Installing Impact Windows in Condominiums or Apartment Buildings

The condominiums and apartment buildings are perhaps more susceptible to the danger of damages caused by the destructive wind force of hurricanes. This is primarily due to the height of the buildings and an excessive number of windows when compared to single-family homes. Although most, if not all, of the coastal condominiums, are equipped with a type of folding shutters the inland condos are left to fend for themselves.

The replacement of windows in condos needs expertise and experience. This is especially true when dealing with highrise and midrise condominiums. Other challenge includes scheduling for installation of hurricane windows for so many units. This requires working in a timely manner while respecting the unit owner's time and availability.

The importance of hurricane windows for condominiums is undeniable. This is especially true for older buildings with decades-old windows. The problem for unit owners remains in how to go about installing hurricane windows in the condominium units. The unit owners cannot alter the exterior look of their buildings by installing shutters unless approved by the board. The Florida Statue 718.113 regarding hurricane windows for condominiums indicates:

“The board may, subject to S.718.113 and the approval of a majority of voting interests of the residential condominium, install hurricane shutters, impact glass, code-compliant windows or doors, or other types of code-compliant hurricane protection that comply with or exceed the applicable building code. However, a vote of the owners is not required if the maintenance, repair, and replacement of hurricane shutters, impact glass, code-compliant windows or doors, or other types of code-compliant hurricane protection are the responsibility of the association pursuant to the declaration of condominium. “

This simply means the board can make the decision to install hurricane windows suitable for condos if it has enough maintenance funds in their reserve and the provisions of their declaration of condominium. The other option is for the board to levy an assessment on the unit owners to replace the windows with hurricane windows in the condominium buildings. Finally, the board can approve certain manufacturers and designs of impact windows along with a professional installer. This would allow each unit owner to replace their own windows.

Regardless of which option, choosing an experienced company is the most important part of the successful installation of the windows in condominiums. At Impact Glass Experts all projects are done by the owner and his crew and we do not subcontract the job. As a family-owned company, we are licensed general contractors serving South Florida for over 20 years.