HVHZ approval. Your insurance company will notice too, with discounts up to 35% for properly installed impact windows in Metrowest.
What makes impact windows different from regular windows
Impact windows use laminated glass with a polymer layer between two sheets of glass. When debris hits during a storm, the glass may crack but stays in the frame instead of exploding into your home. This prevents the dangerous pressure changes that can blow your roof off.
Regular windows with shutters require you to board up before every storm. Impact windows stay in place year-round, protecting your Metrowest home from break-ins and those sudden summer thunderstorms that pop up over Central Florida.
How much insurance discount can I get with impact windows
Florida insurance companies offer discounts up to 35% for homes with properly installed impact windows. The exact discount depends on your carrier and how much of your home you protect. Most Metrowest homeowners see their windows pay for themselves within 8-10 years through insurance savings alone.
You'll need a Certificate of Completion from your contractor and the manufacturer's Miami-Dade approval numbers for your insurance company. We handle all the paperwork so you can file your discount claim right after installation.
Do impact windows really eliminate the need for shutters
Yes, when you install Level D impact windows that meet Florida Building Code R4402. These windows are tested with large missiles (9-pound 2x4 lumber) fired at 50+ mph. That covers the flying debris you'd see in a Category 5 hurricane.
Many Metrowest HOAs actually prefer impact windows over shutters because they don't change your home's appearance. You won't have those unsightly tracks or panels that make neighborhoods look like they're preparing for war every few months.
Which impact window brands perform best in Florida
We install PGT WinGuard and Simonton StormBreaker Plus because both have proven track records in Florida hurricanes. PGT manufactures right here in Florida and understands our climate challenges. Simonton has been protecting homes since 1946 and offers excellent warranties.
Both brands carry Miami-Dade approvals and HVHZ ratings. They're designed for Florida's humidity, salt air exposure, and temperature swings. Cheap impact windows from unknown manufacturers often fail their seals within a few years in our climate.
How long does impact window installation take
Most Metrowest homes take 1-3 days for complete installation, depending on the number of windows and any structural modifications needed. We measure and order your windows first - that usually takes 4-6 weeks for delivery from the manufacturer.
We install from the outside whenever possible to minimize disruption inside your home. Each window gets anchored into your home's structure according to Florida Building Code requirements, not just the window frame.
What happens if impact windows get damaged
Impact windows can handle repeated impacts without failing. If the outer glass layer cracks from debris, your home stays protected and secure. The inner layer and laminate keep wind and water out until you can schedule a replacement.
Both PGT and Simonton offer excellent warranties on glass and frame components. Most manufacturers will replace impact glass that fails during a named storm at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alpine Exteriors serves Metrowest, FL and the greater Orlando metro. Call (407) 428-1754 for a free estimate.