Types of Impact Windows Explained

1. Single Hung Impact Windows

Single hung windows are the most widely used window type in Florida residential construction. They consist of two sashes — a fixed top sash and a movable bottom sash that slides vertically upward. This design has been the standard for decades in South Florida homes from Fort Lauderdale to Homestead.

Impact-rated single hung windows from manufacturers like PGT, ESW, and Mr. Glass feature laminated glass with a PVB interlayer that holds the glass together even when shattered by flying debris. They are engineered to withstand wind loads exceeding 180 mph in the Miami-Dade HVHZ.

Single hung windows are an excellent choice for bedrooms and bathrooms where you want ventilation from the bottom while maintaining security. They are also the most affordable impact window type, making them popular for whole-home replacement projects in Broward and Miami-Dade.

2. Horizontal Roller Impact Windows

Horizontal roller windows (also called sliding windows) feature sashes that slide left to right along a horizontal track. One or both sashes may be operable. This design is extremely popular in South Florida condominiums and newer construction throughout Palm Beach County.

Rollers provide excellent ventilation because the entire sash opening is available for airflow. They are easier to operate than single hung windows, requiring less force to open and close. This makes them ideal for older homeowners or anyone with limited upper body strength.

When comparing single hung vs horizontal roller impact windows, the main tradeoff is cost versus convenience. Rollers typically cost 10 to 20 percent more than single hung windows of the same size but offer superior ease of use and ventilation. Both types meet the same hurricane protection standards.

3. Casement Impact Windows

Casement windows are hinged on one side and swing outward using a crank handle. They provide the best ventilation of any window type because the entire window opening is unobstructed when open. In Florida, impact casement windows are popular in kitchens, above countertops, and in areas where you want maximum airflow.

One unique advantage of casement windows for hurricane protection is that wind pressure actually pushes the sash tighter against the frame, creating a stronger seal. This makes them exceptionally effective during storms. However, they cannot be left open during rain because the sash extends outward.

Casement windows are generally the most expensive impact window type due to their hardware complexity. They are less common in surplus inventory because they are typically custom-ordered, but we do occasionally receive stock from project cancellations and overruns.

4. Picture Windows (Fixed)

Picture windows are fixed (non-operable) windows designed to maximize views and natural light. They do not open at all. In South Florida, impact picture windows are used in living rooms, stairwells, and any location where you want an unobstructed view without ventilation.

Because there are no moving parts, picture windows offer the best energy efficiency and the strongest structural integrity of any window type. They are also the most affordable per square foot because the manufacturing is simpler. Many Florida homes use picture windows in combination with operable windows — for example, a large fixed picture window flanked by two single hung windows.

Picture windows are among the most commonly available items in our in-stock inventory. Since they come in standard sizes and do not require hardware, manufacturers often produce them in bulk, leading to surplus inventory at significant discounts.

5. Impact Sliding Glass Doors

Impact sliding glass doors are essential for Florida homes with patios, pools, or lanai areas. They function like oversized horizontal roller windows, with one or more panels sliding along a track. Standard configurations include two-panel, three-panel, and four-panel setups.

Sliding glass doors represent the largest glass exposure in most Florida homes, making them a critical component of hurricane protection. Impact sliding doors from PGT, ESW, and Mr. Glass feature heavy-duty laminated glass and reinforced frames designed to withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions.

Due to their size and cost, impact sliding glass doors are one of the best values in our surplus marketplace. Homeowners in West Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami regularly save thousands of dollars by purchasing in-stock sliding doors instead of placing custom orders with 8 to 16 week wait times.

Choosing the Best Impact Window Type for Your Florida Home

Most Florida homes use a combination of window types. A typical Broward or Miami-Dade home might have single hung windows in bedrooms, horizontal rollers in the living room, a picture window in the stairwell, and sliding glass doors leading to the patio. The key is matching the window type to the room's requirements for ventilation, views, and egress.

Before you shop, measure your windows accurately and note which type is currently installed in each opening. Replacing with the same type is usually the simplest approach, but switching types is possible with proper framing modifications.

Understanding why upgrading to impact windows matters — from insurance savings to code compliance — helps justify the investment regardless of which type you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions