Selecting the right impact glass package for a Florida coastal home is the single biggest specification decision a builder makes. The wrong glass costs you Miami-Dade NOA approval, fails large missile testing, and exposes the project to liability that no warranty will cover.
We typically work with three glazing tiers. SGP-laminated 9/16-inch glass is the workhorse for HVHZ zones, rated for Cat 5 wind events and large missile impact. Dual-pane low-E packages are layered on top for thermal performance and insurance discounts. The third tier, used for storefronts and curtain walls, increases the laminate thickness and adds structural sealants for taller spans.
When matching glass to exposure zone, start with the wind speed map. Anything in HVHZ requires Miami-Dade NOA. Outside of HVHZ, Florida Product Approval is sufficient. We always specify the higher rating where the budget allows because insurance carriers underwrite based on the strictest documentation in the file.
The financial side matters too. Most insurance carriers in Florida offer 25 to 40 percent discounts for documented impact glazing. Across a 30-year mortgage, that often pays for the glass twice. We track the carrier-specific discount tables and provide the documentation packet with every quote so the homeowner can claim it on their first renewal.
