Living in tropical Southern Florida has its perks. Long walks on the beach, sunshine and warm weather are just a few. However, this near-paradise has its challenges, including hurricanes.

Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice style for safety and energy efficiency. There are many window styles to choose from that can satisfy both.

Get the Right Color

There’s no question that windows and doors play a critical role in the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re building or remodeling your Florida custom home, the architectural style of your home should be considered when selecting window colors.

Colors are a personal choice, but they can help find inspiration through shelter magazines or online. If you have a friend or family member with a good eye for design, ask them for advice. They can suggest what looks best and even create a color scheme.

For the most part, the prevailing style for Florida homes is natural-looking colors, such as browns and beiges. A warm palette paired with wood-like frames, like Natural Creme, Rattan, Classic Brown, and Tan or Chocolate and Espresso, would look great in any Florida home. In the Southeast, the most popular glass type is Low-E glass. This glass filters UV rays and protects your furniture and draperies from fading from direct sunlight. It’s also required by local ordinances and Florida’s building codes for openings on oceanfront properties.

Get the Right Shape

Many Floridians are already making the switch to hurricane-resistant windows and doors. But, before investing in these storm-ready additions, be sure you know all the facts surrounding them.

For example, impact-rated glass is designed to protect your home from both high winds and flying debris. It can also prevent intruders from breaking into your home during a disaster. This is a great feature if you live in an area that experiences frequent burglaries or where looters are known to roam during hurricanes.

Whether you want to create a sleek modern look or a more subtle classic design, there are many options for your Florida Window and Door. You can choose from awning, casement, sliding and bay window styles. These windows can be customized with various unique stains and finishes to help your home stand out in the neighborhood. You can even find a custom color that complements the colors and designs of your home.

Get the Right Hardware

When purchasing new fenestrations, it’s often easy to overlook the importance of quality hardware. But the right hardware can make your window or door stand out for all the right reasons.

Residents in Florida have seen firsthand how mother nature’s wrath can lash out at homes with devastating force. Boarding up your home is one option, but it can be time-consuming and costly, as well as placing your items at risk for theft. Installing impact windows provides a permanent solution to the problem by protecting your house from high-velocity debris and winds.

When choosing impact windows, selecting those compatible with your home’s location and meeting local building codes is important. Some locations, like those in the high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ), require special product approvals. Your installer should be able to provide you with the information you need, but you can also search for approved products yourself on the Florida Product Approval Search website.

Get the Right Finish

There are plenty of options for new Florida windows and doors. However, most homeowners seek out two features: energy efficiency and storm protection.

Impact-resistant windows provide added peace of mind during hurricane season, as they can withstand airborne debris without shattering. They also offer greater protection against burglars, who often target homes with vulnerable windows and doors to break in and steal valuables.

If you choose impact windows for your home, ensure they meet the Miami-Dade HVHZ NOA requirements, and check their energy efficiency rating. Vinyl frames are best, as they prevent a large amount of heat transfer, while aluminum-clad windows may be prone to corrosion and rust.

Other popular window styles include awning and slider windows. Awning windows open by tilting horizontally at the top, while slider windows open from side to side. Both windows are ideal for areas where you don’t have a lot of space to open the window.