Protection Status
Protected 0
Total Openings 8
Home/ Florida/ Broward/ Opening Protection
Broward County Contractors

Guard Every Opening

Windows, doors, skylights, garage doors - every hole in your building is a weak point. Click on the house to see what each opening needs.

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Click on Openings to Protect
0 / 8 protected
Garage Entry Window Bedroom Kitchen Slider Skylight Bath
Window -45 psf required

Every Opening Has Different Needs

Size, location, and use all affect what protection you need

🚗
Garage Doors
The biggest and weakest opening in most homes. When a garage door fails, wind rushes in and can blow off the entire roof.
16x7
Typical Size (ft)
-50 psf
Typical Rating
🪟
Windows
Size matters. Corner windows face higher pressures than center windows. Second floor windows face more wind than first floor.
3x5
Typical Size (ft)
-65 psf
Corner Rating
🚪
Entry Doors
Doors with glass need impact protection too. Solid doors still need to handle the pressure without blowing in.
3x7
Standard Size (ft)
+/-55
Both Directions
🏠
Sliding Doors
Large glass area makes these high-priority. Impact-rated sliders are expensive but eliminate deployment hassle.
6x7
Common Size (ft)
-70 psf
HVHZ Rating
☀️
Skylights
Roof openings face the highest pressures. Must resist uplift (suction) as wind flows over the roof.
2x4
Typical Size (ft)
-90 psf
Uplift Rating
🔲
Other Openings
Vents, pet doors, mail slots - anything over 1 inch is an opening. Each needs to handle the pressure.
Varies
Size
Match
Wall Rating

Impact Windows vs Shutters

Both protect your openings, but work very differently

Feature
Impact Windows
Shutters
Deployment before storm
Not needed
Required
Storage required
None
Panels need space
Daily use affected
Normal windows
Normal windows
Upfront cost
Higher ($$$)
Lower ($$)
Insurance discount
Maximum credit
Credit available
Noise reduction
Excellent
Only when closed
UV protection
Always on
Only when closed

Opening Protection Calculator

See what rating your opening needs

Minimum Design Pressure
-45
psf (negative/suction)
Based on 180 mph wind speed, Exposure D

Common Questions

What contractors ask about opening protection

What openings require protection in Broward County?
All glazed openings (windows, doors, skylights) must be protected in Broward County. This includes entry doors with glass, sliding glass doors, garage doors, and any opening larger than 1 inch. The HVHZ areas of Broward (east of I-95) require large missile impact testing, while non-HVHZ areas require small missile testing.
What is the difference between impact windows and shutters?
Impact windows have laminated glass built into the frame - no deployment needed before a storm. Shutters are separate products installed over standard windows that must be closed before a storm. Impact windows cost more upfront but require no action. Shutters cost less but require deployment time and storage for removable types.
Do garage doors need wind protection in Broward County?
Yes. Garage doors are the largest and most vulnerable opening in most homes. A failed garage door allows wind into the building, which can double internal pressure and blow off the roof. Broward County requires wind-rated garage doors meeting your specific design pressure, with or without impact protection depending on HVHZ status.
What is a Miami-Dade NOA and do I need one?
NOA stands for Notice of Acceptance - it is Miami-Dade County's product approval system. In Broward County HVHZ areas (east of I-95), products must have either a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval with HVHZ designation. Non-HVHZ Broward areas can use standard Florida Building Code approved products.
Can I mix impact windows and shutters on the same building?
Yes. Many homeowners use impact windows on frequently used openings (main windows, entry doors) and shutters on less visible areas (side windows, back sliders) to balance cost and convenience. Each opening must meet its individual wind load requirement regardless of what protection method you choose.

Get Your Opening Requirements

Calculate the exact wind load rating needed for every opening in your Broward County project

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