7 Best Hurricane Windows & Doors Sarasota Experts Install

7 Best Hurricane Windows and Doors Sarasota Experts Actually Install

Hurricane windows Sarasota homeowners trust can mean the difference between weathering a storm safely and facing catastrophic damage to your property.

Living on Florida’s Gulf Coast means accepting the reality of hurricane season, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on protection. Quality impact glass doors and hurricane impact windows provide essential safeguards for your home, family, and belongings. However, with numerous options available for hurricane protection, Sarasota residents often struggle to identify truly reliable products. After all, not all impact-resistant windows Florida companies offer deliver equal performance when severe weather strikes.

This guide cuts through the marketing hype to reveal the 7 hurricane window and door brands that Sarasota installation experts actually recommend and install. Based on extensive research and professional insights, we’ll examine each manufacturer’s durability, design features, and pricing to help you make an informed decision for your home’s long-term safety.

PGT Hurricane Windows and Doors

Image Source: PGT Window

PGT stands as a pioneer in hurricane protection, with over 40 years of industry leadership. Their reputation among Sarasota contractors stems from their instrumental role in developing Miami-Dade building codes following Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

PGT hurricane windows and doors’ durability and certifications

PGT’s flagship WinGuard® impact-resistant products undergo rigorous, extensive missile testing that simulates real hurricane conditions. These windows and doors feature laminated glass construction—essentially a “sandwich” of two glass panes bonded with a protective interlayer. This design enables the glass to remain intact even if it shatters during extreme weather events.

The durability credentials are impressive—PGT impact windows can withstand wind speeds up to 200 mph, providing sufficient protection against Category 5 hurricanes. Additionally, these windows pass multiple testing protocols:

• ASTM E547/E331 for water resistance
• ASTM E283 for air infiltration
• ASTM E987 for deglazing
• Miami-Dade protocols PA/TAS 201, 202, and 203

Furthermore, throughout the severe storm seasons of 2004-2005, there were zero reported failures of PGT WinGuard installations.

PGT hurricane doors and windows’ energy efficiency features

Beyond storm protection, PGT products offer significant energy efficiency advantages. Homeowners with impact windows have seen annual energy bill reductions of 6%-12% (approximately $563 in the Southern zone).

The energy efficiency comes from several available options:

• Low-E glass that deflects solar heat while maintaining indoor comfort
• Various tint options (gray, bronze, blue, and green) to reduce heat transmission
• Argon gas filling between panes to minimize temperature fluctuations [2]

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, windows account for 25% to 30% of a home’s total heating and cooling costs. Consequently, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, such as PGT’s ENERGY STAR-certified products, can result in annual savings of between $126 and $465 nationally.

PGT hurricane windows and doors pricing in Sarasota

PGT offers a customizable pricing structure that accommodates different budgets while maintaining hurricane protection standards. On average, hurricane windows typically cost between $100 and $500 per window.

Notably, these impact-resistant windows and doors often provide financial benefits beyond their purchase price. One Florida homeowner reported a reduction in insurance costs, while another saw a decrease in their electric bill.

PGT’s product lineup in Sarasota includes various styles, such as single-hung windows, horizontal roller windows, sliding glass doors, and French doors—all available with impact resistance.

Marvin Impact Windows and Doors

Image Source: Marvin Windows

Marvin distinguishes itself in the Sarasota hurricane protection market by combining exceptional aesthetics with robust storm performance, offering several product lines designed to withstand the challenges of coastal environments.

Marvin impact windows and doors design and aesthetics

Unlike standard impact products, Marvin’s windows and doors feature premium design elements without sacrificing protection. The Coastline collection specifically offers narrow sightlines for clean, shutter-free aesthetics while providing panoramic views through dramatically large glass panels. Marvin remains one of the few manufacturers that use high-quality extruded aluminum cladding as standard, with finishes 20% thicker than those of competitors’ roll-form aluminum products.

The collection includes three distinct lines:

• Ultimate windows showcase natural wood interiors with nearly limitless design possibilities
• Elevate features Ultrex® fiberglass exteriors (8x stronger than vinyl and 3x stronger than competitive finishes)
• Coastline is engineered explicitly for hurricane zones with solid extruded aluminum frames

Hardware finishes are formulated to resist corrosion from humid conditions and salty air, particularly important for oceanfront properties in Sarasota.

Marvin impact doors and windows UV and turtle code compliance

Marvin offers specialized solutions for coastal properties subject to turtle conservation regulations. Their impact-resistant glass features Low-E coatings and laminated white interlayer options, which enhance privacy while reducing solar heat gain to meet the requirements of the Sea Turtle Conservation Code. Generally, these turtle codes restrict the amount of light permitted through windows on beach properties to prevent hatchling disorientation.

For maximum energy efficiency, Marvin windows feature Low-E glass coated with a microscopic metal or metallic oxide layer that suppresses radiative heat flow, subsequently reducing cooling costs in Sarasota’s warm climate.

Marvin impact windows and doors pricing and warranty

Price-conscious homeowners can expect Marvin windows to cost between $1,000 and $2,200 per window installed.

Certainly, Marvin’s warranty coverage demonstrates their confidence in product durability:

• 20-year warranty on insulating glass up to 60 square feet
• 10-year warranty on glass over 60 square feet
• 10-year warranty against stress cracks in non-tempered glass
• 10-year warranty on hardware and non-glass components
• 20-year warranty on standard exterior aluminum cladding finish
• 10-year warranty on aluminum cladding in coastal environments

All Marvin coastal and impact products require no extra latches or special locking hardware reinforcements, thus providing seamless operation alongside their impressive hurricane protection capabilities.

Kolbe Impact Windows and Doors

Image Source: www.kolbewindows.com

From custom estates to modern coastal homes, Kolbe provides Sarasota homeowners with exceptional hurricane protection through its meticulously engineered impact windows and doors, which blend performance with aesthetics.

Kolbe impact windows and doors’ structural strength

Kolbe’s impact-certified products utilize laminated glass with a flexible interlayer that keeps the glass intact even when struck by wind-borne debris. This crucial feature helps preserve your home’s structural integrity during hurricanes by preventing wind infiltration that could generate upward lift on the roof and outward pressure on walls.

These products undergo extensive independent testing to meet or exceed the strict building codes for coastal regions. Many Kolbe windows and doors achieve IPD4 (Wind Zone 4) certification with DP65 impact ratings, suitable for Florida’s most severe hurricane-prone areas. Moreover, Kolbe offers Zone 3, Zone 4, and High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) protection options, ensuring compliance with Miami-Dade County’s stringent requirements.

Kolbe impact doors and windows customization options

In contrast to competitors, Kolbe products are custom-crafted without unsightly brackets or visible rods holding the sash in place. Their impact-resistant lineup encompasses:

• Ultra Series: Features extruded aluminum clad exteriors with 70% PVDF fluoropolymer finish in 50+ standard colors and custom hues
• Heritage Series: All-wood construction enabling historically accurate details and architectural intricacy
• Forgent Series: Made with proprietary Glastra® hybrid material (fiberglass and UV-stable polymer) designed for strength and resilience

As a result, Sarasota homeowners can select from casements, double hungs, awnings, sliding windows, plus swinging, sliding, and folding doors in various sizes, styles, and materials—all with impact certification.

Kolbe impact windows and doors pricing in Florida

Kolbe’s hurricane-resistant products enhance value beyond protection, as their durability and energy efficiency can potentially reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums and energy bills. All impact-certified products feature specialized glazing retention systems explicitly designed for hurricane environments. A local Kolbe dealer, such as All Glass & Windows, can help you estimate the cost of Kolbe impact windows.

CGI Windows & Doors

Image Source: CGI Windows

CGI has established itself as a leading manufacturer of hurricane-resistant windows and doors since 1992, specializing exclusively in products that protect against extreme weather conditions while offering aesthetic appeal for both residential and commercial properties.

CGI hurricane windows and doors testing standards

At the core of CGI’s reputation is its commitment to rigorous testing protocols. Every impact-resistant window and door model undergoes testing to meet Miami-Dade County’s stringent requirements, recognized as the toughest wind-borne debris standard globally. Their products have successfully passed the Large Missile Test, which involves launching a 9-pound 2×4 at 50 feet per second to simulate flying debris during hurricanes.

Beyond initial certification, CGI windows undergo multiple performance evaluations:

• Cyclical pressure testing (documented in PSF—pounds per square foot)
• Water resistance testing (ASTM E547/E331)
• Air infiltration testing (ASTM E283)
• Deglazing testing (ASTM E987)

Furthermore, CGI residential windows have demonstrated the capacity to withstand high winds, significantly exceeding the requirements for even Category 5 hurricanes.

CGI doors and windows, noise reduction, and security

Aside from weather protection, CGI impact windows deliver remarkable noise reduction benefits. The laminated glass absorbs sound rather than transmitting it, creating a more peaceful indoor environment. In a recent survey, 63% of homeowners with impact windows reported they rarely or never hear outside noise, effectively eliminating disruptions from storms, traffic, construction, and everyday neighborhood sounds.

Meanwhile, the structural engineering that protects against hurricane forces serves a dual purpose—deterring intruders. Since the laminated glass remains attached to the frame even when struck by heavy objects, most CGI impact window owners report an increased sense of security.

CGI windows and doors pricing and Sarasota availability

CGI offers several product lines to accommodate different budgets while maintaining hurricane protection standards. Their Sentinel collection offers exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and energy efficiency at an affordable price point. For homeowners seeking energy savings, a reduction of approximately 10% in monthly energy costs can be expected.

The CGI comprehensive warranty includes 10 years on frames and laminated glass units, as well as a limited lifetime warranty on insulating glass units. Altogether, the long-term value extends beyond the initial investment, as many homeowners experience decreased property insurance costs and increased resale value.

WinDoor Impact Windows and Doors

Image Source: All Glass & Windows

Known for engineering excellence, WinDoor has built its reputation crafting premium hurricane windows and doors that grace luxury high-rises, five-star resorts, and celebrity mansions along Florida’s coastline for over 15 years.

WinDoor hurricane windows and doors for large openings

WinDoor’s flagship 8100 series sliding door system revolutionizes design possibilities for expansive openings. These doors stand out with their impressive dimensions, reaching up to 12 feet tall, which accommodates the architect’s vision for luxurious indoor-outdoor spaces. The engineering allows for specialized configurations, including:

• Pocket, non-pocket, and corner doors
• 90-degree and 135-degree corners
• Multi-panel bypass systems with heavy-duty screens

Their Diamond Glass technology weighs nearly half that of typical impact glass yet maintains the highest impact ratings in the industry. This specialized laminated glass effectively protects against hurricane-force winds, intruders, noise pollution, and harmful UV rays.

WinDoor water intrusion prevention technology

Primarily, WinDoor products undergo rigorous testing protocols to prevent water intrusion during severe weather events. Their aluminum doors and windows feature specialized engineering that helps protect against everything from hurricanes to energy waste.

The Estate Collection’s fixed hurricane windows exemplify this protection, designed with sightlines that match their casement and project-out hurricane windows. For extreme conditions, WinDoor’s Estate Project Out windows achieve design pressures up to +110/-195 PSF with standard stainless steel components.

To maximize protection, WinDoor implements comprehensive water management systems throughout its products. This critical engineering prevents moisture from becoming trapped within frames and sashes, which otherwise could lead to interior damage, mold growth, or loss of building function.

WinDoor pricing and Sarasota installation partners

Although premium-positioned, WinDoor offers a range of customized product lines tailored to meet the specific requirements of each project. Their products are manufactured in a 320,000-square-foot facility in Orlando, Florida, ensuring availability in substantial sizes, custom colors, and configurations.

Exceptionally, WinDoor’s products exceed energy efficiency standards, surpassing the U.S. Department of Energy’s R-5 Ratings, Acoustical Sound Ratings, and even High-Level Bomb-Blast requirements. These qualifications, combined with Miami-Dade, Florida Building Code, and TDI approvals, make them a preferred choice for Sarasota residents seeking maximum hurricane protection without sacrificing aesthetics.

Despite their luxury positioning, WinDoor’s value extends beyond initial cost through potential insurance savings and significantly reduced energy consumption in Sarasota’s demanding climate.

Euro-Wall Systems

Image Source: Euro-Wall

Euro-Wall stands out in the Sarasota market with its exceptionally large-opening solutions that eliminate barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces without compromising hurricane protection.

Euro-Wall folding and sliding hurricane doors

Euro-Wall specializes in manufacturing hurricane-rated folding and sliding doors that maximize views while meeting Florida’s stringent building codes. Their Vista Multi Slide system features the industry’s slimmest interlock sightline, measuring less than 1 inch, which provides uninterrupted views through massive glass panels. These impact sliding doors can be built with panels up to 10 feet in height and 8 feet in width, requiring fewer panels to fill large openings.

The Vista Fold™ hurricane-rated bi-fold doors offer equally impressive dimensions, with panels reaching up to 14 feet in height. All Euro-Wall systems have achieved Florida Product Approval and meet the requirements for High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. These doors undergo rigorous testing protocols, including TAS 201, 202, and 203 impact tests, which utilize large missile testing standards.

Euro-Wall hurricane performance and aesthetics

Beyond protection, Euro-Wall prioritizes operational excellence with features like its EZ Glide roller system, which enables smooth movement regardless of panel size. Their embedded sill option creates seamless indoor-outdoor transitions without thresholds to cross, yet still meets water resistance requirements without needing a sill riser.

The structural engineering behind Euro-Wall products delivers remarkable durability with design pressures reaching up to +100/-100 PSF in some configurations. For enhanced aesthetics, their standard finish utilizes AAMA 2605 coating—an industry-leading specification that provides 10-year protection against fading and chalking, along with up to 4,000 hours of salt spray resistance.

Euro-Wall pricing and customization options

Euro-Wall offers exceptional value through its industry-leading 10-year warranty, which is more than triple the industry standard. Their systems provide extensive customization options, including radius designs, 90-degree postless corners, and various panel finish options (white, clear anodized, bronze, black, and wood-clad).

For Sarasota homeowners seeking hurricane protection without sacrificing views, Euro-Wall provides specialized configurations that can include up to 8 panels in a single stack direction. Their innovative center meets astragal extrusion reinforced with galvanized steel, enabling maximum heights and widths while maintaining design pressure ratings.

Primarily designed for luxury applications, Euro-Wall’s pricing reflects their premium engineering and customization capabilities, yet provides long-term value through durability, energy efficiency, and potential insurance savings for Sarasota properties.

Signature Door Impact Products

Image Source: Signature Door

Handcrafted precision defines Signature Door’s approach to hurricane protection, offering Sarasota residents entry systems that combine uncompromising storm resistance with customized aesthetic appeal.

Signature Door hurricane-rated entry doors

Family-owned Signature Door specializes in Category 5 hurricane-rated and HVHZ/Impact-rated entry doors that have undergone extensive laboratory testing to meet the most stringent requirements in the United States, including Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. Their entry systems achieve impressive design pressures up to +65/-80 and can be installed up to 30 feet in the air (or higher with slightly reduced design pressures). Compared to traditional doors, these doors eliminate the need for unattractive hurricane shutters while maintaining their design pressure ratings.

The hurricane-tested construction allows for both operable and fixed door units up to 4’ x 10’ and fixed window units up to 34 square feet. Indeed, every hurricane-rated product comes with comprehensive documentation, ensuring compliance with coastal building codes.

Signature Door design flexibility and materials

Primarily crafted from solid mahogany, Signature Door entry doors offer remarkable customization potential. As their industry motto suggests, “If you can draw it, Signature Door can build it.” Their hurricane-rated products are entirely adaptable and built to exact specifications upon order, thanks to extensive testing of various components, construction methods, and configurations.

The Signature System employs a unique construction approach, where all components operate independently yet remain sealed to one another. Panels seal to the frame, and frames seal to the door, with silicone bonds creating flexible seals that accommodate movement between various parts.

For properties with extreme exterior exposure, their SureDoor construction requires no overhang to maintain warranty protection. This technology incorporates:

• Paint-grade engineered wood overlay for exterior sides
• Proprietary acetylated wood technology for durability
• Dark colors (including black) without voiding the warranty
• 10-year warranty against rotting and swelling

Signature Door pricing and Sarasota availability

As a leading-edge US manufacturer, Signature Door produces all its products entirely in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Nonetheless, their products are readily available in Sarasota through authorized dealers, such as All Glass & Windows. Their custom craftsmanship typically positions these products in the premium market segment.

Signature Door collaborates directly with homeowners, dealers, builders, contractors, designers, and architects to develop entry systems appropriate for specific homes and environments. For Sarasota installations, they provide complete door systems prehung and finished with locksets and casings, ready for straightforward installation by certified dealers.

Conclusion

Selecting the right hurricane windows and doors stands as a crucial decision for Sarasota homeowners facing the annual reality of hurricane season. Throughout this guide, we’ve examined seven manufacturers that truly deliver when severe weather threatens Florida’s Gulf Coast. Each brand offers unique advantages—PGT’s pioneering impact resistance, Marvin’s esthetic excellence, Kolbe’s custom craftsmanship, CGI’s rigorous testing standards, WinDoor’s large-opening solutions, Euro-Wall’s indoor-outdoor integration, and Signature Door’s handcrafted entry systems.

Though the initial investment might seem substantial, these high-quality impact products deliver remarkable long-term value. Hurricane windows and doors from these trusted manufacturers typically reduce insurance premiums, lower energy bills, enhance property value, and provide peace of mind during storm season. Additionally, many homeowners report significant improvements in their quality of life through noise reduction, UV protection, and enhanced security.

Weather protection need not compromise your home’s beauty. Most importantly, today’s hurricane-resistant products offer aesthetic options that enhance rather than detract from architectural design. The days of unsightly storm shutters or emergency plywood installations have given way to elegant, permanent solutions that function seamlessly throughout the year.

Before making your final decision, consider consulting with qualified Sarasota installation professionals who can assess your specific needs, budget considerations, and design preferences. After all, professional expertise ensures proper installation—a critical factor that determines how well your hurricane windows and doors perform when severe weather arrives. Your home deserves nothing less than protection you can trust when the next storm approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast.

All Glass & Windows proudly offers products from all seven of these premier manufacturers, providing you with unmatched selection under one roof. Our trained installation teams are ready to serve you with the craftsmanship and professionalism that have built our reputation throughout Sarasota County. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward superior hurricane protection for your home.