Ultimate Guide to Impact Windows for Condo Associations
Managing a Condominium Owners Association (COA) is no small task, especially in Florida, where hurricanes and unpredictable weather can be a regular part of life. One of the most critical investments you can make for your building is installing impact windows. These windows don’t just protect against storms—they can also reduce energy costs, block out noise, and even make the property more appealing to buyers and residents alike.
If you’re part of a COA considering impact windows for your condominium, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through what impact windows are, why they’re important, and how to plan a project that benefits your entire community.
What Are Impact Windows, and Why Do They Matter for COAs?
Impact windows are designed to do one thing exceptionally well: protect buildings from harsh weather, particularly hurricanes. Unlike regular windows that shatter into dangerous shards when hit, impact windows are built with layers of laminated glass bonded to a strong interlayer. If the glass breaks, it stays intact, keeping wind, rain, and debris out.
For COAs, the importance of impact windows goes beyond storm protection. They provide 24/7 security, improve the building’s appearance, and even reduce noise from busy streets or nearby airports—making them a win for everyone involved.
Why Should Your COA Make the Switch to Impact Windows?
If your building still relies on regular windows or shutters, it might be time for an upgrade. Here’s why many COAs are choosing impact windows:
1. Hurricane Protection
Impact windows are tested to withstand intense winds and flying debris, keeping your building secure during storms. This protection isn’t just for individual units—by installing impact windows throughout the property, you prevent wind from entering the building and causing catastrophic pressure changes.
2. A Uniform Look
One of the biggest challenges for COAs is keeping the property’s appearance consistent. Replacing all windows with impact windows ensures every unit looks cohesive and modern.
3. Year-Round Convenience
Unlike shutters, which need to be installed or closed manually before a storm, impact windows work around the clock. There’s no scrambling to prepare for a hurricane—they’re always ready to protect your building.
4. Long-Term Savings
While impact windows are an upfront investment, they save money over time by lowering energy bills, reducing repair costs after storms, and even leading to insurance discounts.
5. A Quieter, More Comfortable Building
Impact windows block outside noise and reduce UV rays that can fade furniture or flooring. Residents will appreciate the added comfort, and prospective buyers will see it as a valuable upgrade.
Are Hurricane Shutters Enough for a COA?
Hurricane shutters can provide some level of protection, but they have limitations that make them less ideal for a large building. Shutters need to be deployed before every storm, which can be a logistical nightmare for COAs managing multiple units. They also don’t offer the year-round benefits of impact windows, like energy efficiency, noise reduction, or aesthetic appeal.
Impact windows, on the other hand, combine storm protection with everyday functionality, making them the smarter long-term choice for most COAs.
How to Plan an Impact Window Project for Your COA
Switching to impact windows for an entire building or community is a big project, but with the right plan, it can go smoothly. Here’s how to get started:
1. Assess Your Building’s Needs
First, take a close look at the property. How many windows need replacing? Are there any unique challenges, like oversized or custom-shaped windows? Knowing these details will help you create a realistic plan.
2. Budget for the Project
Impact windows are an investment, but they pay off in the long run. Work with your COA’s finance team to allocate funds or explore financing options to spread out the cost.
3. Research Building Codes
In Florida, impact windows must meet strict building codes. Broward County, for example, requires products that pass High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) tests. Make sure you choose certified windows that comply with local regulations.
4. Choose the Right Contractor
This is where it pays to do your homework. Look for a contractor experienced in working with COAs, who understands the challenges of multi-unit properties. A good contractor will provide warranties, clear timelines, and references from past clients.
5. Communicate With Residents
Transparent communication can make or break a project. Keep residents in the loop by explaining the benefits, sharing the timeline, and letting them know what to expect during installation.
6. Schedule Installation Strategically
Impact window installation can cause some disruptions, so plan the work in phases to minimize inconvenience. A well-organized contractor will help you coordinate the process.
Common Questions About Impact Windows for COAs
Can Residents Install Their Own Impact Windows?
Not usually. Allowing individual owners to install their own windows can lead to mismatched appearances and potential building code violations. Most COAs require all window replacements to follow community-wide standards.
How Long Do Impact Windows Last?
With proper maintenance, impact windows can last 20-30 years or more. That’s double the lifespan of most regular windows, making them a smart long-term investment.
How Can We Pay for Such a Large Project?
Many contractors offer financing plans, and COAs can also consider special assessments or tapping into reserve funds. Insurance savings from the new windows may also offset costs over time.
How Do We Know We’re Choosing the Right Windows?
Look for certifications that show the windows meet Florida’s HVHZ standards. A good contractor will guide you in selecting products that balance safety, aesthetics, and cost.
How Do Impact Windows Boost Property Value?
For COAs, impact windows aren’t just about safety—they’re a selling point. Properties with impact windows are more attractive to buyers because they offer peace of mind, lower energy bills, and less maintenance.
In addition, installing impact windows can lead to insurance discounts, making the property more affordable for residents. It’s a win-win for current owners and future buyers.
Why Choose Broward Impact for Your COA?
At Broward Impact, we’ve been helping COAs across Broward County protect their properties with high-quality impact windows. Here’s what sets us apart:
-Custom Solutions: We understand that every building is different, and we tailor our recommendations to fit your needs.
-Expert Installation: Our licensed team ensures every window is installed to meet local codes and deliver long-term performance.
-Top-Notch Products: We only use impact windows that pass Florida’s toughest tests, so you know your building is protected.
-Exceptional Service: From the first consultation to the final inspection, we make the process as smooth as possible for COA boards and residents alike.
Do Impact Windows Help With Passing a 40-Year Recertification?
Yes. Upgrading to impact windows can play a significant role in passing the 40-Year Recertification process for Broward County condominiums.
The 40-Year Recertification is a mandatory inspection that evaluates the structural and electrical safety of buildings. Windows are part of this process, as damaged or outdated windows can compromise the building’s integrity.
Here’s why impact windows can help:
1. Structural Safety: Impact windows strengthen your building’s envelope by preventing wind and water intrusion during hurricanes or heavy storms. Older windows, especially those installed decades ago, are often too weak or corroded to meet current safety standards.
2. Compliance With Building Codes: Impact windows are tested and certified to meet Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) requirements. Replacing outdated windows ensures compliance with modern building codes, helping you pass the recertification inspection.
3. Property-Wide Resilience: By retrofitting all units and common areas with impact windows, you enhance the overall structural durability of the building, reducing the risk of failures that could raise red flags during the inspection.
For COAs preparing for recertification, impact windows are an investment in both compliance and peace of mind.
How Much Does Retrofitting a Condominium With Impact Windows Cost?
The cost of retrofitting a condominium with impact windows depends on several factors, including the number of units, the size and type of windows, and the building’s unique structural needs.
On average, impact window installations can range from $40 to $60 per square foot, but for large-scale projects like condominiums, pricing can often be negotiated with contractors to reflect the scope of the job.
Factors That Influence the Cost:
-Window Size and Style: Larger or custom-shaped windows tend to cost more. Common styles include single-hung, casement, and sliding windows.
-Glass and Frame Options: The cost may vary based on glass thickness, tinting, and frame materials like vinyl or aluminum.
-Number of Units: The more windows installed across the property, the better the opportunity for bulk pricing.
-Installation Complexity: High-rise buildings or properties with access challenges may require additional labor or equipment, affecting the overall cost.
While the initial cost of retrofitting a condominium with impact windows may seem high, it’s a long-term investment that pays off through insurance savings, reduced maintenance, and improved property value.
Can We Install the Windows Ourselves?
No—impact window installation is not a DIY project, especially for condominium buildings. While it may be tempting to cut costs by attempting self-installation, there are several critical reasons why professional installation is non-negotiable:
- Code Compliance: Broward County’s HVHZ requirements demand precise installation to ensure the windows meet performance standards. Improper installation could result in failed inspections or non-compliance.
- Structural Risk: Impact windows are heavy, and improper handling can cause structural damage or safety hazards.
- Warranty Issues: Manufacturers typically void warranties if windows are not installed by licensed professionals.
- COA Liability: Self-installation exposes the association to potential legal and financial liabilities if the windows fail to perform during a storm.
For a project of this scale, it’s essential to partner with experienced professionals like Broward Impact to guarantee compliance, safety, and performance.
Do Impact Windows Actually Make a Difference During Heavy Storms?
Absolutely. Impact windows are specifically designed and tested to withstand the harshest storm conditions, making them invaluable during hurricanes and heavy storms.
Here’s how they perform:
-Debris Resistance: Impact windows can withstand debris traveling at over 100 mph without shattering. Even if the glass cracks, the laminated interlayer holds it together, preventing wind and rain from entering.
-Pressure Regulation: One of the biggest risks during a hurricane is pressure changes caused by broken windows, which can lead to roof or structural collapse. Impact windows maintain the building’s envelope, preventing this catastrophic scenario.
-Water Intrusion Prevention: Properly sealed impact windows keep out wind-driven rain, which is a common cause of interior flooding and damage during storms.
For COAs in hurricane-prone Broward County, installing impact windows ensures the building is as storm-resistant as possible.
Do We Actually Save Money on Insurance With Impact Windows?
Yes, impact windows can lead to significant savings on insurance premiums for both individual residents and the association as a whole.
Why Do Insurance Companies Offer Discounts?
Impact windows lower the risk of property damage during storms, which means fewer claims and payouts for insurance companies. Because of this, many insurers offer discounts for buildings equipped with hurricane-resistant features like impact windows.
How Much Can You Save?
The exact savings depend on your insurance provider and policy, but discounts for hurricane protection can range from 10% to 50% on premiums. For COAs, these savings can add up to tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Protect Your Condominium With Impact Windows Today
Impact windows are more than just a safety upgrade—they’re an investment in your building’s future. If your COA is ready to make the switch, Broward Impact is here to help every step of the way.
Call us today at 954.922.0606 to schedule a free consultation and learn how impact windows can transform your property.
