Hurricane Resistant, Custom & Quality Windows and Doors
Personal notes first: In our opinion, you get what you pay for in windows and doors. There just are not bargains in this category unless you run across some windows or doors that were ordered for a certain job and not used or the wrong size was sent, etc...Another consideration is the use of plastic in your window's construction--folks, PLASTIC DOES NOT LAST, NO MATTER WHAT THE SALESMAN TELLS YOU. Maybe you are going to sell the house in a few years and do not care. But if you are building quality construction, avoid plastic in any way and at every turn. In traditional architecture, an important thing to consider is whether or not you can settle for anything less than 'true divided light' in your windows or French doors. True divided light means that the mullions are real and separate individual panels of glass (or sandwiched double/triple pane glass) from one another. Many window and door companies have gotten completely away from true divided light construction and try to 'fake' it in various ways. Pella uses what they call 'simulated true divided light'. I am here to tell you they do not look like the real thing and only cheapen the appearance of classic architecture. Pella sandwiches a piece of foam between the large front and back panels of glass to supposedly give the appearance of real mullions. Other companies have these snap-in grids to simulate the mullions between what would be smaller panes of glass. They fool no one. Windows constructed in this way may make the window easier to clean since you can remove the fake mullion snap-in to window-wash, but they look cheap in the long run. One other point concerns whether or not your home will be subject to wind driven rain. In most inland situations, French windows and French doors open to the inside of the house. This makes sense because the door is more protected if left in an open position and a sudden shower develops. On a coastal home, you should have your French doors open outward so the force of storm wind blows them closed even tighter, not open. Makes sense, nes pas? Something else to keep in mind: The windows sold at Home Depot and Lowes are usually special lower quality versions or lines that Pella or whoever, makes just to be sold in these discount giants. They are not the exact same windows and doors that you will see in a Pella, etc...showroom, so you cannot compare the prices directly. NanaWall Systems has a fabulous website with all sorts of animations to show the creativity and flexibility of their opening glass wall systems. Bring the outdoors into your home with a wide-opening NanaWall. WeatherShield is one of the few companies that still offers true divided light. Weathershield makes a very high quality product. They also offer French Doors in 10 Ft. as a standard height. This is a good thing, as you'd pay considerably more for custom doors to get 10 Ft height from other companies. Most other companies are going to try to talk you into 8 ft doors with a separate transom above. This in no way gives the same effect of a 10 ft door. If you don't believe me, walk thru both and you decide. Class vs. ordinary. www.weathershield.com Henselstone Window & Door Systems Luxbaum Windows and Doors, manufacturers of custom windows and doors designed and built in the grand European tradition, hurricane tested, impact resistant, & Dade County certified. Their windows and doors are made from Merbau, a wood from Southeast Asia that is unmatched in beauty, strength, and a natural resilience to the elements. The wood's physical characteristics exceed those of Mahogany by over forty percent. Merbau is highly resistant to termite and other beetles due to high mineral, oil and silica content. Luxbaum employees the centuries old wood working skills of the Balinese, the procurement of the finest European machinery and tools, and the highest quality hardware from the leading manufacturers in Germany and Switzerland. The impact resistant Luxbaum Windows and Doors are designed to exceed the highest standards of the Miami Dade County Protocols. This performance has been accomplished through the careful engineering of the joinery, consisting of multiple dowels at corners of the jamb as well as the sash. As reported by the Rosenheim Institute, dowelled and coped connections are significantly stronger than mortise and tenon joints. Luxbau, LLC. A Florida based company manufactures Luxbaum Windows and Doors, in its own factory on Bali. Luxbau has been founded by the principals of The Landfall Group, of West Palm Beach, Florida, premier builders of exquisite single family residences in the Palm Beaches since 1981. Development work of this product line has evolved out of the extensive coastal construction experience and the company's commitment to excellence. View their online photo gallery. www.luxbaum.com PGT® WinGuard® Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors provide your home with effortless, full-time protection against flying debris and hurricane-force winds. According to PGT, theres no need for inconvenient, unsightly panel, accordion or rolldown shutters plywood or other storm protection devices. Even when you're away, WinGuard Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors guard your home against storms and intruders with no effort, while reducing noise and providing UV protection. WinGuard with vinyl frames and standard insulated glass also provides enhanced energy efficiency. www.winguard.com Mr. Impact Windows is the leading authority on hurricane protection, with a full line of products that meet the toughest wind-borne debris requirements in the nation. Florida's Miami-Dade County codes. They offer one story and multi-story glass option that provides effortless, full-time protection against flying debris and hurricane-force winds. Hurricane Andrew, which caused such massive damage to Florida in 1992, taught researchers that violent winds alone are not the major cause of failure. The real cause is flying objects. As a result, codes for storm protection now focus on protection, not just wind velocity. Mister Impact Windows one story and multi-story installations combine heavy-duty aluminum frames with optional impact-resistant glass. A special silicone glazing process keeps the glass from breaking away from the frame. Although the glass may crack on impact, the interlayer keeps the glass intact, preventing destructive wind from entering your home. www.mrimpactwindows.com Kolbe & Kolbe makes a quality product. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. manufacturer of premium quality wood and aluminum clad windows and doors. Kolbe & Kolbe has manufactured windows and doors of superior quality and style for over 55 years. Their wide array of standard shapes and sizes, as well as custom millwork capabilities, make Kolbe & Kolbe windows and doors perfect for any home or project. Their website has a wealth of info and a extensive FAQ section. Kolbe & Kolbe windows are doors are primarily constructed of wood. Most may be ordered unfinished, primed, finished with K-Kron II, or with aluminum cladding applied to the exterior. Vinyl windows and doors are offered by Kolbe Vinyl Windows and Doors, a division of Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. Steel and FiberOptixTM fiberglass doors are offered by Acore Door, a subsidiary of Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. For those in hurricame zones Kolbe & Kolbe not only offers impact glass, but impact products. Please view or download a brochure about SeaStorm® Glass or Impact Products. www.kolbe-kolbe.com Another high quality window and door manufacturer: BIEBER USA sells stock and custom wood windows and doors made in France. Whether you're building a dream home or remodeling a museum, their custom wood windows, French doors, entrance doors and sliding/folding doors are adaptable in any type of architecture. Experience the traditional beauty and warmth of classic wood. ThermaTru has a new division called: Therma-Tru's New Florida Building Code™ Approval Site. They have a great deal of information available including , Detailed instructions for door system installation for hurricane-level performance., Cross-sections of installation requirements in AutoCAD format for cut-and-paste into building plans, Frequently asked questions relative to the new Florida Building Code, and a online tool called the Wind Load Calculator, Calculates wind loads for door systems according to ASCE 7-98 as required by the 2001 Florida Building Code. ThermaTru offers many hurricane resistant products such as Outswing Construction Series Steel Doors - Impact Resistant TRACO Windows and Doors are tested to withstand the most severe hurricane force wind loads. TRACO's unique window & door systems have helped to earn TRACO a reputation as an industry leader on a global scale with service from Texas to Maine, the Caribbean, Central and South America and the Pacific Rim Islands. Residential Team Members have developed one of the most comprehensive residential offerings on the market today with high-performance Low E and Heat Mirror glass and custom-designed products featuring exclusive TRACO View-Safe Tempered glass that's four times stronger than ordinary glass. TRACO's broad product line includes windows, doors, sunrooms, and the Next Generation Power Two Window System a Composite Window System that delivers the strength and durability of aluminum on the outside, the warmth and comfort of vinyl on the inside and two-in-one custom color combinations. www.traco.com
Innovative Window Products-- Uniquely designed to be Installer friendly they offer their new Single Hung 1000 Series, Horizontal Roller 2000 Series and the Fixed Glass 3000 Series. All products are available in Non-Impact, Large Missile Impact and Small Missile Impact to meet all needs for construction in hurricane prone areas. They are available in white frames. Bronze, Clear Anodized and Custom Color will be available upon request. Innovative Window Concepts LLC is a Florida Based Company located in Boynton Beach, Florida---Definitely hurricane country. www.4iwc.com WinDoor Incorporated is a manufacturer of high quality hurricane resistant windows and doors located in Orlando, Florida. WinDoor offers the widest variety of door systems and options including: 90° and 135° Disappearing Corners and Inline Doors. Both available with and without pockets. Custom colors and two-tone custom colors are available. WinDoor products are tested and certified to AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 standards and Miami-Dade Protocols PA201, PA202, and PA203 for Large and Small Missile Impact in panel systems up to 10 feet high. (Single glazed and insulated glass for impact or non-impact). WinDoor products are fully warranted. They are engineered for a lifetime of protection from hurricane force winds, flying debris, forced entry home intrusions, damaging solar UV rays, and sound transmission. WinDoor products are fully warranted. www.windoorinc.com Certified Windows & Doors is a family owned and operated South Florida Home Improvement Contractor specializing in installing hurricane resistant windows, replacement windows and doors. The Certified Windows & Doors company has over 35 years of experience in the South Florida area. They serve Broward and Palm Beach Counties in FL. They offer a complete line of specially designed impact and non-impact aluminum windows and doors available in anodized, white, and bronze electro-static painted finish. Located in Pompano Beach / Boca/Delray area. www.certifiedwindowsanddoors.com Andersen Windows and Doors--Best known for making wood windows and patio doors. Serving homeowners and contractors. Replacement parts available even for discontinued models. Part of the 400 Series, Andersen® windows and doors with Stormwatch™ Protection feature tough vinyl cladding that resists the effects of salt air helping give them the ability to withstand high winds and debris. KML by Andersen™ creates entranceways for sophisticated tastes. Custom designed and crafted by hand. Andersen annually manufactures more than six million wood windows and doors, with sales worldwide. www.andersenwindows.com Screen Tight porch and screen door new and replacement screening system is a new, mo-betta and stronger method for outdoor screen enclosures. It is suppose to be fast and easy. Several seaside homeowners have written to report great success even after coastal homes experienced recent hurricanes. ScreenTight will send you a free sample of the product upon request. www.screentight.com Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors--now low E glass comes standard in their wood windows and patio doors and in the Courtyard Collection steel doors. The main emphasis seems to be energy efficiency at Jeld-Wen. www.jeld-wen.com Window and Door HardwareCrown City Hardware is a true jewel of a place to buy wonderful period hardware of all types. The print catalog is a joy to flip thru even if you don't make a purchase. The Restoration Collection includes Door Hardware, Hinges, Glass Collection, Cabinet Hardware Omnia’s Architectural Trim is an extensive collection of solid brass hooks, switch plates, door knockers and pulls, Cremone bolts, house numbers, and key escutcheons. The development of this collection focuses on the distinctive touches that clarify and reinforce fine architecture and design. Omniahas a line of finely crafted solid brass hardware along with ornate cabinet hardware. For contemporary settings, Omnia’s line of stainless steel lever latchsets is designed to accentuate any setting where a modern, sophisticated look is desired. Made from the highest grade material available, every piece is strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion and staining. Virtually effortless to clean, Omnia’s stainless steel lever latchsets will maintain their smooth, rich luster for the lifetime of your home, while their interior components will represent the exceptional standards Omnia has set for more than 40 years. www.OmniaIndustries.com AustraliaFor folks in Australia or New Zealand, look at Canterbury Windows and Doors. Canterbury is one of Australia’s largest manufacturers of timber windows and doors. For new or replacement applications, Canterbury can even make “one off”, custom, windows to your exacting requirements. They can also advise on compliance of your designs to Australian Standards, where applicable. You only need to provide either a sample of what you want, a CAD drawing, a photo or even just a sketch for their design team to assist you with window and door suggestions. Their website has a .pdf whitepaper catalogue download and the photo galleries show many different types of windows and doors and bi-fold glass doors. www.canterburywindows.com.au Hurricane ShuttersTimberlane Woodcrafters, Inc. located in North Wales, Pennsylvania has the most fun home design website I have been to ever ! You can spend hours enjoying the interactive exterior shutter design feature, just be sure to un-block your pop-up blocker. Click on 'Shutter Designer' on the left. Timberlane makes a high-quality hurricane shutter which meets or exceeds Dade County and Texas Building Code Specs. On the 'about us' page you can read how the whole company is involved in the profit sharing program and really take a lot of pride in the craftsmanship. Timberlane's shutter collection is historically accurate and they offer really hard to find hand-forged shutter hardware. This is a must see website. www.timberlaneshutters.com QMI Storm Safe Hurricane Roll Shutters ---Alulux, the largest manufacturer of rolling shutter systems in the world, has selected QMI as their exclusive distributor in the United States. Alulux provides over 35 years of roll shutter experience and offers the largest selection of the highest quality rolling shutter slats, grilles, housings and components in the world. QMI sells hurricane shuttrs with punched openings so that you do not have to have a home or business in total darkness when the shutters are in use. You can see the various punched pattens on their website. They come in 7 different colors. You can get hand cranked roll down shutters or motorized controls. Roll-a-way manufactures an exclusive storm and security shutter system with an outstanding record of proven performance as protective barriers for windows, doors, balconies and more. Jordan's Aluminum, Inc., a family owned and operated business, with 23 years experience providing better solution in storm protection for residential and businesses in South Florida. Jordan's Aluminum, Inc. manufactures and installs all types of storm protection products and ships them throughout the U. S. and the Caribbean. We are fully licensed and insured in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties and perform all work according to municipal building codes. Buy rolling shutters online can save you up to 40%. They will manufacture them and ship directly to you. These shutters are prepared for easy installation. Bahama shutters are functionally practical, provide storm protection, allow free flow ventilation, and do not obstruct your view. Accordion shutters offer an affordable, durable means of protection against storms and intruders. They work on any type of opening and are ideal for larger openings such as sliding doors and across balconies. Permanently fastened to your home, the accordion shutters are easily operated by one person from inside or outside. The shutters are equipped with a T-Handle lock and 4 locking rods to ensure it remain in the proper position open or closed. Betterhaus European Storm Shutters--European Shutters are a rolling shutter which is mounted on the outside of your window, door, or screen porch. From inside your home a simple turn of the crank or flick of a switch, and the shutters are lowered to block the sun, providing complete privacy and security. Electronics controls, like remote control or timer, enhance the operation of motorized shutters. Rolling shutters provide shade, security, privacy, insulation, and noise reduction. They protect windows, patio doors, stores and counters. Kestrel Wood Storm Shutters--Since 1989, Kestrel has been a global provider of the finest quality interior and exterior wood shutters and doors. We are consistently specified for commercial and residential properties, for both new construction and historic restoration. Dade County approved Traditional Wooden Hurricane Shutters. Available with Operable/Fixed louvers, Raised/Flat panels, Board-n-Batten and custom designs. Ideal for Historic Properties. The European shutter line mirrors the architecture and the lifestyles found throughout the regions of Europe. Their substantial dimensions are strong yet proportion is not forgotten. In Italy the 'shutter within a shutter ' type is often seen on lovely older buildings. A louver with kick-out Service Magic can put you in touch with a hurricane and storm shutter installer in your area. Their website is designed for you to input info and them to in turn have someone get in touch with you--no pictures or product info. www.servicemagic.com J and L Shutters---classic.....nice looking, strong and heavy. I'd have them do the installation as the shutters tend to warp a bit if the are lying about in hot sun and that makes installation difficult. J&L Shutters, based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a manufacturer of PERMEX exterior shutters. J&L Shutters' almost 50 years in the window coverings industry has provided both experience and knowledge to create the patented PERMEX exterior Dade County approved wood-look shutter. This completely synthetic, functional and custom-made shutter is the only exterior shutter in the industry that offers a lifetime warranty against all manufacturing defects and a 10 year warranty on paint defects backed by Sherwin Williams. One bit of advice--put a delivery date deadline penalty clause in your contract with them to save yourself many frustrating phone calls. www.jlshutters.com
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