Can impact windows be installed in older homes?

Detailed Answer

Yes, impact windows can absolutely be installed in older South Florida homes, and in fact, upgrading older properties is one of the most common projects we handle at Florida Impact Windows & Doors. Many homes built in the 1950s through 1990s across neighborhoods in Miami Shores, Wilton Manors, Lake Worth, and throughout the tri-county area were constructed before modern hurricane codes were adopted. Replacing the original single-pane or non-impact windows with today's impact-resistant systems is one of the best ways to bring these homes up to current safety standards.

Older homes can present unique installation challenges that require experienced professionals. The window openings may not be perfectly square, the surrounding wall construction might be concrete block, stucco over frame, or a combination of materials, and there may be non-standard sizes or shapes that require custom fabrication. In some cases, structural reinforcements or modifications to the rough opening are needed to support the heavier impact window assemblies. Our installation teams are well-versed in working with every type of construction found in South Florida's diverse housing stock, from 1920s coral rock homes in Coral Gables to 1970s CBS construction in Plantation.

One concern homeowners sometimes raise is whether new impact windows will look out of place on a historic or architecturally distinctive older home. The good news is that modern impact windows are available in a wide range of styles, including single-hung, casement, awning, and picture windows, with frame finishes and profiles that complement both contemporary and traditional architecture. If your home is in a designated historic district, such as parts of Old Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, we can work with you to select products that satisfy both the building code and any historic preservation guidelines.