Impact Windows & Doors in Homestead
Post-Andrew expertise for a city rebuilt stronger — HVHZ-compliant impact products for every era of Homestead construction.
Homestead sits at the southern end of Miami-Dade County's developed corridor, a city that was fundamentally reshaped by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The Category 5 storm made landfall directly over Homestead and the adjacent Florida City area, destroying or severely damaging the vast majority of structures in its path. In the decades since, the city has been substantially rebuilt, and its housing stock reflects that history in ways that directly affect impact window and door decisions today. Homestead's mix of post-Andrew CBS construction built to stricter codes, newer planned developments, and surviving pre-storm homes creates a range of scenarios that homeowners need to understand before starting a replacement project.
Like every municipality in Miami-Dade County, Homestead falls within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). All replacement windows and doors must carry a valid Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance (NOA), regardless of whether the home was built before or after Andrew. Products approved only under the general Florida Building Code do not meet HVHZ standards. Our Florida Building Code guide provides a detailed explanation of these requirements and what they mean for your project.
Homestead's Post-Andrew Housing Landscape
Understanding Homestead's housing requires understanding the dividing line that Andrew created. Homes built after the storm were constructed under progressively stricter building codes, and many already have some level of hurricane protection. But that does not mean they are fully up to current standards, and it certainly does not mean they cannot benefit from upgrades.
Common Home Styles and Product Recommendations
Homestead's housing stock, shaped by its rebuilding history and continued growth, presents distinct product needs depending on when and how the home was built.
Post-Andrew CBS Homes (1990s-2000s)
Standard single-hung and horizontal roller windows, sliding glass doors, and panel entry doors. Standard rough opening sizes make replacement with impact windows straightforward. Upgrading from shutters to impact windows eliminates the need for storm preparation while providing full-time security and noise reduction.
Newer Single-Family (2010s-Present)
May have partial or full impact protection from original build. Homeowners should have a professional assessment to identify gaps in coverage. Where upgrades are needed, matching existing product style and frame color ensures a consistent appearance.
Pre-Andrew Survivors
Often require the most extensive work, including custom sizing, structural reinforcement of opening frames, and stucco repair. Impact doors and windows should be selected with careful attention to the existing wall construction, which may not match modern framing standards.
Townhomes and Attached Homes
Found in many of Homestead's newer communities. HOA guidelines may dictate specific product colors, frame profiles, or manufacturers. Fire-rated impact products may be required on walls adjacent to neighboring units.
Hurricane Andrew's Legacy in Homestead
No community in the United States has a more direct relationship with hurricane building code reform than Homestead. When Andrew struck on August 24, 1992, sustained winds estimated at 165 miles per hour destroyed approximately 99 percent of all mobile homes in the area and severely damaged or destroyed the majority of site-built structures. Post-storm analysis found that window and door failure was one of the primary mechanisms of structural destruction — when wind entered through a failed opening, the internal pressure combined with the external suction to tear roofs off buildings and collapse walls.
The HVHZ requirements that govern building in Homestead today are a direct legacy of Andrew. These standards ensure that every glazed opening in a building can withstand both the wind pressures and the airborne debris that a major hurricane generates. For Homestead homeowners, complying with these standards is not an abstract regulatory exercise but a concrete lesson learned at enormous cost. Upgrading to impact products also provides substantial insurance premium reductions through the wind mitigation inspection program, making it one of the most financially sound home improvements available.
Homestead Permit Process
A final inspection after installation confirms that the products match the approved permit and that installation was performed according to the manufacturer's NOA specifications. This inspection is critical for obtaining the documentation needed for your wind mitigation report, which your insurance company requires to apply premium credits. Given Homestead's unique building history and the mix of construction vintages in the city, working with a contractor who understands local conditions and the permitting process is especially important.
To understand the full range of costs involved in an impact window and door project, including product selection, installation, and permitting, review our detailed cost guide.
Get a Free Estimate in Homestead
National Glass serves Homestead and all of Miami-Dade County. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate on impact doors and windows for your home.