Florida Building Code Requirements – Impact Windows

In Florida, hurricane season is a top concern for many homeowners. Especially since Hurricane Andrew hit in the 1990s, local building codes have been adapted to ensure properties have the impact windows they need to avoid catastrophic damage and personal injury.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the impact window requirements for Pinellas County homes, explaining everything you need to know about hurricane-resistant windows and remaining in compliance with Florida building codes.

Florida Building Codes Following Hurricane Andrew

Property owners in Florida may not know that before Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the Florida Building Code (FBC) didn’t exist.

The FBC was officially established in 2000 in response to the destruction Hurricane Andrew left behind, highlighting how lenient building codes were between counties and how insufficient enforcement could endanger lives and property.

Now, the FBC is updated once every three years, setting statewide guidelines and regulations for how property owners can strengthen their resistance to catastrophic hurricane events. The code is updated frequently to accommodate shifts in climate, the local housing market, and advancements in building materials.

FBC Requirements on Windows & Doors

While impact windows aren’t technically required in Florida, the FBC sets specific guidelines for what types of windows and doors are acceptable for installation and replacement. According to the FBC, all glass openings within a building must be impact-resistant or use impact coverings, such as shutters.

The FBC is even more stringent in areas known as High-Velocity Hurricane Zones. Homes in these locations must have stronger impact windows to withstand winds between 170 mph and 200 mph.

While this area extends to Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Monroe County, it’s still best for those in Pinellas County to consider adding sufficient hurricane protection for their properties, as winds can range anywhere between 120 mph to 130 mph.

Hurricane Protection for Pinellas County Residents

Updating your Pinellas County home to include enhanced hurricane protection is a great way to ensure safety and security at your property. Including impact windows or doors can also help lower your insurance premiums as your property boasts enhanced protection and reduced risk.

Here are a few updates the FBC recommends for local property owners seeking to strengthen their hurricane resistance:

• Replace current windows with impact-resistant products capable of withstanding flying debris.
• Install approved storm shutters, such as roll-down shudders, accordion shutters, or individual panels.
• Update your garage door to a modern, hurricane-rated garage door reinforced with heavy metal bracing, heavy rollers, roller tracks, and mounting hardware.

Schedule Impact Window Installation for Your Pinellas County Home

Don’t let the next big storm place your life and property at unnecessary risk. Ensure your home has the impact windows and doors it needs by trusting A1 Windows & Doors with your installation project.

Offering a wide range of top-quality products from the industry’s most trusted manufacturers, we deliver the hurricane-resistant solutions that local families need to avoid catastrophic damage and personal injury.

Request an impact window installation estimate in Pinellas County by contacting our team today.