Not all impact products are created equal

Not all impact windows and impact doors are created equal.  There are two zones in which an impact product might be approved for; WBDR (wind-borne debris region) and HVHZ (high-velocity hurricane zone).  When shopping for impact windows and impact doors it is important to know which zone you live in as products approved for WBDR might not necessarily be approved for HVHZ.

According to the 2015 Florida Building Code, wind-borne debris regions are located 1.) Within 1-mile of the coastal mean high water line where the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than 130mph, or 2.) Areas where the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than 140mph.  Homes located in this region must protect openings (i.e. doors and windows) with either shutters or impact resistant glass/doors.  The high-velocity hurricane zone is specific to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.  Homes located here require impact windows and impact doors that are approved by Miami-Dade County, which is considered to have the toughest standard of testing in the United States.