Hurricane impact windows are laminated-glass window units engineered to survive 9-pound 2x4 missile impacts at 50 feet per second (the Miami-Dade Large Missile Level D standard). For Houston that means windows that do not break in a Cat 3 to Cat 5 hurricane, even when struck by airborne debris. Permanent, no shutters to deploy, no plywood to cut. They also lower insurance premiums, reduce outside noise, block 99 percent of UV, and improve security against burglary. This page covers the three brands we install, the WPI-8 documentation process, and how impact glass compares to shutters.
- Cost?
- $1,000 to $2,500 per opening installed in Houston.
- Rating?
- Miami-Dade Large Missile Level D (the highest impact standard).
- Insurance discount?
- 5 to 35 percent on the windstorm portion of homeowners premium.
- Noise reduction?
- 20 to 35 percent vs standard double-pane.
Three impact window brands we install
PGT WinGuard. The Florida market leader in impact windows. Aluminum and vinyl frames, full Miami-Dade certification, available in single-hung, casement, awning, picture, and slider configurations. The reliable mid-market choice.
CGI Sentinel. Premium aluminum frame impact windows with thinner sightlines and architectural-grade finishes. The right choice when frame appearance and matching to existing aluminum windows matters.
ESWindows. Premium vinyl and aluminum impact windows with high-performance Low-E glass packages. The right choice for energy-efficiency-driven retrofits where impact rating is paired with maximum thermal performance.
WPI-8 documentation and insurance discount
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) requires WPI-8 certificate documentation for impact-rated openings to qualify for the windstorm premium discount. We provide the manufacturer product approval letter, the installation certification, and the WPI-8 inspection coordination on every impact window install. Submit the package to your carrier and the discount applies at next policy renewal. Typical annual savings of $400 to $1,800 depending on home value, coverage, and carrier.
Impact glass vs hurricane shutters
Impact glass. Permanent. Deploys automatically (always on). No storage required. Higher upfront cost. Adds property value. Reduces noise and UV year-round. The right choice for primary residences.
Accordion shutters. Permanent track on the wall, fold out and lock in place before a storm. Mid-tier cost. Requires action to deploy. Visible when not in use.
Roll-down shutters. Hidden in a header box above each window. Deploy with crank or motor. Premium cost, premium appearance. The right choice when impact glass is too expensive but appearance matters.
Panel shutters and plywood. Cheapest, requires storage and pre-storm installation. Right for rentals and vacation homes only.
Miami-Dade certified
Large Missile Level D rating on every product line we install.
WPI-8 documentation
Full insurance discount paperwork included with every install.
Laminated glass interlayer
PVB interlayer holds glass in frame when struck.
Low-E and argon options
Pair impact rating with maximum energy efficiency.
99 percent UV block
Protects furniture, flooring, and artwork from fade.
Security benefit
Burglars cannot break impact glass to enter. Major secondary value.
