Materials Guide

Glass & Frames, made clear.

Every impact window starts with the same promise. Laminated glass that holds together. From there, a few simple choices shape comfort, efficiency, and style.

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Impact windows seen from inside and outside a South Florida home
HVHZ-rated
Miami-Dade NOA verified
GlassLaminated or laminated IGU
CoatingsLow-E for heat control
FramesAluminum, vinyl, or hybrid
Every buildNOA-verified for your zone
Cross-sections of laminated impact glass and a laminated insulated glass unit LAMINATED glass · interlayer · glass LAMINATED IGU AIR / ARGON laminated pane · sealed space · low-E pane

What's inside the glass

Strength, built in layers.

  1. 1

    Laminated glass bonds two panes to a tough interlayer, so broken glass stays in place.

  2. 2

    An insulated unit (IGU) adds a sealed air or argon space for comfort and efficiency.

  3. 3

    A low-E coating reflects the sun's heat while keeping the view clear.

The good stuff

Three choices that shape your windows

The glass

Laminated single-pane meets the structural code. A laminated IGU adds insulation, and low-E can cut solar heat gain substantially, a real saving where cooling drives the power bill.

The frame

Aluminum is the standard in HVHZ markets and stands up to salt air. Vinyl costs less and insulates slightly better but needs careful NOA review. Hybrid aluminum-clad vinyl splits the difference.

The look

Frame colors and glass tints let you match your home's style, from crisp white frames with clear glass to dark frames with a subtle tint.

Bright room with a large impact window
The code sets the minimum. Glass and frame choices decide how your home feels every day after the storm season ends.

Where it shines

Quick guide

Budget whole-home: laminated single-paneSun-facing rooms: low-E IGUQuieter rooms: laminated IGUCoastal homes: aluminum framesInland savings: vinyl (NOA-verified)Modern look: dark frames

There's no single right answer: the best build depends on your wall's sun exposure, your distance from the coast, your wind zone, and your budget. During the free estimate we recommend a build room by room.

Choosing

Laminated single-pane or low-E IGU?

This page

Laminated Single-Pane

  • Meets HVHZ structural code
  • Modest heat reduction
  • Moderate noise reduction
  • Lower upfront cost

Low-E IGU

  • Meets HVHZ structural code
  • High solar-heat reduction
  • Better noise reduction
  • Higher upfront, lower power bills

Questions

Good questions, straight answers.

Still wondering about something? Call 954-251-0866 and talk to a real person.

Laminated glass can crack, but the interlayer holds the pieces together and in the frame, so the opening stays closed against wind and rain. A struck pane should be replaced afterward.

Modern low-E coatings are designed to keep visible light high while reflecting infrared heat. Some coatings and tints do look slightly different, so we bring samples to the estimate.

Aluminum frames are the standard in South Florida's HVHZ markets and resist the salt-air corrosion common along the coast and Intracoastal. They're our usual recommendation for coastal homes.

Yes. The laminated interlayer dampens sound, and an insulated glass unit adds more. Laminated IGUs are a good choice for rooms facing busy roads or flight paths.

Free estimate

Let's find the right windows for your home.

A Haven consultant measures every opening, confirms your wind zone, and walks you through options with itemized pricing. No cost, no pressure.

  • Permits and inspection handled for you
  • Dedicated, long-tenured install crews
  • Financing available
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Explore

More window styles

Impact Windows overview
Single-Hung Fixed top, sliding bottom Casement Crank-out, tight seal Picture Fixed glass, big views Sliding Glides side to side Bay & Bow Projects from the wall Glass & Frames What your window is made of

General information based on current Florida Building Code requirements and Haven's field experience. Product approvals, sizes, costs, and timelines vary by home and municipality. Your free estimate confirms the details for your project. Verify any contractor's license at myfloridalicense.com.