What's involved
How a impact windows & doors job goes
Measuring and ordering
Every opening is measured and the windows are custom-made, so lead times of several weeks are normal. Ask for the expected delivery date in writing.
Product approvals
In Miami-Dade and Broward, each window and door must carry an approval rated for the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, with design pressures that match your home's location and height.
Removal and installation
Old frames come out, openings are prepared, and new units are anchored to the wall with the fasteners and spacing the approval specifies. Stucco and drywall touch-ups follow.
Inspections and paperwork
The city inspects the installation. Afterward, keep the permit, product approvals and invoice together, because your wind mitigation inspector will ask for them.
South Florida specifics
What's different here
The things a contractor from out of the area can miss.
- Every opening counts. Insurers usually give the opening-protection credit only when all windows, doors, garage doors and skylights are protected, so a partial job may not move your premium.
- Design pressure matters on the coast and on upper floors. Higher exposure needs higher-rated units, and a cheap bid sometimes uses the minimum.
- Condo and HOA rules often control frame color, glass tint and style. Get the association's approval before the order is placed.
Before you hire
What I make sure is in your estimate
When I connect you with a contractor, these are the items I check so nothing gets added halfway through the job.
- Product approval numbers for every unit on the quote
- Design pressures that fit your home's location
- Whether the garage door and entry doors are included
- Who handles stucco, drywall and paint after install
- Permit, inspections and a realistic delivery date
- Warranty on the product and on the installation
Questions
Impact Windows & Doors: common questions
Do impact windows lower my insurance?
They can. When every opening is protected and the wind mitigation inspector documents it, many insurers give a meaningful windstorm credit. The size of the discount depends on your insurer and the rest of your home's features.
Should I do windows or the roof first?
If the roof is near the end of its life, it usually comes first, since a leaking roof can damage new window openings and the roof is often what your insurer is asking about. If the roof is solid, windows can go first. I'll help you set the order.
Can I do only some of the windows?
Yes, but a partial job usually won't earn the full opening-protection credit. Some homeowners phase it over two years. I'll help you plan phases so the final result qualifies.
Related
Often done together
Areas served
Every city in Miami-Dade and Broward.
Wherever your home is in South Florida, I'll connect you with a licensed contractor who already works in your area.
Miami-Dade County
- Aventura
- Bal Harbour
- Bay Harbor Islands
- Biscayne Park
- Coral Gables
- Cutler Bay
- Doral
- El Portal
- Florida City
- Golden Beach
- Hialeah
- Hialeah Gardens
- Homestead
- Indian Creek
- Key Biscayne
- Medley
- Miami
- Miami Beach
- Miami Gardens
- Miami Lakes
- Miami Shores
- Miami Springs
- North Bay Village
- North Miami
- North Miami Beach
- Opa-locka
- Palmetto Bay
- Pinecrest
- South Miami
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Surfside
- Sweetwater
- Virginia Gardens
- West Miami
- Kendall
- Westchester
- Brickell
- Coconut Grove
- Unincorporated Miami-Dade
Broward County
- Coconut Creek
- Cooper City
- Coral Springs
- Dania Beach
- Davie
- Deerfield Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Hallandale Beach
- Hillsboro Beach
- Hollywood
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
- Lauderdale Lakes
- Lauderhill
- Lazy Lake
- Lighthouse Point
- Margate
- Miramar
- North Lauderdale
- Oakland Park
- Parkland
- Pembroke Park
- Pembroke Pines
- Plantation
- Pompano Beach
- Sea Ranch Lakes
- Southwest Ranches
- Sunrise
- Tamarac
- West Park
- Weston
- Wilton Manors
- Unincorporated Broward
Get connected
Tell me about your impact windows & doors project.
I'll call or text you back, usually the same day, and connect you with the right licensed contractor.