Aluminum-framed impact windows and doors are inherently strong but lightweight and are the best option for the weather and conditions in South Florida.   They are made with durable powder-coated finishes that are resistant to corrosion. Aluminum impact windows are the best for strength and longevity with minimal maintenance. Vinyl-Framed impact windows and doors are another option available.  They offer excellent insulation, reducing heat transfer and energy costs. They are slightly less impact-resistant than aluminum but still meet hurricane protection standards. GM Door, Window will review all your material options with you, and you can select the best choice for your style of home that will work within your budget.  GM sells a wide variety of affordable, solid, and durable impact products.

This is where our knowledgeable consultant at GM Door Window will help you narrow down your choices and advise you on what impact windows and doors will work best for the architectural design of your home.  We suggest that you do some research before meeting with the consultant to have in idea of what you like but most import what you don’t like.  We will walk you through the available impact window choices: single hung, horizontal rolling windows, casement windows, fixed windows, and specialty shapes.  We will show you entrance doors that make a bold statement and more subtle entrance doors that complement the design of your home.

Hurricane Impact windows and doors are an excellent investment to protect your family. Qualified property owners can get up to 100% financing to make energy efficiency and wind resistance improvement and repairs through the Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program. Financing is based upon available home equity, ability to pay, along with other factors. The funding is repaid through an assessment included in the annual property tax bill. Wind resistant improvements include wind-rated / hurricane resistant windows, doors, and storm shutters. The PACE program is not based upon credit score, it pays the contractor directly, stretches payments out over terms up to 30 years, and is at a fixed interest rate. Most importantly you don’t have to pay anything upfront if you qualify. You will get impact windows and doors installed with $0 money down.

Yes, many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with impact-resistant windows and doors because they significantly reduce the risk of storm damage. Impact windows and doors installed in your home increase your home's energy efficiency, and may also reduce the wind portion of your property insurance bill by up to 77 percent depending on the age of your home and type of improvement. Florida homeowners who install impact products may qualify for lower premiums under wind mitigation policies. The savings vary depending on your insurance provider, the number of openings protected, and the overall safety of your home. It's always a good idea to check with your insurer to see what discounts are available.

Just as important as purchasing quality impact windows and doors is to ensure they are properly installed. One of the first questions we get is - "Do we need a permit from the city?" And the answer is yes. Our expert team will guide you seamlessly through the process. An inspection ensures the impact windows and doors you select meet local building code requirements for both impact resistance against flying debris and meet the specified wind load requirements. The inspector will also confirm the windows and doors are installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Improperly installed windows and doors are subject to failure when you need them most, or just as bad a small leak from a poorly installed window or door can, over time, cause tremendous damage to the structure. Be cautious of companies that use subcontractors or use a handyman to do your installation. We know all the requirements and will not install any project without the approved city permit.

While it is a significant investment to replace all of your windows and doors simultaneously with Impact windows and doors, it does pay off in the long run.  And yes, it is an investment that will have a good return.  Here are some excellent reasons to have all your home windows and doors upgraded all at once with impact products. 

Cost Savings – You will be able to save significant money on labor and materials by replacing all of your windows and doors at once

Insurance Savings – To qualify for a discount on your wind-storm portion of your home's insurance, every opening, both windows and doors, must be covered with a product rated for hurricane protection.

Energy Savings – Old windows and doors are likely to be leaking air, causing you not only to be air conditioning your own home but the surrounding neighborhood.   When properly installed, new impact windows and doors make for an air-tight seal of your home, saving money on your electrical bill every month.  

Safety and Security – If all of your windows and doors are impact rated, also known as hurricane rated, you will be ready at all times if a hurricane threatens.  No need to worry about putting up shutters or plywood; you are hurricane-ready at all times.  Getting your windows and doors done in stages leaves openings for storms and thieves to penetrate the envelope of your home through those weak points.   

Aesthetics – Brand new impact windows and doors will dramatically improve the appearance of your home.   Doing some windows and not others will create a disjointed look.  Sliding windows and picture windows are all good for maximizing your home's views and giving your home a modern look.  Impact entrance glass doors are also great for letting in natural light. 

Return on Investment – Aside from ongoing energy savings, it is estimated that replacing old windows and doors with impact-rated windows and doors can return as much as 78% of their cost at the time of resale.   Plus, your home is likely to sell more quickly with new impact windows and doors.    

Most people take their windows and sliding glass doors for granted, but they require some regular maintenance to make sure they operate properly.   In South Florida with the exception of a few short months your windows remain closed and that can be an issue when you finally do go to open them and find they are stuck.  So aside from just cleaning the glass, at least once a year you should give all your windows a thorough inspection.

Maintaining impact windows is simple and requires minimal effort. To clean them, use a mixture of mild soap and water with a soft cloth or sponge—avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the protective coatings. Regularly check the window seals and frames for dirt or debris, and ensure the weep holes (drainage openings) are clear to prevent water buildup. Occasional lubrication of moving parts, such as tracks and locks, will help keep your windows operating smoothly for years to come.

Regular window and sliding glass door maintenance will extend the life of your investment and give you years of trouble-free operation.

The installation timeline depends on the size of your home and the number of windows and doors being replaced. On average, the process takes 1 to 3 days for a single-family home, but custom projects or larger homes may take longer. Before installation, there’s also a permitting and manufacturing phase, which can take several weeks. Our team will guide you through the process, from ordering your custom impact products to the final inspection, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation.

The main difference between impact windows and standard glass windows involves the production and construction process. Also the glass on Impact –resistant windows is thicker because is composed of more than one layer. These types of glass can be laminated or insulated glass. While standard windows are required to stand up to normal pressure, they are not suitable for severe weather events and will break easily, creating vulnerabilities on your property. Impact-resistant windows are far stronger and more durable than other forms of windows.

Impact-resistant windows can offer many benefits, including added protection for your family, a reduced risk of property damage, the diminished likelihood of breaking when struck, noise reduction, and a lessened likelihood of intruders.

Windows play a large part in maintaining the frame of a property. Broken windows can easily lead to instability in a challenging climate, and further wind or debris damage can quickly cause issues with your roof as a result of changing pressure within the building. High-impact windows are less likely to break, reducing the likelihood of significant home damage during a hurricane.

Yes, some impact-resistant windows protect against UV light rays. Gray and bronze windows offer 100% UV protection, blocking all potentially damaging rays. Be sure to verify the level of UV protection available with your window vendor prior to purchase.

Yes! Due to the nature of impact windows, installing them in your home can increase energy efficiency and keep air conditioning bills lower throughout the year. The likelihood of energy savings is improved when used in conjunction with high-impact doors.

If you’re considering impact windows, it’s important to choose a contractor who is experienced in both production and installation. Also, consider variety and pricing to ensure you find the right fit for both your home and budget. Any contractor you choose should be licensed and insured accordingly to prevent against any liability.