Your windows play a big role in your home’s look and function. They let in natural light, protect your interiors from harsh UV rays, and help keep your energy costs low.
Custom windows Miami FL can help you achieve all of these goals, while ensuring your home is safe from hurricane-force winds.
Energy Efficiency
A new window can add energy efficiency to a home. Outdated windows allow heat to escape and cold air to enter a house, contributing to higher electricity bills than necessary. Energy efficient custom windows are made of multiple glass units and frames with insulating spacers and argon gas fills. This helps keep the heat in during winter and out of the house during summer.
Impact windows also save on energy costs by preventing the sun’s rays from entering a home and causing damage. They are also designed to withstand high winds and items thrown by hurricanes and other severe weather.
The unique aspect of South Florida makes it necessary for homes to have specialized protection from hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. The area is set up on a peninsula with warm ocean waters on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, making it vulnerable to strong storms and hurricanes. Custom high-impact windows offer the best protection against these forces of nature.
Durability
The geographic location of Miami Florida makes it very susceptible to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. Windows that are not impact rated can easily shatter from forceful high winds leading to property damage and putting the people residing at home in danger.
To avoid such problems, you should always make sure to choose impact windows from a reliable and experienced manufacturer. Look for a local company with a long history of installing all types of windows and has extensive knowledge about the local climate and homeowner needs.
When choosing a company, you should also pay attention to their warranty promises. A good warranty should cover labor free of charge as well as a replacement for the insulating glass unit if it fails to function properly. You should also consider the length of time that the warranty lasts. The longer the warranty, the better. Most reputable companies offer warranties that last for up to 20 years.
Visual Appeal
The type of windows you choose will affect the ambiance and functionality of your living spaces. Experts like Markone Contractors, a leading concrete restoration company in Miami Beach, FL, emphasize the role of bespoke window solutions in enhancing both form and function.
Consider options that offer both beauty and durability, like wood or aluminum. These materials will stand up to Miami’s climate, and you can also find styles that meet the stringent requirements set by Miami-Dade County.
Look for styles that suit the architectural style of your home. Double-hung windows with sashes that move up and down are classic and versatile, while sliding windows are ideal for modern homes. Awning windows hinge at the top and open outward, offering great ventilation. Some also come with acoustic insulation to reduce noise pollution. Regardless of the type of windows you choose, it’s important to consider energy efficiency. Look for options certified by NFRC and Energy Star, which will provide unbiased performance data, including air leakage and sunlight transmittance.
Local Ordinances
Florida is unique in that it requires impact-resistant windows and doors. These features are designed to protect building occupants and limit property damage. They also save on energy costs and can even increase resale value. Window and door manufacturers must constantly innovate to create bigger and better products that can comply with local ordinances.
Most counties in South Florida have specific requirements based on hurricane-prone locations. These areas are known as High-Velocity Hurricane Zones or HVHZ. In these zones, buildings within a mile of the coast need openings that can withstand basic wind speeds of 110 MPH or higher.
This means that impact-rated windows are necessary for all homes located in these areas. This includes new construction and replacement projects. The good news is that there are plenty of options available to homeowners. You can find high-quality windows and doors that meet local standards, such as those from PGT. These windows and doors can help you avoid costly repairs, lower insurance premiums, and protect your property from severe hurricane-force winds.