Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know when purchasing impact windows and doors?

It gets a little complicated and is best if you consult an authorized dealer. Listed below is a summary of issues which should be considered when
making your selection:

What PSF or DP is required for the various window and door openings of my project?

This is an equation of the building height, location proximity to the corners of the building and the size of the window or door opening. Please consult an authorized dealer, registered engineer or a local building official.

Do I need large or small missile impact products?

If your building is 3 stories or less you need large missile impact products. If you windows or doors are located on the 4th story or above (above 30 feet from grade level) you can use large or small missile rated products, provided they meet the requirements of the application.

Are any of the products located in the bedrooms or main entry of the home?

These products may need to meet fire/emergency egress codes

Which products face east or west?

These products need to be tinted or Low E glass to reduce solar heat gain into your home.

Are any of the products located near walkways?

These products should not open out like casement windows or swing doors because someone may get hurt when walking by.

Are screens required for your door openings?

You should choose sliding doors if you need screens as screens are not available on our swinging doors.

Are any of the windows or doors in a location where a child could climb through the window or door and fall more than four feet down on the exterior of the home?

If so these products may need to be restricted to open only 4 inches.

When shopping for impact windows, how do I know that they meet the present day codes?

Rest assured that all FB’s products are approved for use in Florida by the Miami Dade Building Code Compliance Office and meet the most stringent requirements in the nation. Always consult with one of our authorized dealers, a registered engineer or a local building official prior to purchasing.

Can I just buy shutters and get the same level of protection as new impact windows and doors?

No. A shutter only keeps flying objects from impacting the glass on non impact windows or doors. Your existing non impact window or door still has to withstand the high winds pressure and wind driven rain. 9 times out 10 non impact windows and doors will leak or the opening sash will blow in during high winds due to less rigid frames than impact products) and expose your home to high winds and wind driven rain which accompanies hurricanes.

What is Notice of Acceptance (NOA)?

Notice of Acceptance or NOA’s are an approval notice issued by Building Code and Compliance Office of Miami-Dade, Florida. They are currently the gold-standard for testing Hurricane Impact Resistant products.

What is Miami-Dade Certified Impact Resistant Products?

These are the products that have undergone rigorous testing in compliance with the TAS protocols. Certified products will receive an NOA number bearing the product approval.

What’s the difference between PA Test Protocol and TAS Test Protocol?

PA Testing protocols are the testing criteria used by the Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office and the South Florida Building Code (section 23). Since March 2002, this testing protocol is superseded with the Florida state unified building code. TAS Protocol is Florida Building Code’s Test Protocol for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones.

What are TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94 and TAS 203-94?

TAS 201-94 is the protocol that covers procedures for conducting the impact test as required by Section 1626 of the Florida Building Code. TAS 202-94 is the protocol that covers procedures for conducting a uniform static air pressure test. TAS 203-94 is the protocol that covers procedures for conducting cyclic wind pressure loading test required by FBC and TAS 201-94. Impact products are required to undergo a +/-4500 cycle test.

What is the Impact Test and what is large and small-missile resistant?

The Miami-Dade Building Code requires that every exterior opening – residential or commercial – be provided with protection against wind-borne debris caused by hurricanes. Such protection could either be shutters or impact-resistant products. There are two types of impact-resistant products: Large-missile resistant and small-missile resistant.

1. Large-missile resistant
   A product exposed to various impacts with a piece of lumber weighing approximately 9 pounds, measuring 2” x 4” x 9’ in size, traveling at a speed of 50 feet per second (34 mph). Then the product is subjected to hurricane loading of 9,000 wind cycles, positive and negative. If the opening is less than 30 feet from grade it must be large missile rated.
2. Small-missile resistant
   A product that has been exposed to various impacts with 10 ball bearings traveling at a speed of 80 feet per second (50 mph). The product is then subjected to wind loads for 9,000 cycles. If the doors and windows are more than 30 feet from the ground then they must be either large or small missile compliant.

Why Should I buy Florida’s Best products?

Because it is the best value for your money. We have been in the window and door industry for over 40 years and make the best aluminum windows and doors. Further, our products are priced competitively. So, there is no reason to use inferior products on your project.

How is Florida’s Best different than other aluminum windows and doors?

It’s all in the design. Florida’s Best products are designed with an attitude! They:

1. Meet higher wind and impact code pressure standards, due to our unique structural designs.
2. Seal tighter against air and water, due to our unique double weather seals; and
3. Are corrosion-resistant, due to using corrosion-proof, coastal rated (or designed) hardware.

Is someone available to help me find the right windows and doors for my specific application?

Yes. Qualified personnel are available to help guide you through the process.

Are the windows and doors on your web site the only ones you sell?

No. We make over 400 standard designs; plus, we can custom design and custom color to your needs.

Do you sell directly to homeowners?

We do not sell directly to homeowners, but use a distributor network that provides you with added services. Please let us know where your home is and we will provide you with the nearest distributor of Florida’s Best products.

What if I need a window or door that is not represented in your standard line?

Let us know what you are trying to accomplish and we will find a solution for you – either a standard product that you might not have thought of, or a custom product.

How do I get a premium reduction in my home when I have code approved impact windows and doors?

Contact your insurance company. They will usually require that you have an approved professional (inspector, contractor, architect or engineer) fill out an insurance form that can be obtained by your insurance company. Once completed and submitted, they should grant a discount for this protection.

How should I compare one hurricane window to another?

This is an important investment, so take the time to do your homework before you buy. Some important things to do when making a decision are: 1) Take time to see the actual products for yourself. Visit one or more dealer’s show rooms and ask to see examples of different products. A well made window not only should perform under severe weather conditions, but should enhance the beauty of your home. A manufacturer’s attention to details like the designs of its muntin is just one of the obvious differences. 2) Evaluate the strength of the impact window or door based on its design load (PSF-pounds per square foot). The design load is the product’s ability to resist forces like that created by hurricane winds. Not all impact windows are created equal: they are approved at different levels of performance. The higher the PSF, the stronger the product. Compare the PSF to understand how products differ in strength. Florida’s Best hurricane windows are approved as high as 210 PSF (equates to 290 mph winds), while most competitive manufacturers are only approved at around 70PSF. That makes their products only 1/3 as strong as ours. 3) Consider the product’s original intent when it was designed. Florida’s Best products are designed specifically to sustain the heavy impact of hurricane winds. Or, are you buying a product that has been modified to be able to meet only a marginal impact requirement? Florida’s Best specializes in impact resistant products unlike some other manufacturer. That means that 100% of our research and development is devoted to impact resistance.

Do I really need products that are that strong?

Why take a chance? Florida’s Best impact resistant windows and doors are designed to higher performance thresholds. The benefits far outweigh the cost difference, and in many cases cost difference is minimal. Keep in mind; it’s not only the performance in a storm, but also longevity of the product that makes it worth buying. The product features that make Florida’s Best products stronger also allow them to last much longer than the competition. We stand behind our products with an industry leading warranty. Florida’s Best hurricane windows and doors installed over 30 years ago are still performing and operating as when they were first installed. If you are considering purchasing impact resistant windows or doors, you owe it to yourself to understand the long term value difference between Florida’s Best and the other competitors.

Back To Learning Center