How Door and Window Innovations Are Helping Floridians Brace for Stronger Storms
With climate change forecast to bring more powerful hurricanes to Florida’s cities, local door and window installers are at the forefront of helping locals brace for stronger storms with fixtures built to resist the elements.
No state is probably more at risk from climate change–intensified adverse weather than Florida.
Each year, the storms grow stronger, arrive earlier, and cost more in damages. In 2024 alone, multiple billion-dollar hurricanes battered the state, with insured losses soaring to an estimated $124 billion. Scientists warn this trend is far from over, as rising ocean temperatures driven by climate change fuel more intense weather events across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.
For homeowners, the consequences are not abstract. A blown-out window or a buckled door can mean thousands of dollars in repair costs, or worse, displacement. As insurance premiums spike and rebuilding becomes more difficult, many Floridians are looking for ways to make their homes more resilient before the next storm hits.
Hurricane-Ready Home Design
The threat of more powerful hurricanes has spurred demand for innovations in door and window design. “Once considered a niche offering, hurricane-rated fixtures are now central to residential design in high-risk areas,” says Impact Windows Center, an installation company specializing in impact-resistant doors and windows. “One notable example is the WinGuard line by PGT, which has become one of our most requested products from homeowners.”
Just recently, Impact Windows Center began offering PGT’s range of single, double, and two-panel sliding French doors engineered with aluminum frames and reinforced laminated glass. Designed to meet the stringent HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) standards required in the most storm-prone parts of the state, these doors can withstand flying debris and extreme pressure shifts.
Beyond durability, what sets these newer models apart is how seamlessly they fit into a modern home. “The industry has moved past clunky storm doors and boards,” explains the spokesperson. “Now we’re seeing sleek, highly engineered designs that not only protect from even the most powerful storms but also complement your property’s aesthetics.”
Protection With a Personal Touch
For many homeowners, resilience is only part of the equation. Cost, customization, and ease of installation matter just as much. “That’s where companies like us are stepping in, not as manufacturers, but as facilitators making premium-grade products more accessible to fellow Floridians,” the spokesperson explains.
By offering products from manufacturers like PGT with options for built-to-order sizing, ENERGY STAR-rated glass upgrades, and design features like sidelites for additional natural light, Impact Windows Center helps homeowners balance performance with personalization.
