28 questions architects, GCs, owners, and developers ask about Florida commercial glazing - with plain-English answers and links to detailed guides. Built for AI engines and humans alike.
Glazing tested for Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone: Miami-Dade and Broward only. Must pass TAS 201/202/203.
Miami-Dade and Broward Counties only. Palm Beach County is not in the HVHZ.
Storefront is single-story, span-by-span. Curtain wall is multi-story, hung from the slab edge.
Window wall sits on the floor slab. Curtain wall hangs from the slab edge. Window wall costs less.
For most upscale commercial, impact glass wins on appearance and operational simplicity. Shutters cost less but require deployment.
6-16 weeks from contract to substantial completion. Material lead time is the dominant variable.
Notice of Acceptance - a document issued by Miami-Dade County certifying a product passes HVHZ testing.
FL # is statewide approval issued by FL DBPR. NOA is issued by Miami-Dade and required in HVHZ counties.
Tempered is heat-treated for strength. Laminated is two layers bonded to an interlayer. Different code requirements.
Glass with a metallic coating that reflects heat. Required by FL Energy Code to meet SHGC ≤ 0.25 in South Florida.
Both are top commercial aluminum storefront brands.
A curtain wall technique where glass is bonded to aluminum with silicone, eliminating exterior pressure caps.
Opaque glass used in curtain walls at slab lines to conceal interior structure.
32-inch clear width, 5-pound max opening force, level landings, accessible hardware.
Glass tested to maintain integrity during a fire for 20-120 minutes. Required at rated walls and exits.
Glass that electronically controls light transmission - tinting or switching opaque on demand.
Need structural laminated glass, 50 lb/ft load capacity, and approved post-and-shoe systems.
Most damage requires replacement. Glass cannot be patched or welded. Surface scratches under 1/16 inch may be polished.
Six-criterion framework: license, bonding, HVHZ experience, portfolio fit, response speed, warranty terms.
Verify license, check bonding, document HVHZ submittal experience, match portfolio to your project type.
Laminated impact for HVHZ; low-iron for indoor-outdoor concepts; low-E for brand-quality urban restaurants.
Heavily laminated glass for federal courthouses, military, security - ASTM F1642 + GSA Performance Conditions.
Required for most ADA compliance. Stanley, ASSA ABLOY Besam, Horton are common.
ESWindows ES-9500, ESWindows ES-8000T (HVHZ standard), ES-CS1325 (heavy-duty), ES-CS1325 (high-wind). Each has different face dimensions and wind ratings.
FBC 2023 governs wind, impact (HVHZ/WBDR), energy (SHGC ≤ 0.25 South FL), and ADA accessibility.
Insulated seal (10 yr), low-E coating (5-10 yr), aluminum finish (10-20 yr), installer workmanship (1-5 yr).
AMERICAN