Frequently Asked Questions - Windows & Doors in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Straight answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners across Broward County. If you don't see yours here, call (904) 913-5886 and ask us directly.
Pricing & Cost FAQs
Most window replacement projects in Fort Lauderdale run between $600 and $1,400 per window installed, depending on size, frame material, and whether you need impact glass. A typical single-family home with 8 to 12 windows usually lands in the $6,000 to $14,000 range. Impact-rated windows, which most coastal Broward homes need for code compliance, sit at the higher end. The only way to get a real number is a site visit because opening sizes, stucco work, and existing frame condition all move the price. Call (904) 913-5886 and we'll put together a written line-item estimate at no charge.
Impact windows in Fort Lauderdale typically cost $800 to $1,800 per window installed. The spread comes down to brand, glass package, and frame material. PGT and CGI products dominate this market for good reason, they're engineered specifically for South Florida wind loads and have decades of Miami-Dade certification behind them. A full-home impact window package on a 1,500-square-foot house usually falls between $10,000 and $20,000. We give every client a fixed written quote so the number we agree on is the number you pay. Call (904) 913-5886 for a free estimate.
Impact-rated entry doors in Fort Lauderdale generally run $2,500 to $6,000 installed, while French doors and sliding glass doors land between $4,000 and $9,000. The price reflects the reinforced glass, heavy-duty frame, and the hardware needed to meet Florida Building Code wind standards. Ed Winslow and our team install CGI and ES Windows door systems regularly, and we've found that a quality impact door not only protects the house but also cuts outside noise noticeably, which matters on busy streets like Sunrise Boulevard or Davie Boulevard. We'll quote your exact door configuration at no cost. Call (904) 913-5886.
Replacing a sliding glass door in Fort Lauderdale averages $3,500 to $7,500 for impact-rated units. Non-impact sliders start lower, around $2,000, but most Fort Lauderdale homes fall under the High Velocity Hurricane Zone code, which requires impact or protected openings. The track width, panel count, and whether you're going from a two-panel to a three-panel layout all shift the number. We replace sliders across Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Davie, and we always include the stucco patch and interior trim in our quotes, no surprise change orders. For an itemized price, call (904) 913-5886.
Yes, impact window replacement consistently increases resale value in Fort Lauderdale because buyers understand hurricane protection and insurance savings. Homes with impact windows and doors typically appraise higher and sell faster, especially in waterfront neighborhoods like Las Olas Isles and Coral Ridge. Beyond the sale price, you'll likely see a reduction in your windstorm insurance premium once certified impact openings are documented. The exact insurance savings depend on your carrier and policy, but the protection and noise reduction pay off every month you live there. Call (904) 913-5886 to discuss which window package fits your home and budget.
Insurance generally does not reimburse homeowners for proactively upgrading to impact windows. Some carriers offer premium discounts once the work is complete and documented with a wind mitigation inspection, and a few offer grants or credits through my Safe Florida Home, but that program's funding varies year to year. The real financial benefit shows up in lower annual windstorm premiums and better coverage terms. If you're replacing windows after storm damage, that's a different situation and your claim may cover the work. For questions about your specific policy, talk to your agent, then call (904) 913-5886 for the window estimate.
Service & Process FAQs
Our process starts with a free in-home estimate where we measure every opening, check the existing frames, and discuss your goals. Then you get a written line-item quote with product, brand, and installation costs separated. Once you approve, we order your windows, pull permits with the local building department, and schedule installation. Most whole-home replacements take two to four days on site, depending on the number of openings. Ed Winslow's team walks you through a final inspection to make sure everything operates correctly and the job site is clean. Call (904) 913-5886 to schedule the free estimate.
Once your windows arrive, installation on a typical single-family home takes two to four working days. The lead time for the windows themselves runs four to twelve weeks depending on the manufacturer and whether you've chosen custom sizes or finishes. Impact windows from PGT or CGI sometimes take longer during peak hurricane-prep season, so we recommend starting the process in early spring if you want the job done before summer storms. We'll give you a straight timeline when we quote, and we keep you posted if the factory schedule changes. Call (904) 913-5886 to get started.
Yes, Fort Lauderdale and most Broward County cities require a permit for window and door replacement, particularly impact-rated openings. The permit process includes submitting product approvals, usually Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade NOA documents, to the local building department. We pull all permits for your project and schedule the required inspections. Working with a contractor who handles the permitting correctly matters because final inspection documentation is what your insurance company will ask for when you apply for premium discounts. We manage the entire process. Call (904) 913-5886 and we'll explain exactly what your specific city requires.
Yes, we handle condo and high-rise window replacement throughout Fort Lauderdale, including buildings along Galt Ocean Mile and downtown. Condo projects add a layer of coordination because most associations require product approval before any work starts, and many have specific architectural guidelines about frame color and glass tint. We're experienced working with condo boards, property managers, and the paperwork that goes with it. We'll help you navigate the association approval process and make sure the products we propose meet the building's requirements. Call (904) 913-5886 to discuss your building's specific situation.
We do, and it's one of the more common projects we take on in neighborhoods like Victoria Park, Sailboat Bend, and Rio Vista where homes date from the 1940s through 1970s. Older homes often have non-standard opening sizes, wood frames with rot, or stucco that needs repair around the new window. That's standard work for our crew. We'll assess the existing framing during the estimate and include any necessary carpentry or stucco repair in your quote so there are no surprises mid-job. Call (904) 913-5886 and we'll come take a look at your openings.
Replacing all windows at once is usually more cost-effective because you pay one mobilization, one permit cycle, and one round of stucco work. That said, phasing is sometimes the right move for budget reasons. We see homeowners in Plantation and Sunrise phase by side of house, doing the sun-exposed west elevation first where heat gain and fading are worst. If you phase, we'll help you plan the order so you get the most comfort and efficiency benefit from each phase. Either way, the estimate is free and itemized. Call (904) 913-5886 to talk through your options.
Brands & Parts FAQs
PGT, CGI, and ES Windows are the brands we recommend most for Fort Lauderdale because they're engineered in Florida, hold Miami-Dade County product approvals, and have proven track records through decades of South Florida hurricane seasons. PGT's WinGuard line is a workhorse in Broward County. CGI makes a heavier commercial-grade frame that suits waterfront exposure. The right choice depends on your home's exposure, window sizes, and budget. We'll walk you through the differences honestly rather than pushing one brand. Call (904) 913-5886 for a free consultation and quote.
Impact windows are always in place and protect your home without any action from you, while hurricane shutters require you to be home and physically deploy them before a storm. Impact glass also provides year-round benefits: UV protection for floors and furniture, significant outside noise reduction, and improved energy efficiency. Shutters protect the opening during a storm but do nothing the other 360 days of the year. Given Fort Lauderdale's storm exposure, most homeowners we work with in Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach choose impact windows for the permanent protection. Call (904) 913-5886 to compare both options for your home.
Yes, in many cases we can replace just the impact glass unit if the frame is still sound. This is common when a single pane gets cracked by a lawn mower rock or a golf ball, or when a seal fails and fogging appears between the panes. The new glass unit has to match the original product approval, which means knowing the exact manufacturer and model. If the frame is corroded or the product has been discontinued, a full sash or window replacement may be the better route. We'll assess the window and tell you the most cost-effective fix. Call (904) 913-5886.
Fogging between the panes means the insulated glass unit's seal has failed and moisture has gotten inside. It can't be cleaned off, the glass unit needs replacement. On most windows, especially impact-rated units in Fort Lauderdale, the glass can be swapped while keeping the existing frame. That's typically a lower-cost fix than a full window replacement. Foggy windows also signal lost insulating performance, so your energy bills are quietly creeping up. We replace failed glass units regularly in Coral Springs and Lauderhill. Call (904) 913-5886 and describe what you're seeing, we'll tell you if it's a glass-only fix.
Licensing & Insurance FAQs
Winslow Windows & Doors operates as a licensed Florida contractor, and every pro working under our name is required to hold the license and insurance their state and local jurisdiction require. Fort Lauderdale and Broward County have specific permitting and inspection requirements, and we work within them on every project. We'll provide proof of insurance for your condo association or HOA if they request it, which is common in buildings along the beach. For any licensing or insurance documentation questions, call (904) 913-5886 and our team will send over what you need.
Check their Florida contractor's license number with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, confirm their insurance is current, and ask for local references you can actually call or visit. Look for a physical presence or local service area, not just a website. Ask about permit history, a legitimate contractor pulls permits on window replacement and stands behind the inspections. We've worked across Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miramar for years and we're happy to connect you with past clients. Call (904) 913-5886 and we'll answer any credential questions before you sign anything.
Emergency & Response FAQs
Yes, if a storm has left you with a broken or compromised window, call (904) 913-5886 and we'll get you on the schedule for emergency board-up and glass replacement. After hurricanes and strong thunderstorms pass through Broward County, we prioritize homes with open breaches first, because every hour an opening is exposed is an hour your home is vulnerable to rain, wind, and unwanted entry. The phone is answered 24/7. We'll assess the damage, secure the opening, and then work through the permanent replacement with your insurance if a claim is involved.
Call us immediately at (904) 913-5886. If a storm is approaching and you have a cracked or failed window, the opening needs to be protected before landfall. Depending on the situation, we may recommend emergency boarding and schedule the permanent replacement after the storm passes. Don't wait until the winds pick up, once conditions deteriorate, crews come off the road for safety. The phone is answered 24/7, so call as soon as you notice the problem and we'll talk through the fastest safe plan for your specific situation.
Warranty & Guarantees FAQs
Warranty coverage on your new windows comes in layers. The manufacturers we work with, including PGT and CGI, back their products with written warranties on the glass, frame, and hardware. Our installation workmanship is backed by a written warranty as well. The exact terms depend on the product line you choose, and we'll spell them out in your quote so you know what you're getting before you commit. If something under warranty fails, we'll coordinate the service. For a detailed review of warranty terms on the products you're considering, call (904) 913-5886.
No, the written quote you approve is the price you pay. Our estimates are line-item and fixed. The only time a number changes is if you ask for a change, like upgrading glass mid-project or adding an extra window, and in that case we write up a change order and get your approval before any additional work happens. We don't do surprise add-ons at the end of the job. That's Ed Winslow's standing rule and it's how this team has operated in Fort Lauderdale from day one. Call (904) 913-5886 to get a fixed written quote for your project.
In most Fort Lauderdale homes, yes. Twenty-year-old windows are usually single-pane or early-generation double-pane units with failed seals, worn weatherstripping, and no impact rating. The heat gain alone, especially on west-facing walls, drives air conditioning bills up year-round in this climate. Old windows in coastal neighborhoods also show corrosion on frames and hardware from salt air. If your windows are original to a home built before 2005, they almost certainly lack current impact protection. We'll walk you through what you have versus what's available now. Call (904) 913-5886 for a free assessment.
Written by Ed Winslow, Owner at Winslow Windows & Doors, serving Fort Lauderdale and Broward County since 2011.
Still Have Questions?
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(904) 913-5886