Impact Windows for Older Florida Homes: Jalousie Replacement, CBS Retrofits & What to Expect (2026)

Most common in South Florida. Standard openings from the 1960s onward usually match in-stock sizes. Pre-1960 may need buck frames on some openings. Best candidates for in-stock impact windows.

Found in older neighborhoods (Miami Shores, Biscayne Park, Little Havana). Non-standard sizes common. Buck frames typically needed on most openings. Structural assessment recommended before project start.

Common in Miami-Dade Art Deco era homes and some Broward properties. Opening sizes vary widely. Masonry modification more likely. Impact windows can be installed — requires careful measurement.

Jalousies must be completely removed and replaced — they cannot be 'upgraded.' Opening sizes are non-standard but often workable with buck frames. Greatest insurance savings of any replacement type.

Can any older Florida home get impact windows installed?

Yes — virtually any structurally sound older Florida home can be retrofitted with impact windows. The process varies depending on construction type: CBS (concrete block/stucco) homes from the 1950s–1990s are the easiest retrofits. Frame (wood or metal stud) homes from the 1920s–1950s require more assessment but are typically doable. Manufactured and mobile homes have different structural requirements and typically cannot receive standard impact window certification — consult separately. A free in-home measurement identifies exactly what's required for your home.

What are jalousie windows and why do they need to be replaced?

Jalousie windows — also called louvered windows — are the crank-operated glass slat windows common in Florida homes built from the 1940s through the 1970s. They provide essentially zero hurricane protection. Miami-Dade and most Florida building codes do not recognize jalousie windows as providing any wind resistance, meaning homes with jalousies are classified at the highest hurricane risk tier by insurers. Replacing jalousies with NOA/FPA-certified impact windows typically produces the largest windstorm insurance premium reduction of any single upgrade — often 40–55%.

How are jalousie windows replaced with impact windows?

Jalousie window openings are often non-standard sizes relative to modern manufactured impact windows. The process: (1) The jalousie frame is removed completely. (2) If the rough opening matches an in-stock impact window size, the new window installs directly with a buck frame. (3) If the opening is non-standard, the masonry opening may be partially filled (parged) to reduce to a standard size, or a custom-sized impact window can be ordered. At Windows Stock Market, we first check in-stock inventory against your opening sizes — many jalousie openings can be matched without modification. Custom orders add 6–10 weeks.

What is a buck frame and does my older Florida home need one?

A buck frame (also called a sub-frame) is an aluminum frame installed inside the rough opening before the impact window is mounted. It's used when the rough opening is larger than the window unit, when the masonry is damaged or irregular, or when the window needs to be positioned at a specific depth. In older CBS homes, buck frames are commonly needed on 2–5 openings out of a typical whole-home project. They add $35–$65 per opening to the project cost and are included in Vieser Construction's all-inclusive estimate. You will be told exactly which openings require them before signing.

Do older Florida homes need masonry work for impact window installation?

Some do — typically 10–30% of openings in pre-1960 CBS and concrete frame homes. Masonry work may be needed when: the existing opening is oversized relative to standard impact window sizes, the sill or jambs are damaged, or the window depth requires extension. Minor masonry work (parging, filling) is often included in the project estimate. Major structural masonry work is quoted separately. Most CBS homes from the 1960s onward rarely require significant masonry modification — the openings typically accommodate standard in-stock sizes.

How much does impact window installation cost for an older Florida home?

Older home retrofits cost 10–25% more than newer homes with standard openings due to the likelihood of non-standard sizes, buck frames, and minor masonry work. Typical ranges: smaller older home (5–10 openings): $6,000–$14,000. Standard older home (10–17 openings): $14,000–$26,000. Larger or more complex older home (17+ openings): $26,000–$45,000+. Jalousie-only replacement projects (where a home has only jalousie windows): typically $8,000–$20,000 depending on count. All pricing from Windows Stock Market includes product, permit, and installation.

Will my older Florida home pass the permit inspection after impact windows are installed?

Yes — as long as the correct NOA/FPA-certified products are used and the installation follows the manufacturer's instructions. Vieser Construction pulls all permits and schedules the required inspection. The inspector verifies that: the correct product is installed (matching the permit application), the installation method matches the NOA/FPA approval, and the buck frames (if any) are properly installed. We have a 100% permit close-out rate on properly planned projects. Issues only arise when homeowners use uncertified products or DIY installations.

What is the biggest mistake homeowners of older Florida homes make with impact windows?

Buying windows before measuring. Older Florida homes — particularly pre-1970 construction — frequently have non-standard opening sizes. A homeowner who purchases off-the-shelf windows from a home improvement store without professional measurement often finds the windows don't fit and cannot be returned. Always get a professional measurement first. Vieser Construction's free measurement identifies exact sizes, assesses which openings are in-stock compatible, and flags any that need custom solutions before you commit to any purchase.

How long does impact window installation take in an older Florida home?

Older home projects typically take 3–5 weeks total from contract (1–2 weeks longer than newer construction). Permit: 5–14 business days depending on county and municipality. Installation: 1–3 days for most homes (older homes with buck frames and masonry work take 1–2 days longer than standard). Custom windows (if any openings require them): add 6–10 weeks for those specific openings. We recommend splitting the project — install in-stock windows first, then custom windows when they arrive.

Is it worth installing impact windows on a 1950s or 1960s Florida home?

Absolutely — and here's the math. A 1960s CBS home in South Florida might have a current market value of $350,000–$600,000. A full impact window project costing $18,000 typically: (1) reduces windstorm insurance by $1,200–$2,500 annually — recovering the investment in 7–15 years; (2) increases the home's appraised value by approximately 1–2% ($3,500–$12,000); (3) eliminates the need for shutter installation each hurricane season ($400–$1,200 per year in labor); (4) makes the home significantly easier to sell, as impact windows are now a buyer expectation in South Florida.