The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Hurricane-Resistant Windows in Clearwater, FL

With over 60 years of experience, Clearwater Window & Door Inc. is the trusted choice for hurricane windows in Clearwater, FL, providing high-quality, impact-resistant windows and exceptional service to the Pinellas County area. Our professional team, boasting over 50 years of combined expertise, is dedicated to delivering durable products, whether you need hurricane-resistant replacement windows, custom porch enclosures, or new doors. We pride ourselves on offering the highest value at the lowest prices, always providing a FREE, no-nonsense in-home written estimate. Call us today at (727) 559-7007 to schedule your free estimate and experience superior quality and service.

When selecting hurricane-resistant windows, it’s essential to evaluate several critical factors to ensure optimal protection and performance.

• Climate Adaptability: Assess whether the windows are engineered to withstand the specific weather patterns prevalent in your area. For instance, regions prone to high-velocity hurricanes require windows tested for extreme conditions.
• Structural Integrity: Examine the materials used in the window construction. High-quality hurricane-resistant windows typically feature laminated glass composed of two glass layers bonded with a durable interlayer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast polymer, enhancing their ability to resist impact.
• Storm Endurance: Determine the window’s capacity to endure various hurricane categories. This is often indicated by the Design Pressure (DP) rating, which measures the window’s resistance to wind pressure and debris impact. For example, a DP rating of 50 implies the window can withstand wind speeds up to 173 mph, suitable for Category 5 hurricanes.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the windows meet or exceed local building codes and safety standards, such as the ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996, which test products for performance under extreme environmental conditions. Compliance with these standards is crucial for both safety and insurance purposes.
• Professional Installation: Opt for installation by certified professionals experienced with hurricane-resistant systems. Proper installation is vital to maintain the window’s integrity and effectiveness during a storm. We employ factory-trained installers with over 15 years of experience, ensuring secure and reliable installations.
• Maintenance Requirements: Regular upkeep is necessary to preserve the functionality of hurricane-resistant windows. This includes periodic cleaning and inspections to detect and address any signs of wear or damage promptly.
• Certification Markings: Look for permanent markings or etchings on the glass, indicating compliance with specific safety standards. These identifiers provide assurance of the window’s tested performance and quality.

• Laminated Glass: Also known as hurricane glass, this type consists of multiple glass layers bonded with a resilient interlayer, designed to withstand high wind speeds and flying debris. Its construction not only offers impact resistance but also enhances security and noise reduction.
• Design Pressure (DP) Rating: This rating quantifies the window’s structural load capacity, including its ability to resist wind pressure and water infiltration. Higher DP ratings correspond to greater resistance, essential for areas susceptible to severe storms.
• Impact Resistance Certifications: Certifications from recognized bodies, such as Miami-Dade County or the Florida Building Code, indicate that the windows have undergone rigorous testing for impact resistance and are approved for use in hurricane-prone regions.

By meticulously evaluating these aspects, homeowners can make informed decisions, ensuring their selected hurricane-resistant windows provide robust protection, comply with safety standards, and offer long-term durability.

Is it raining outside again? It sounds even louder than it did yesterday. That thunder sounds like it is right on top of us. Soft thunderstorms are sometimes nice but these loud ones are just scary.

If you live in Florida then you know that every day at 3 or 4 o’ clock, like literal clockwork, it starts to rain. Some days are worse than others but almost every day without fail then rain comes and can last from only 30 minutes to as long as 4 hours!

So it’s hurricane season again and you can either hope for the best or look into getting some hurricane windows.

But what do you look for when it comes to weeding out the bad installers from the good ones? Well here are four things to help you find the right hurricane window company in the Clearwater, FL area.

1. Reviews, Reviews, Reviews
2. Decades of Service
3. Certified Hurricane Windows & Doors
4. Get a Quote!

Did you know that 37% of all the hurricanes since the year 2000 have made landfall in Florida? Using these steps you can be on your way to a safer house for this hurricane season and all the hurricane seasons to come!

So this step is fairly simple considering this is the twenty first century. There are reviews on every business worth giving a review. Reviews are one of the best ways to help narrow down the choices from dozens of hurricane windows companies to maybe about a half dozen.

It doesn’t matter that you live in the fairly populated town of Clearwater with just over 100,000 people in it. This first step never fails when sifting through the large number of bad hurricane windows companies out there.

Because let’s face it! When people love a company they rave; when people hate a company they rant; and sometimes even when they think a company is okay they review because some people just like giving out their opinions. There is no harm in it and it gets you an inside view of how dealing with a certain company can go. So that’s a win/win in my book!

Start narrowing down those choices until you have a number that is more manageable to pick from.

Clearwater was first incorporated in 1891. Finding a company that old might as well be declared impossible but you can find some companies that are pretty old.

The next step is finding someone who’s been doing what they do for a while. Just like you don’t want a kindergartener reading a book on tape for you, I know that I sure don’t want a company who hasn’t changed out many windows yet. Maybe you can give them a chance later but, when it comes to this kind of delicate service, experience is better.

We have been putting in replacement windows for over 50 years. That’s a stand up company in my book!

If a company doesn’t say when they opened or when they were established then it only means that the number of years they have been open is nothing to brag about.

This step is very important. I don’t think all young companies are bad but it is because the type of job it is makes it delicate. I’m all for trying new things but when it comes to trying to fix something in the house I just don’t really care to deal with amateurs.

Let’s get to a main importance of why you looking at this article. Hurricane windows are specialty windows. This third step is very important because if you don’t check to make sure that some federal or state office certifies the hurricane windows then those windows are no different than other windows.

Let’s face it, this is Florida and unfortunately we are the ocean’s whipping boy of the United States. Just about every hurricane that forms during hurricane season is headed for us during some point in its path. That is just how nature works, and as Floridians we have accepted it.

If the company you are looking into for hurricane windows can’t prove that the windows they are advertising as hurricane windows are certified then leave the store and, if you feel the desire, report them.

Clearwater Window and Door, Inc. is one of the companies that provide their license and insurance number for anyone who wants to know!

I don’t really think this step is much of an issue but if those are the type of windows you are looking for then make sure you do specify that hurricane windows are what you are looking for!

Over the last 15 years there has been an average of 8 hurricanes a year and as many as 30 tropical storms. Hurricanes will always be an issue for those who live in Florida so if you plan to live down here or rent out a place down here there is no harm in giving some of the promising hurricane window installing companies a call.

Clearwater Window and Door, Inc. is waiting for you to give them a call and is happy to give you any information you need!

This last step is simple to do. Once you find three or four companies that you feel you can trust to get the job done then give them a call and get a quote. Any company that meets the requirements of the first three steps should not have issues with this step.

Honestly even the less desirable hurricane window companies should give you a quote. Clearwater companies have people call and ask for a quote like this all the time because it’s Florida and if people can afford it then why wouldn’t they take the precaution.

If you’re searching for Hurricane Windows in Clearwater, FL, now is the time to act as we’re still in the middle of hurricane season. Protect your home and, more importantly, your family from the unpredictable dangers hurricanes bring. By following a few simple steps, you can find a trusted company like Clearwater Window and Door, Inc., known for delivering high-quality hurricane window installations at a fair price. Don’t wait until it’s too late – prepare your home for the storms ahead and call (727) 559-7007 today to ensure your windows are ready to withstand anything hurricane season throws your way.

Not having hurricane windows leaves your home vulnerable to significant risks during severe storms. Without the added protection of hurricane windows, wind and debris can easily shatter standard windows, leading to dangerous wind energy buildup inside your home, which can cause structural pressurization and devastating damage. Additionally, many insurance providers in hurricane-prone areas have specific clauses for wind debris protection, and lacking proper hurricane windows may result in denied coverage for storm-related damage. The advantages of hurricane windows lie in their durability, featuring a polymer layer between panes that prevents shattering, providing a stronger barrier against storms and offering homeowners greater safety and peace of mind.

The best type of shades to pair with hurricane windows are those that enhance their durability and energy efficiency while complementing your home’s style. Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, provide superior insulation, maintaining indoor temperatures during extreme weather conditions. Roller shades and solar shades are also excellent options, offering sleek durability and sunlight filtering to reduce glare without obstructing the view. For added protection and elegance, layered shades or plantation shutters combine style and function. Our suppliers offer a variety of high-quality shades that align perfectly with the strength and benefits of hurricane windows, ensuring both performance and aesthetics for your home.

The perfect time to change windows is often during the winter months, which are considered the “off-season” for window replacement. During this time, homeowners can take advantage of cost savings, as companies frequently offer better deals and discounts due to lower demand. Winter installations also allow for more flexible scheduling and provide immediate energy efficiency benefits, such as reducing drafts and improving indoor heating. However, it’s crucial to choose a reputable installer experienced in handling cold-weather conditions to ensure a smooth process. Be sure to ask about measures to protect your home, like sealing off rooms, to minimize disruption during the installation.