Considering impact windows for your Florida home? Great choice! Impact windows offer strong storm protection without changing the look of your home’s exterior. They can also help cut your energy costs and reduce noise. In this guide we will show the different types of windows available for your Florida home. So keep reading as we will discuss each style so you know exactly what each one looks like, how they function, where they are used, and what they are all about. We also gives some benefits of each kind. We hope you find this guide helpful.
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Table of Contents:
Introduction
Like standard glass windows there are many impact window types. If you are doing all of your home’s windows you will most likely choose multiple types of windows vs just one type. For instance, the windows you have in your bathroom may not be the same as the ones you have in your living room or even your bedrooms.
It is good to note that all of the impact windows below meet Florida Building Codes. However, not all of them are offered as HVHZ approved. We note which of the impact window types are “commonly” available with HZHZ approval.
So let’s explore the different types of window for your home!
Related Guide: Everything you Need to Know About Impact Windows
Single Hung Impact Windows
What are they: Single hung impact windows are easy to use and operate. The top pane of the window is stationary (it does not move). The bottom pane does open and close vertically, allowing for ventilation. They are easy to clean and maintain. And they have great thermal, air barrier and water barrier performance.
Where they are used: Single hung impact windows are used in many rooms throughout a house, even smaller size ones in bathrooms. This is because they are simple to use, easy to clean and affordable.
Benefits of single hung impact windows:
- Easy to clean due to tilt sash
- Simple to operate
- Excellent energy efficiency
- High performance against air & water intrusion
- Can be customized to fit into any location
- Strong hurricane, storm & security protection
- HVHZ approved and Florida State Product approved
- Can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane
Learn more about single hung impact windows.
Double Hung Impact Windows
What are they: The double hung impact window looks just like a single-hung window. But they are different in one important way. Both the top and the bottom glass panes open and close on a double-hung impact window. The biggest benefits of this is that they allow more airflow in your home and they allow for easier cleaning of the outside glass due to tilt sashes.
Where they are used: Double hung windows are commonly used all around the home. Specific rooms include living areas, bedrooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms (generally in smaller sizes).
Benefits of double hung impact windows:
- Easy to clean due to tilt sash
- Simple to operate
- Excellent energy efficiency
- High performance against air & water intrusion
- Can be customized to fit into any location
- Strong hurricane, storm & security protection
- Florida State Product approved
- Can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane
Learn more about double hung impact windows.
Impact Picture Windows
What are they: Picture windows, or fixed windows, are typically larger windows. They usually have obstructed panes of glass that allow a lot of natural light into your home. So if you have a beautiful view they are great at allowing a clear view. They can also be combined with arched windows to truly make a statement inside and outside your home. Alternatively, you can combine them with ventilation windows to get fresh air as well.
Picture windows are also exceptional for adding a ton of natural light into to your home due to their size.
Additionally, picture windows are a great choice for homes located in coastal or HVHZ designated areas.
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Where they are used: Picture windows are commonly used in living areas, especially in living rooms, and family rooms. However, they can be used anywhere where you want to allow a large amount of light in or capture a beautiful view outside.
Benefits of Impact Picture Windows
- Great curb appeal
- Unbeatable views outside
- Excellent energy efficiency (Energy Star rating)
- High performance against air & water intrusion
- Can be customized to fit into any location
- Strong hurricane, storm & security protection
- HVHZ and Florida State Product approved
- Can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane
On the downside they do not open. If you need them to provide air flow into your home they may not be the right choice. But if you don’t need (or want) them open they are absolutely stunning.
Learn more about impact picture windows.
Horizontal Roller Window
What are they: Horizontal roller impact windows function similar to sliding glass doors. They slide side-to-side vs up and down. In addition to ease of operation, it provides a large opening, which can act as an exit from your home (on ground-level rooms).
Where they are used: This type of window can be used in many areas. Some of the common areas are kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
This type of window is a good fit for openings where the width is bigger than the height. It is also a good fit for locations where the window is hard to reach, such as when it is higher up on a wall or behind kitchen a counter (usually behind a sink). Horizontal rollers also meet egress requirements so they are used in bedrooms.
Benefits of Horizontal Roller Windows
- Great for hurricane, storm & security protection
- Energy efficient
- Easy to open and close
- Allow a lot of light and airflow into your space
- Look great and won’t change the appearance of your home
- Customization to fit in any location in your home or building
- HVHZ approved and Florida State Product approved
- Can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane
Learn more about impact horizontal roller windows.
Awning Windows
What are they: Impact awning windows have hinges on the top of the window. You open them by moving the glass outward from the bottom of the window with a crank handle or other mechanism.
Awning windows are commonly installed at a higher position on a wall. They are great for ventilation and privacy as well as natural light. You will commonly see awnings in a bathroom or kitchen. But they are also sometimes combined with other window styles throughout a home.
They are a great choice for retrofits, especially if you live in a coastal or HVHZ designated area as they are approved for use in HVHZ. They offer extreme storm protection, curb appeal, energy efficiency and air/water barrier performance.
Where they are used: This window type is commonly found in rooms where it is beneficial to have ventilation, such as bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, and living areas.
Benefits of Impact Awning Windows
- Great curb appeal
- Cost efficient for retrofit projects
- Excellent energy efficiency (Energy Star rating)
- High performance against air & water intrusion
- Can be customized to fit into any location
- Strong hurricane, storm & security protection
- HVHZ and Florida State Product approved
- Can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane
Learn more about impact awning windows.
Casement Impact Windows
What are they: Casement impact windows open by a hinge on the side of the window. They swing in and out via a crank or other mechanism. Casement windows are typically tall, narrow windows. You will also find casement style windows in larger arrangements (row) of windows.
This type of window offers storm and security protection, energy efficiency, exceptional airflow and great looks. They are also great for letting light and fresh air into your home.
Where they are used: This type of window is also commonly used where ventilation is desired. Awning windows are commonly found in living areas, behind a kitchen sink, in bedrooms, and even in bathrooms.
Benefits of Casement Impact Windows
- Beautiful design sure to add a statement to your room
- Excellent ventilation
- Energy efficiency
- Allow a lot of light and airflow into your space
- Can be customized to fit into any location
- Strong hurricane, storm & security protection
- HVHZ approved and Florida State Product approved
- Can withstand up to a category 5 hurricane
Learn more about impact casement windows.
Impact Arch, Radius, Half Moon, Half Round Windows
What are they: Arch windows have many names. They are also referred to as radius windows, half moon windows, palladium windows, half round windows, and more. This is more of a group of windows than a single shape or style. These are typically flat on the bottom and rounded on the top. Sometimes they are used above rectangular/square windows (see the second and third picture above). And other times they are used by themselves (see the first picture above).
This type of windows are commonly used to increase a home’s aesthetics and act as a design feature. They are unique, attention getters that can elevate your home’s curb appeal.
Where they are used: These windows are best suited for areas where ventilation or egress (the ability to exit) are not necessary. So they are commonly used in living areas where you have other windows that provide ventilation and egress. In Florida these types of windows are commonly added on top of rectangular windows, such as double-hung windows. Similarly, they are added above or alongside impact sliding glass doors and french doors.
Conclusion
Impact windows are a great option for homeowners in Florida. They provide strong hurricane protection without changing the look of your home’s exterior. They can also help reduce energy costs and noise. There are many different types of windows available for your Florida home. These range from common types of windows like single and double hung, to more eye-catching ones like impact arch windows. But you do not have to pick just one type. You can use a variety of windows throughout your home.
If you are interested in impact windows and would like to get a free estimate for your home in Southwest Florida then we would love to help. Eurex Shutters provides high-quality impact windows, expert installation, and great service, all at fair prices. We have been installing storm protection products in Southwest Florida for 38 years (since 1986). Our family-owned and operated business would love to work with your family!
Call us at (239) 369-8600 or using the form below to receive a free in-home estimate today.
