Impact Windows in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale is where impact windows meet salt water. The city has about 165 miles of waterways inside its limits and seven miles of beach, and a large share of the homes we see sit on a canal, the Intracoastal or a short walk from the ocean. That changes what we recommend: frame finishes, fasteners and hardware have to stand up to salt air, not just wind.

An older city than its neighbors

The median home in Fort Lauderdale was built in 1973, and about 40 percent of the city's housing went up in the 1950s and 1960s. Those mid-century ranch houses, many with terrazzo floors and low rooflines, often have their original awning or jalousie windows, or aluminum replacements that are themselves decades old. Owners who want to keep the look of a mid-century house can choose impact windows with narrow frames and horizontal lines that suit the style.

Coastal-grade materials

Near salt water, aluminum frames should carry a durable finish, and hardware like hinges, rollers and locks should be stainless or otherwise rated for coastal use. We go over those options during the estimate. A window that is rated for the wind but corrodes in five years is not a good buy on a canal lot.

Waterfront sliders and large glass

Canal homes usually face the water with wide sliding doors or French doors. Impact sliding glass doors for these openings are heavy, so we check the condition of the slab edge and the opening before ordering. Water intrusion at the sill is the most common complaint we hear on the water side, and new units with proper sill pans and flashing address it.

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High-rise and mid-rise condos

About 28 percent of Fort Lauderdale's housing is in buildings of 50 or more units. Condo owners need the association's approval, and the building's wind load requirements change by floor and by position on the facade. Wilma in 2005 showed what high winds do to tall buildings here: several downtown high-rise office buildings suffered extensive damage, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport recorded gusts up to 99 mph.

Hurricane shutters as a second layer

Some waterfront owners keep roll-down shutters over large glass even after switching to impact windows. Shutters keep debris marks off expensive glass and add privacy and shade when a house is closed for the season. We can price them as an add-on to a window plan.

Measuring old openings

Mid-century masonry openings are rarely perfectly square. We measure each one in several places, note any past alterations, and order units sized to the real opening so they can be anchored as their approvals require.

Permits in the city

Fort Lauderdale has its own building department, and window, door and shutter work requires a permit with product approvals. Some areas of the city have historic designations or special review; check with the city's planning and building staff before choosing a product if your home may be affected. We prepare the opening schedule and approvals for the submittal. Call (954) 375-7681 to set up a visit.