Impact Windows for Office Buildings
Impact Windows for Office Buildings in Miami
Office buildings in South Florida have some of the most amazing and impressive architecture in the United States. The architectural styles used are diverse and the details are primarily differentiated based on structure, window patterns and the finishes used. The most popular style of architecture used for office buildings in Miami and throughout South Florida is the Mediterranean Revival style. And many stand out with their pink or other pastel colored exteriors. But what truly makes a commercial building stand out is the office building windows design.
Commercial Office Building Windows
Besides the ability to aesthetically enhance a building, windows allow the employees working inside to see the outside world and in Miami, that can be a real perk! There are some fantastic views for those lucky enough to be situated in an office that overlooks the ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, or a garden enhanced courtyard. And some have the advantage of being located on a picturesque city street. Bottom line, the views available for most people working in or visiting a commercial building in South Florida are far above those found in many other regions.
How Strong are Office Building Windows without Impact Windows?
The strength of windows in office buildings that do not include impact glass vary based on the type of glass used and the window system design. However, the standard office building window is constructed with just single or double pane glass and usually made with laminated, insulated or tempered glass.
Tempered glass
is stronger than laminated glass and has some ability to resist an impact. But it can easily shatter upon the impact of a heavy object or an intense storm.
Laminated glass
is made with two or more layers of glass and a clear layer of plastic in between. The plastic helps to hold the glass together when it breaks, but may crack on the surface and would not be resilient during tough storms.
Insulated glass
is often used in office building windows and consists of two or more panes of glass separated by an insulating spacer. The insulation is intended for assisting with energy efficiency and not designed for protection during hurricanes, major storms or anything obstructing the glass.
Impact Resistant Office Building Windows
The importance of windows adding to the structure and aesthetics is high, but another aspect that developers and builders need to consider in Miami, and throughout South Florida, is the windows’ ability to protect. With all of the damaging hurricanes and tropical storms that rip through the state, commercial buildings need to have the ability to withstand those powerful storms. In addition, with all of the priceless equipment, invaluable information and human lives that a building holds, property owners and businesses need to consider protecting against break-ins.
How Much Can an Impact Window Withstand?
Impact windows are manufactured to withstand impact from various threats, such as high winds, flying debris and severe weather conditions. However, the strength of impact windows depends upon the specific design and how it’s constructed. Nonetheless, impact windows have the ability to withstand winds rated between 130 to 200 miles per hour. But again, the strength of each impact window is dependent upon its specific design and certification.
Benefits of Installing Impact Windows in Office Buildings
In addition to protecting against hurricanes and tropical storms, the benefits of installing impact windows in office buildings and other commercial structures also include protecting from water damage; intruders breaking in; and reducing the amount of incoming sunlight and outside noise.
Impact windows are tested for their ability to prevent water damage from rain entering a building. The glass breaking resilience, and hurricane window tint, will result in safer office building windows at night. In addition, office building tinted windows during the day will help with energy efficiency. Less sunlight will also keep the building and offices cooler. And will better protect office furniture and equipment from the heat and color fading. Impact glass office building windows will also help to reduce (and possibly maintain) property insurance.
How to Tell if You Have Impact Resistant Windows
One of the easiest ways to decipher whether or not your office building has impact windows is by holding an object up to the glass. If the window is impact glass, you will see two reflections of the object you are holding due to the double pane glass. The two separate panes will create each its own reflection. Also, impact windows have a heavy-duty frame made with vinyl or aluminum. As far as durability, aluminum frames are more durable and less resistant to break-ins from intruders.
Office Building Window Types
There is a long list of the types of windows used in office buildings in South Florida. Some of the most common types of office building windows are listed below:
Bay Windows
These are very aesthetically pleasing window types and available in different shapes. These windows are projected from the wall; which provides an increase in the area of the opening allowing more ventilation and light to enter the office or room.
Casement Windows
Windows with shutters attached to the frame and can be opened and closed the same as door shutters. These are some of the most common types of windows used. Learn more about Impact Casement Windows.
Corner Windows
Obviously, these are windows used in the corners of offices or rooms and have two faces in opposite directions. Corner windows allow air and light to enter an office or room in two different paths or directions.
Dormer Windows
These windows are for sloped roofs and also aesthetically pleasing. They are a great way to provide ventilation and lighting to an office or room located in the top portion of a building.
Double Hung Windows
Windows with a pair of shutters attached to one frame and arranged one above the other and can slide vertically using a chord or chain. Learn more about Impact Double Hung Windows.
Fixed Windows
Windows that are fixed to the wall without the ability to close or open.
Metal Windows
Windows made with soft steel that are affordable and stronger than other types of windows. This is a popular type of window used for office buildings.
Louvered Windows
Windows made of glass, wood or metal that are ideal for ventilation without the ability to see outside.
Pivoted Windows
Windows with pivots to the frames. The pivots help to oscillate the shutter and may swing horizontally or vertically (based on the position of the pivots)
Sash Windows
Another type of casement window, but with fully glazed panels. This is a more decorative type of window and made with bottom, intermediate and top rails. And the space between the rails is separated into smaller panels with what is called sash or glazing bars made with timber
Sliding Windows
Windows with shutters that are movable within the frame either horizontally or vertically.
Office Building Window Replacement for Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
If your building was originally built with regular (non-impact glass) windows, you can request a quote for window replacement today. In South Florida, adding impact glass to an old office building is one of the best ways to protect you, your employees, customers and overall investment. High rise building window replacement is also available.
Impact Window Installers for Office Buildings in Miami and throughout South Florida
Whether your project includes impact windows for small office buildings or large office building windows, Signature Impact Windows & Doors is available to install Miami-Dade certified designed and constructed hurricane impact resistant windows. We offer brands from some of the best impact window manufacturers available. Our team is highly experienced and some of the best impact windows installers for office buildings in Miami and throughout the South Florida region. Call us today at 305-912-7493 or simply request a FREE quote online. Easy financing for windows and doors is available.