Every term, explained.

A mid-level industry standard for painted aluminum, tested for 5 years of South Florida exposure. It is the standard powder coat on many impact windows.

Why it matters: It performs well inland. Near the coast, a 2605 finish lasts longer.

The highest industry standard for painted aluminum, tested for 10 years of South Florida sun exposure.

Why it matters: It is the best choice for strong sun and coastal homes, and some warranties require it near salt water.

A finish that hardens and colors the surface of the aluminum itself instead of painting it.

Why it matters: It shows the metal’s natural look. Its warranty is often shorter than that of paint finishes.

A safe, invisible gas sealed between the panes of insulated glass.

Why it matters: It slows heat transfer better than air, improving insulation.

The wind load a window or door is approved to resist, in pounds per square foot (psf). A rating like +80/−140 psf gives the inward push (+) and the outward suction (−).

Why it matters: Each opening on your home has a required pressure based on wind speed, height and location. The product must meet or exceed it, so a higher rating covers more openings.

A window opening large enough for a person to escape through in an emergency.

Why it matters: Building codes require an egress window in bedrooms, so the style and size you choose matter there.

A statewide product approval from the Florida Building Commission, shown as a number like FL42522. Its installation drawings set the approved sizes, glass and anchors.

Why it matters: Every window and door installed under a Florida permit needs an approval, either a Florida approval or a Miami-Dade NOA.

How thick the frame is from inside to outside, in inches.

Why it matters: Deeper frames are usually stronger and reach larger sizes or higher ratings. They must also fit your wall opening.

Glass heated and cooled under control to be about twice as strong as ordinary glass. It breaks into larger pieces than tempered glass.

Why it matters: Approval drawings often call for HS glass inside laminated units to reach their pressure ratings.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where the Florida Building Code applies its strictest testing and approval rules.

Why it matters: A product used in the HVHZ must be approved for it. Some products are approved only for outside the HVHZ, so they cannot be used in Broward or Miami-Dade.

A laminated glass layer paired with a second pane, separated by a sealed space often filled with argon gas.

Why it matters: It keeps heat out and the air conditioning in far better than laminated glass alone, and it is quieter. It costs more and makes the unit heavier.

A high-performance fluoropolymer paint based on Kynar 500 PVDF resin. It is the classic finish that meets AAMA 2605.

Why it matters: It resists fading, chalking and salt air best, which is why manufacturers recommend it near the coast.

Two layers of glass bonded to a plastic interlayer. If the glass breaks, the pieces stay attached to the interlayer and the opening stays closed.

Why it matters: Laminated glass is what makes an impact window impact-resistant. It also blocks most UV and reduces outside noise.

A test in which a 9 lb piece of 2x4 lumber is fired at the glass and frame, followed by thousands of wind-pressure cycles. The unit must stay closed and in one piece.

Why it matters: The Florida Building Code requires large-missile protection for openings up to 30 ft above ground in the windborne-debris areas that include South Florida.

A microscopically thin metal coating on the glass that reflects heat while letting light through.

Why it matters: In South Florida it cuts the sun’s heat coming in, lowering cooling costs and protecting floors and furniture from fading.

A structural bar that joins two or more windows or doors into one larger opening.

Why it matters: Mullions carry wind load too, so they need their own approval and anchoring.

The National Fenestration Rating Council, an independent organization that certifies window energy ratings such as U-factor and SHGC.

Why it matters: NFRC-certified numbers are tested the same way for every brand, so they can be compared fairly.

A product approval issued by Miami-Dade County after independent testing. It lists the approved sizes, glass, pressures and installation details, and it has an expiration date.

Why it matters: Your permit needs a current approval for the exact product. An NOA is the standard proof in the HVHZ.

Polyvinyl butyral, the standard flexible plastic layer inside laminated glass.

Why it matters: PVB meets most residential needs at a lower cost. Higher pressures or larger sizes may call for SentryGlas.

A stiff, strong ionoplast interlayer made by Kuraray, used in place of PVB in laminated glass.

Why it matters: It is much stiffer than PVB, so it often allows higher pressure ratings and larger sizes, and it stays clear at exposed edges. It usually costs more.

A narrow fixed glass panel beside a door.

Why it matters: It adds light to an entry and must be approved together with the door.

A test with small steel balls that simulate roof gravel, followed by wind-pressure cycles.

Why it matters: Openings more than 30 ft above ground, such as high-rise condos, need small-missile protection. Some products are approved for both.

The share of the sun’s heat that passes through the window, from 0 to 1. Lower numbers let in less heat.

Why it matters: In Florida’s climate, SHGC is often the energy number that matters most for comfort and cooling costs.

Glass treated with heat to be about four times stronger than ordinary glass. When it breaks, it crumbles into small, blunt pieces.

Why it matters: It is used as the outer pane of many insulated units and wherever safety glass is required.

An aluminum frame split by an insulating strip so heat cannot travel straight through the metal.

Why it matters: Aluminum conducts heat well. A thermal break keeps the inside of the frame cooler and improves energy performance.

A fixed glass panel above a door or window.

Why it matters: It adds height and light, and it must be approved as part of the assembly.

How much heat passes through the whole window. Lower numbers mean better insulation.

Why it matters: A lower U-factor keeps cooled air in, which matters most with insulated glass.

The share of visible daylight that passes through the glass. Higher numbers mean brighter rooms.

Why it matters: It shows the trade-off between a darker, cooler tint and natural light.

Codes for sliding layouts seen from outside: X is a panel that slides and O is a fixed panel.

Why it matters: The layout decides which side opens, which helps you plan furniture and walkways.