Do You Need a Building Permit for Impact Windows?

With hurricane season back again, there has never been a better time to install impact windows. But, what is the process for installing new windows, and do you need a building permit for impact windows? The simple answer is yes.

In most cases, you must have building permits for the installation of impact windows in Florida. This is especially true in South Florida – particularly Broward and Miami-Dade counties – which are classified High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ). As section 104.1.1 of the Florida Building Code states:

“Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy or occupant content of a building or structure, or any outside area being used as part of the building’s designated occupancy (single or mixed) or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the technical codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit for the work.”

Impact Testing in Miami-Dade and Broward

While obtaining a building permit before installing impact windows may seem like a nuisance, they serve a vital role. As the applicant is required to provide information about what is to be installed, who manufactured it, product approval numbers and other relevant materials, the local building department can confirm that the windows meet the diligent safety standards enforced

Large Missile Debris Test 

If your windows are 30 feet or less above ground level, this is what you need to know. Broward and Miami-Dade counties require that impact windows can pass a large-missile debris test. To pass the test, a window must be able to withstand a 9-pound 2×4 lumber missile traveling at 34 mph, followed by passing wind testing for 9,000 cycles, all while leaving only a small hole in the glass.

Small Missile Debris Test

If your windows are 30 feet or more above ground level, they must complete small-missile debris testing. To pass this testing, the windows must be able to withstand impacts from 10 ball bearings traveling at 50 mph. Then, they subject the product to wind loads for 9,000 cycles.

Building Permit for Impact Windows Process

Now that you have an understanding as to why permits are an essential step in ensuring your home is adequately protected during hurricane season, here is a quick overview. Look at what to expect during the application process:

• Fill out the application. – You must be sure to have all relevant information about the project: permit type (commercial, residential, etc.), the total value of work to be done, square footage of the property, description of the work to be carried out and who will be in
• Once they approve your application, pick up your permit. – Permits are valid provided an approved inspection is obtained no more than 180 days after its issuance. And you must obtain an approved inspection every 180 until the project’s completion.
• stalling the windows.
• Return the forms to your city’s Building Department. – Residential permits can take up to 30 days for approval, while commercial applications can take up to 50 days.

If you are looking to install impact windows to protect your home this hurricane season, we’re here to help. At ASP Windows, we want you to be worry free when the next storm’s coming. Fully licensed and insured, and Ygrene certified, we offer no down payment and 100 percent financing until December 2018 on new impact windows and installation. Contact us today at 1 (888) 782-8342 for a free in-home estimate on our extensive range of fully customizable windows, doors, and glass.