Hurricane Impact Window Ratings: How to Choose the Right Protection for Your South Florida Home
Why Hurricane Impact Windows Ratings Matter in South Florida
If you live in South Florida, you already know—hurricane season isn’t a maybe. It’s a guaranteed guest that shows up with zero manners and a lot of wind.
At Doors Galour Corp, we’ve seen the aftermath of weak windows more times than we can count. That’s why we keep telling folks like you: not all impact windows are created equal.
You’ve probably heard of “impact windows,” but do you know how to read hurricane impact windows ratings?
Do you know what DP or PG means—or how those numbers can mean the difference between staying dry or watching your living room turn into a fish tank?
Let’s break it down in simple terms. No fluff. No jargon. Just the facts you need to keep your family and home safe.
The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Impact-Resistant Window Ratings
Here's the hard truth: too many homeowners in South Florida install hurricane windows that don’t meet the standards for our weather conditions.
And when the storm hits? The glass cracks. The frame buckles. And water pours in like you ordered it.
What went wrong? They didn’t understand how impact-resistant window ratings actually work—or they chose style over strength.
This isn't just about code compliance.
It's about your roof staying on. It's about your kids sleeping through the storm without waking up to glass shards. It's about making the right investment now so you're not replacing everything later.
What Do DP and PG Ratings Mean for Hurricane Windows?
Let’s say you spent $12,000 on windows labeled “hurricane-safe.” That feels good.
Until you find out they only have a DP-30 rating, which isn’t even legal in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) like Miami-Dade.
Boom—warranty denied. Insurance won’t cover the damage. You're out thousands and back at square one.
Even worse? Some windows pass as “impact” based on laminated glass alone but fail to hold up against wind pressure resistance. That glass may not shatter, but the frame might fly out like a Frisbee.
You don’t need the
best-looking windows. You need the best impact windows for Florida homes. Period.
How Design Pressure (DP) Ratings for Windows Protect Your Home
Here’s the good news—you don’t need to be an engineer to understand Design Pressure (DP) and Performance Grade (PG). You just need a 5-minute crash course.
What Is DP?
Design Pressure is the amount of wind force (measured in pounds per square foot) a window can handle without breaking or bending.

- A
DP-50 rating means the window can resist 75 mph winds.
- DP-60 means it can handle 90+ mph.
But here’s the twist—DP only tests wind load, not water infiltration or structural durability. That’s where
PG comes in.
Why Performance Grade (PG) Hurricane Windows Are the Safer Choice
Performance Grade (PG) ratings go beyond what Design Pressure (DP) covers.
PG evaluates how a window performs under extreme conditions—testing for air infiltration, water penetration, and overall structural durability.
That means you're not just protected from wind, but also from leaks and frame failure.
While DP-50 only reflects wind resistance, PG-50 includes all-around performance under simulated hurricane conditions. Think of PG as the full report card, not just one test score.
If you're in South Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, this level of detail isn't optional—it's essential.
Always choose
PG-rated hurricane windows if you want a system that won't fail when it matters most.
Miami-Dade Hurricane Window Standards: A Must for HVHZ Zones
If you live in Miami-Dade or Broward, your windows must meet Miami-Dade hurricane window standards. These include:

- Withstanding wind speeds up to
175 mph
- Large missile impact resistance (yes, like flying coconuts or roof tiles)
- Laminated glass that stays intact even if shattered
Skip this, and you risk code violations or worse—complete structural failure during a
Category 5 hurricane.
Benefits of Installing Impact-Rated Windows in South Florida
At Doors Galour Corp, we only install hurricane-rated impact windows that meet or exceed PG-50 and DP-60+. That’s not marketing talk. That’s based on real product specs.
Here’s what you get when you install DP and PG-rated storm windows with us:
- 24/7 Peace of Mind – You’re covered for winds up to
200+ mph.
- Lower Insurance Premiums – You can save
15–45% just by upgrading your windows.
- Energy-Efficient Storm Windows – With
laminated glass and insulated frames, your AC bill goes down too.
- Reinforced Frames for Storm Protection – These windows don’t just stop wind—they stop thieves.
- Resale Value – Buyers
love storm-ready homes. You’ll get a strong ROI.
How to Choose the Best Hurricane Impact Windows in South Florida
Think the cost of hurricane-rated impact windows installation is too high? Not when you break it down:
- Average cost:
$55–$80 per square foot
- Average insurance savings:
$1,200/year
- Average damage repair if you skip them?
$40,000+ per storm
See the math? It really makes no sense not having them installed in your home.
So, whether you’re in Coral Gables or Key Largo, we’ve got solutions built for your zip code—and your peace of mind.
Are Laminated Glass Windows Worth It for Hurricanes?
You bet. Laminated glass for hurricane windows works like a sandwich—two layers of glass with a tough plastic layer in between. Even if it cracks, the inner layer holds everything together.
More perks:
- Blocks
99% of UV rays
- Reduces outside noise
- Meets
Florida building codes for hurricane-resistant glass
And yes—it looks just like regular glass.
Don’t Wait: Prepare Now with Hurricane Impact Windows Rated for South Florida
If your windows aren’t rated for South Florida hurricane windows, you’re gambling with your home.
Storm season is coming—and trust us, Mother Nature isn’t known for giving second chances.
Let us at Doors Galour Corp help you choose the right impact-resistant window ratings.
We'll guide you on every step, from choosing the right reinforced frames for storm protection to understanding energy-efficient storm windows that save you money all year long.
You don’t have to guess. You just have to call.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Performance Grade Hurricane Windows That Work
When the wind howls, you want to hear it from inside a fortress, not a house of cards. Let’s make sure you’re prepared.
At Doors Galour Corp, we install more than windows—we install confidence. We’ll walk you through every rating, code, and benefit so your home isn’t just “kind of ready”—it’s truly storm-proof.
👉 Want expert help with
DP and PG-rated storm windows?
Check out our hurricane-rated windows page and schedule a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do DP and PG ratings mean for hurricane windows?
DP measures wind load resistance. PG includes air, water, and structural performance. At Doors Galour, we recommend PG-50+ for real hurricane protection.
How to choose the best hurricane impact windows in South Florida?
Always check for Miami-Dade approval, HVHZ compliance, PG rating, and laminated glass. We help you compare top brands and pick what fits your home.
Are laminated glass windows worth it for hurricanes?
Yes. They resist flying debris, reduce noise, and block UV rays. Laminated glass is required in most high-risk areas, including Miami.
What’s the cost of installing hurricane-rated impact windows?
It ranges from $55–$80 per square foot. But with lower insurance and energy bills, you’ll likely recover the cost in under 5 years.
Which brands offer top-rated hurricane-resistant windows?
We work with top names approved by Miami-Dade and Florida state. We’ll help you pick a brand with proven performance and warranties.
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