Hurricane season differs each year, but protecting your home with hurricane windows ensures that your home and your loved ones are well-prepared for and protected against dangerous weather. Some areas of Florida require impact windows that are Miami-Dade approved. But what exactly are Miami-Dade Hurricane-Rated Windows? Who needs them? And did you know that other Florida counties, in addition to Miami-Dade County also require these windows. Keep reading as we cover what they are, why they are different, and who these requirements affect.
Read on to learn more about Miami-Dade hurricane-rated windows and their role in your safety and comfort.
Understanding Miami Dade Hurricane Windows
Did you know that Miami-Dade County has some of the strictest building codes for hurricane compliance in the United States? That is why they have become a standard for locations that experience the worst hurricanes. And the products that meet the Miami-Dade Product Approval requirements are some of the most capable products there are for hurricane protection. Below we give an introduction into what these windows are, and why/how they are different from other impact windows.
What are Miami Dade Hurricane Windows?
In simple terms, Miami-Dade Hurricane Windows are able to resist the impact of flying debris and capable of withstanding wind speeds during a Category 5 hurricane. These are sometimes called HVHZ approved windows as the area is a designated High Velocity Hurricane Zone. Impacts can come from anywhere because intense hurricane winds can pick up and launch debris that can break most glass in no time. Miami Dade Windows have been tested to meet rigorous standards (more stringent than the Florida Building Code) enabling them to withstand the most extreme weather conditions.
Miami Dade Window Approval Process
For impact windows to be approved they go through a thorough approval process. The product approval process includes testing, engineering analysis, reviews of other technical documentation, among other steps. In terms of testing, the products undergo several tests at a Miami-Dade County Certified laboratory, including:
- Large missile test
- Small missile test
- TAS202 – Air infiltration resistance, structural wind loading and water infiltration tests
- TAS201 – Hurricane Impact Test (small and large missile testing) to determine whether the windows can sufficiently resist airborne debris
What Counties Require Miami Dade (HVHZ) Approved Windows?
Miami-Dade Product Approvals are implemented in Miami Dade and Broward Counties, which are designated as High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). Palm Beach County is also a HVHZ. HVHZs have more stringent requirements than other areas in Florida that are designated as lower wind zones (zones 1 and 2).
However, the requirements of each municipality are decided by that municipality. In other words, a municipality in a wind zone 2 can and may require homes to have HVHZ approved products. And this may very well be the trend in coming years. Thats because recent, major hurricanes have caused devastation in areas outside of HVHZ designated areas, such as Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida in 2022 and Hurricane Michael in the Panhandle in 2018.
Who needs to meet the Miami-Dade Window Requirements?
If you are building a new home in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach counties (or a county that has Miami-Dade requirements) your windows will need to meet the Miami-Dade/HVHZ requirements.
You may also need approved windows if you live in one of these areas and are doing a significant renovation of your home (such as the 50% rule).
It is best to speak with your contractor and/or local building department to understand what requirements you must meet if installing windows.
Purpose and Benefits of Installing Miami Dade Hurricane Windows
The primary function of hurricane impact-resistant windows, including Miami Dade and HVHZ approved windows, is to protect your home and loved ones from the dangers of a hurricane. Debris are effortlessly thrown at houses during a major hurricane, resulting in significant damage. But impact resistant windows help protect your home during these storms. Here are some considerations around installing impact windows on your Florida home.
- Impact rated hurricane windows are designed to withstand hurricane winds and flying debris. They are much more difficult to shatter, preventing exposed openings in your home, leading to more serious damage, such as water intrusion and your home becoming pressurized. They also prevent shards from becoming projectiles if a hurricane throws something at the glass.
- Provide insurance savings. Florida insurance companies offer discounts for homes that have properly installed Miami-Dade, HVHZ and hurricane-rated windows. They recognize the reduced risk of damage. While not earth shattering, these discounts can help to repay your investment over time.
- Hurricane-rated windows are built with laminated glass (2+ sheets of glass with a strong interlayer), making them impenetrable, noise-proof, and energy-efficient. They will help to dampen external noise, reduce utility bills, and protect your home from UV exposure (e glass windows), all while protecting your house and loved ones from the damage of a severe hurricane.
Choosing the Right Hurricane-Rated Windows for Your Florida Home
Selecting high-rated hurricane windows for your Florida home is easier than you think. The best windows for your Florida home should meet local building codes. So check with your local building department to ensure your new windows comply (before installing them).
Look at reviews, watch videos to learn about the products, and see them in person.
Professional, proper installation is also critically important. So go with a hurricane protection company with a reputation for excellent installations, such as our team at Eurex Shutters. To ensure that your hurricane windows in Miami-Dade perform well, hire one of our certified professionals for installation.
Conclusion
Protecting your home and loved ones should be on your mind, especially if you live in Florida. Hurricane seasons in Florida vary in severity, but being protected is something that should be a constant. That is why investing in Miami-Dade hurricane-rated windows, HVHZ windows, or Impact Windows ensures you are ready and prepared for the worst weather all year-round.
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