Purchasing glass windows and doors, whether for a new build or a remodel, is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. To ensure a smooth and successful process, following an initial checklist is crucial before reaching out to a hurricane-impact window or door company. Here’s an expanded guide to help you navigate through this important task:
Guide to Buying Hurricane Impact Windows and Doors
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Assess Your Needs:
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- Define the purpose: Determine the specific requirements for the windows – are they primarily for aesthetics, energy efficiency, security, or protection against natural disasters like hurricanes? Also, think about how you want the flow of your space to function. Are you creating an indoor/outdoor living space or are you seeking privacy but want natural light in your space?
- Consider functionality: Think about the type of windows that will best suit your needs, such as fixed windows, sliding windows, or casement windows. A reputable window dealer can help you think through functionality for each residence room.
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Budget Considerations:
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- Establish a budget: Clearly define how much you will spend on your window project. This will help narrow down options and prevent overspending. Also, if you’re working with a door and window dealer that offers multiple brands, consider mixing manufacturers to align with your budget. Maybe you select one manufacturer for your picture windows and then invest more in sliding glass walls of windows from a different manufacturer.
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Research Local Building Codes:
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- Check local regulations: Ensure compliance with building codes and regulations in your area. Some regions may have specific requirements for windows, especially in hurricane-prone zones. It’s not imperative to understand all the ins and outs of Miami-Dade County window codes, but understanding what needs must be met for compliance will help you estimate pricing for your windows. As you can imagine, the stronger the window is against storms and hurricanes, the more expensive it will be.
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Energy Efficiency:
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- Look for energy-efficient options: Due to the extreme heat in Florida, it’s important to consider windows with high Energy Star ratings to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. This is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective in the long run. You can learn more about about Energy Star and the state of Florida here.
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Material Selection:
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- Choose the right material: Decide on the material that best suits your preferences and needs. Common materials include vinyl, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. A trusted glass door and window dealer can walk you through all the materials and show examples.
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Impact Resistance:
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- Evaluate impact resistance: If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or severe storms, prioritize impact-resistant glass to enhance the safety and security of your home. Research and understand the different impact ratings available. The rating of windows could shift slightly depending on how close you live to the shoreline.
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Select a Reputable Company:
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- Research companies: Before reaching out, investigate potential window and door companies. Look for reviews, testimonials, and certifications to ensure they have a good reputation for quality products and professional installation. We do hope that you’ll speak with All Glass & Windows!
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Warranty and Maintenance:
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- Inquire about warranty: Understand the warranty terms offered by the window company. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protection for your investment. Also, ensure the manufacturer’s warranty and the installation warranty (if performed by different companies) is clear.
- Consider maintenance: Ask about the required maintenance for the chosen windows. Some materials may require more upkeep than others. Also, because of the extreme heat and humidity, along with hurricanes in Florida, you may need to perform maintenance more frequently than in other parts of the country.
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Professional Installation:
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- Prioritize professional installation: Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your windows. Choose a company that provides experienced and certified installers.
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Customization Options:
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- Explore customization: Inquire about customization options if you have specific design preferences. Some companies offer a variety of styles, colors, and finishes to match your aesthetic requirements. When it comes to design and aesthetics, do not compromise. Working with a door and window dealer that sells multiple manufacturers’ windows and doors can give you more creative freedom when building your hurricane impact door and window packages.
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Finalize Measurements:
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- Schedule a professional measurement: Once you’ve chosen a company, schedule a professional to take accurate measurements. This ensures that the windows will fit perfectly and perform optimally. If you’re working with a contractor, designer, or architect, have them share plans with your door and window dealer so they can ensure everyone is on the same page.
By completing this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to make informed decisions when purchasing glass windows, leading to a successful and satisfying outcome for your new build or remodel project.
Now that you’ve armed yourself with your needs and wants, it’s time to speak with companies and contractors. We always recommend you do the following when evaluating a company or contractor:
- Ask your neighbors for referrals
- Ask your colleagues/friends/families that live in the area
- Stop in and visit showrooms in your area
- Do general research online. For example, read testimonials on their website.
- Look at the Better Business Bureau and other 3rd-party websites for reviews and insight.
- Meet with your top choices and ask to learn more about:
- The products they use
- Guarantees and warranties
- Installation availability and timelines
- Free quotes
- Any promotions or deals they may be running or the manufacturers they work with may have
- Will they let you speak directly with existing customers so you can hear about their personal experiences?
No matter how simple your glass windows and doors need, you must research before making such a large investment. Especially in Florida, hurricane-impact windows and doors are something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, ensure you give yourself enough runway to do all your research, hire the right team, and install everything before the next hurricane season.
If you’d like to consider All Glass & Windows, we invite you to check out our testimonials or contact us and visit our showroom. Also, explore the manufacturers we work with to provide the best impact hurricane windows and doors to the Sarasota area.
