Impact Windows in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea sits on a narrow barrier island, with the ocean on one side and the Intracoastal on the other, so impact windows here face the toughest exposure in our area. A coral reef lies about 100 yards offshore, and the state recognized the town as Florida's Beach Diving Capital in 2016. Around 80 percent of its housing is in multi-unit buildings, and the median build year is 1972.

Older beachside buildings

About a third of the town's housing was built in the 1960s and another 27 percent in the 1970s. Many low-rise condos and apartment buildings from that time have original or early replacement windows and sliders. Salt spray pits aluminum and corrodes fasteners and rollers faster here than inland.

Coastal-grade products

For oceanfront and Intracoastal units we recommend frames with durable coastal finishes and stainless or corrosion-resistant hardware. Sliders that face the ocean also need sills designed to hold back wind-driven rain. We check those details before suggesting a product.

Get a Free Estimate

Associations and seasonal owners

The median age here is about 63, and in 2020 nearly half of housing units were vacant at census time, a sign of many seasonal homes. Owners who are away for months want protection that does not need anyone to close shutters. Condo associations set window standards and approve installs.

Bel Air and Terra Mar Island

The town doubled in size in 2001 when it annexed the Intracoastal beach area, including Bel Air and Terra Mar Island. Those neighborhoods include single-family homes on the water, where large sliders and French doors face the canals.

Hurricane shutters on the island

Some owners use roll-down or accordion shutters on balconies, either with impact glass or while they plan a replacement. On the oceanfront, shutters also keep sand and salt off the glass when a unit is closed for the season.

Building-wide projects

When an association replaces windows and doors for a whole building, every unit uses the same product line and approvals. We can price individual units or work with the association's specifications.

Measuring and access

For upper-floor units, we plan how large units get up to the floor and how old units come down. We coordinate elevator use and work hours with management.

Single-family homes on the canals

In Bel Air and Terra Mar Island, single-family homes face the canals with wide sliders, French doors and big windows. Those owners get the same coastal recommendations as condo owners, plus a look at the garage door and the entry door.

Noise near A1A

Laminated glass reduces outside noise from traffic and beach crowds compared with older single-pane windows.

Permits

Window, door and shutter work requires a permit. Check with the town's building department for its current list. We prepare the opening plan and product approvals. Call (954) 375-7681 to set up a visit.