Custom Window Systems: Tailored Protection for Your South Florida Home

Custom high-impact doors window offer the ultimate defense against tropical storms and hurricanes common in South Florida. South Florida is notorious for unpredictable weather patterns and the constant threat of hurricanes, especially during hurricane season. High-impact windows offer specialized protection for homes in the region because they can withstand extreme-force winds. Windows that can withstand forceful winds are a priority in South Florida with the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms.

This blog post discusses custom window systems and how they can offer added protection for your home in South Florida.

The Unpredictability of South Florida Weather

South Florida is well-known for sunny skies and stunning beaches, but the sunshine state often has unpredictable weather patterns. Heavy winds, tropical storms, and hurricanes demand special attention for anyone who owns property in the region. South Florida is close to warm ocean waters, making it vulnerable to tropical systems forming in the Atlantic Ocean.

The official Hurricane Season, established by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), starts annually in June and runs through November. During these months, residents face threats of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are powerful weather events that bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, and risk of devastating damage. South Florida residents must always appreciate the risk of severe weather.

What are Impact Windows?

Impact, or high-impact windows, are designed to protect against strong winds and flying debris. Impact windows are constructed using multiple layers of impact-resistant glass set in reinforced frames.

They include durable interlayers to withstand impacts from high winds and flying debris or objects. In addition to specialized materials and construction, high-impact windows are rigorously tested and certified to meet strict building codes and standards for hurricane resistance.

Benefits of Impact Windows

Hurricane Protection

Hurricanes and tropical storms bring high winds and flying debris. Impact windows offer protection from winds and flying debris because they are designed to resist impact, preventing wind and water from entering the home or building where they are installed.

Impact windows act as a safeguard, protecting occupants and belonging against severe weather.

Energy Savings

Due to their robust design, impact windows are energy-efficient, resulting in energy savings and lower utility bills. High-impact windows are constructed with insulated frames and multiple layers of glass, helping reduce air leakage.

Effectively sealing window openings with impact windows helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, minimizing the workload on HVAC systems.

Curb Appeal & Increased Home Value

Impact windows are a valuable home improvement investment because they enhance a home's aesthetics, energy efficiency, and safety.

Installing impact windows makes a South Florida home more appealing to buyers and potentially increases resale value.

Noise Reduction

High-impact windows have sound-dampening effects. They are not soundproof but significantly reduce noise transmission and create a quieter, more peaceful living environment.

Enhanced Home Safety

The reinforced construction of high-impact windows offers protection from more than just wind. Impact windows provide an additional layer of security, making it difficult for intruders to break in.

Insurance Premium Reduction

You can receive a potential insurance premium reduction in South Florida by installing high-impact windows. Many insurance companies will offer discounts or credits when homeowners make improvements, including wind-resistant windows.

UV Protection

Sunny days are the norm in South Florida, which means exposure to harmful UV Rays. Some UV rays are filtered out by regular glass but not damaging UVA rays. More than 50% of UVA rays penetrate regular, residential glass windows. High-impact windows can filter out over 90% of all UV rays, including UVA, UVB, and UVC.

Unique Aspects of South Florida Homes

South Florida homes have unique aspects making high-impact windows necessary. The Miami-Dade County area is set on a peninsula. The region is surrounded by warm ocean waters directly on the Atlantic and less than 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, exposing it to severe weather conditions like hurricanes and tropical storms.

This geographical setting combines warm ocean waters and atmospheric conditions conducive to storm development. As a result, high winds are common, and the potential for destructive storm surges is imminent.

Many houses in South Florida have expansive glass windows, sliding doors,s and open floor plans. The architectural styles common in South Florida maximize natural light, create stunning views, and create vulnerabilities during severe weather conditions. Large, unprotected windows may easily shatter from forceful high winds leading to property damage and putting people occupying the home in danger.

Another geographical aspect of the South Florida area involves sea level. Most of the Miami-Dade area is 6 feet or less above sea level. Winds blow stronger over the ocean and slow down as they hit land.

However, locations at or below sea level bear the biggest brunt of wind force due to proximity to the ocean. The strongest force of ocean winds impacts places like the southern peninsula of Florida, making architectural details like windows a critical safety feature for homes in the area.

Tips for Choosing the Right Window Company

When shopping for high-impact windows, choosing the right window company for products and installation is essential. Before you shop for windows, it is important to know what you are looking for and understand the characteristics of a good-quality window that will last.

Quality High-Impact Window Characteristics

• Energy Star Rating
• Durable framing material
• Safety glazing
• Multiple layers of laminated glass
• Testing and certification

Here are some essential tips to tink about when choosing the right window company:

• Products: Check out the products, including brand names and companies offered by the window professionals you are looking into. Make sure the products and companies behind them are well-known and trusted. Product quality is vital for high-impact windows.
  
  
• Certification: Is the company you are looking into certified? Finding a company that uses certified window installers ensures windows will be installed with the highest standards and according to the window brand and window company installation guidelines.
  
  
• Warranties: While most windows will come with manufacturer warranties, discussing installation warranties with the company you are considering is crucial. Both product and installation warranties are necessary to protect your home improvement investment.
  
  
• Licensing and Insurance: Not all states require window professionals to be licensed, but working with contractors or window installation companies with valid licenses is important. Credentials like contractors' licensing indicate a high degree of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the industry.
  
  
• Customer Reviews & Testimonials: Websites are where companies showcase their best reviews. To gain a clearer picture of customer reviews and experiences, find reviews on Google, Houzz, or other websites that publish customer reviews without discarding the bad ones. It is important to read through a selection of good and bad reviews and company responses to reviews to see what it will be like to work with a company.
  
  
• Customer Service: You can tell much about customer service from your interactions with the companies you are considering. You are in good hands if you feel like a company cares about you from your first email exchange or phone call. However, you may want to move on if you are left wanting, chasing down replies, or dealing with rude, dismissive staff members.
  
  
• Timeline: Your installation timeline is essential, be sure to ask about the company's timeline for when they can complete your window installation. You need to find a company with a timeline that fits your needs; however, high-quality window installation is in high demand. Scheduling in advance and being patient to ensure you can work with a company that offers highly skilled and experienced installers is crucial for the best window installation for your home or business.

Meet Alco Windows and Doors

ALCO Windows and Doors is a trusted provider of high-impact windows and doors in the Miami-Dade area. With a solid commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, ALCO is a go-to choice for homeowners seeking custom window systems that will offer the highest standards of safety and style.

ALCO specializes in impact-resistant options, offering a wide range of products to perfectly fit customers' homes' architectural styles and preferences. Homeowners in the Miami-Dade area require maximized protection against hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. ALCO high-impact windows offer both style and security for residents in the region.

ALCO windows are rigorously tested to meet strict building codes required in the South Florida area, ensuring superior durability. In addition to rigorous testing and the highest quality materials, ALCO is dedicated to customization.

With an understanding that every homeowner has unique requirements and requests, we offer a wide selection of frame materials, glass options, and hardware finishes tailored to meet our customer's needs. From classic designs to modern aesthetics, we can deliver windows to complement your home's architectural and design style and optimize safety.

Customer service is a priority at ALCO. We have a team of experienced professionals that are knowledgeable and attentive to each customer. Our team can guide you through your window selection process starting with consultation and helping you through installation. We aim to provide personalized solutions, expert advice, and a hassle-free experience.  

Products offered by Alco

Alco impact windows are available in various window types, framing materials, and grill designs.

Window Types

There are several options available when choosing window types for your home. Each offers unique features and benefits to serve functional needs and fit architectural styles.

• Single Hung Windows: Single-hung windows are cost-effective, low maintenance, and provide good ventilation. They have two sashes. The top sash is fixed. The bottom sash is operable to open and close.
  
  
• Double-Hung Windows: similar to single-hung, double-hung windows have two sashes. With a double-hung window, both sashes are operable, providing added versatility in controlling ventilation.
  
  
• Casement Windows: Casement windows open outward using a crank mechanism. They are hinged on the side and provide unobstructed views, optimal ventilation, and a tight seal when closed. Casement windows are highly rated for energy efficiency.
  
  
• Horizontal Roller Windows: Horizontal roller windows have sashes placed on a track so they slide horizontally to open. They provide excellent ventilation and are easy to operate, making them suitable for spaces where the vertical operation may be challenging. Locations ideal for horizontal roller windows include countertops or tight spaces.
  
  
• Awning Windows: Awning windows open outward from hinges at the top, creating a canopy effect when open. Even during light rain, awning windows provide excellent ventilation and offer enhanced security when closed due to creating a tight seal.
  
  
• Fixed/Picture Windows: Fixed or picture windows are non-operational. They do not open and are designed to provide unobstructed views and maximized natural light. Fixed or picture windows are often installed with other widow types to provide ventilation. They can be customized in various shapes and sizes.
  
  

Frame Materials

Two popular and durable options for window frame materials include aluminum and vinyl. Aluminum frames offer strength and durability, slim profiles, and are perfect for larger window sizes and unobstructed views. Aluminum is low-maintenance and resistant to corrosion; however, due to conductive properties, aluminum frames may experience heat transfer, potentially impacting energy efficiency. In contrast, vinyl frames have excellent insulation properties. They are highly energy efficient, low-maintenance, and resistant to corrosion. Vinyl frames also offer optimal sound insulation.

Both aluminum and vinyl frames are excellent choices for window framing material. When choosing frame materials and colors, important factors include budget, climate, architecture, design aesthetics, and energy efficiency.

Grille Options

Grille options can enhance the aesthetics of your windows.

• Standard Grill: Standard grilles have evenly spaced horizontal and vertical bars creating a frame around the glass. A standard design provides a classic, timeless look.
  
  
• Colonial Grill: Colonial grilles have a traditional, divided light window look with decorative bars reading a gridlike pattern on the glass.
  
  
• Brittany Grille: Brittany grilles have a unique, modern look with diagonal patterns creating visual interest.
  
  
• Custom Grill Options: With a custom grill, you create a personalized design to suit your preferences and style.

Contact Alco Windows and Doors for Custom Window Solutions

We are a trusted provider of custom high-impact windows in South Florida. We proudly offer superior product quality and excellent customer service. We aim to help you protect your family while you protect and enhance your property with beautiful, durable high-impact windows.

Contact us today online or by calling 305-376-7205 to learn more and schedule a consultation.