Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems®
Frequently Asked Questions
General Hurricane Protection Questions
What products does Forcefield Hurricane® offer?
Forcefield Hurricane® offers a comprehensive line of hurricane protection and home improvement products, including:
- Impact-resistant windows and doors
- Aluminum sliding glass doors and French doors
- Impact garage doors
- Accordion, Bahama, Colonial, and roll-down shutters
- Kevlar/aramid roll screens
- Security screens, fabric hurricane panels and aluminum, galvanized, and clear storm panels
- Skylights and storm doors
Are hurricane protection products only useful during hurricane season?
No! Many products offer everyday benefits, including improved energy efficiency, reduced outside noise, UV protection, added security, shade, and insect protection, depending on the product selected.
Why should I choose Forcefield Hurricane®?
Experience Matters!® Since 2004, Forcefield Hurricane® has focused on helping homeowners protect their homes with quality hurricane protection products.
We offer a range of solutions to accommodate different homes, architectural styles, budgets, and protection needs. We also provide hurricane and security protection solutions for businesses. Our goal is to help you find the right protection for your home or business.
Forcefield Hurricane® is licensed, bonded, and insured. We take pride in the quality of our installations, which are completed by our own professional installers — never subcontractors.
When you choose Forcefield Hurricane®, you are choosing experience, quality, and a team committed to protecting what matters most.
Are any hurricane products completely hurricane-proof?
No product is completely hurricane-proof or waterproof. Properly tested and approved impact products are designed to withstand specified impact and wind-pressure conditions, but extreme storms can still cause damage. Product selection and installation are critical.
Impact Windows and Doors
What are impact-resistant windows?
Impact windows use specially constructed glazing and frames designed to resist impacts from wind-borne debris and specified wind pressures. They help protect the home without requiring separate shutters to be deployed, provided the complete installed system meets the applicable requirements.
What is the difference between impact and non-impact glass?
Impact glass is laminated, multi layer glass designed to resist breaking under extreme forces. It is designed and tested to meet specified impact-performance requirements.
Non-impact glass is standard single or double pane glass that shatters when struck. It does not provide the same certified impact protection.
Your selection should match your home's needs and applicable building-code requirements.
Do impact windows help with energy efficiency?
They can. Depending on the glass package and window design, impact windows can help reduce heat transfer and UV exposure, improve indoor comfort, and potentially lower cooling costs.
Can impact windows reduce outside noise?
Yes. Laminated impact glass can help reduce traffic, neighborhood, and other outdoor noise. The amount of reduction varies with the glass construction, frame, installation, and type of noise.
What is the difference between vinyl and aluminum windows?
Vinyl windows generally offer good thermal insulation and low maintenance. Aluminum windows offer a strong, slim-frame appearance and can suit particular architectural designs. The best choice depends on your priorities for aesthetics, energy efficiency, opening size, and performance.
Can I replace my existing sliding glass door with an impact door?
In many cases, yes. A replacement must be properly measured, and the selected door must meet the opening's size, installation, design-pressure, and applicable approval requirements.
Are aluminum French doors available with insulated glass?
Yes. The aluminum French door options described by Forcefield Hurricane® include impact glass and insulated impact glass, subject to the available configuration.
Hurricane Shutters and Panels
What types of hurricane shutters are available?
Options include accordion shutters, Bahama shutters, Colonial shutters, roll screen, roll down shutters, security screens and removable storm panels. Each offers a different combination of appearance, operation, storage requirements, and convenience.
Which hurricane shutters are easiest to use?
Accordions, security screens, roll screens and roll down shutters are permanently installed and designed for convenient deployment. Roll down systems may be motorized or manual, depending on the model. The best choice depends on your openings, access, aesthetics and budget.
Do Bahama shutters provide shade as well as storm protection?
Yes. When properly selected and installed, Bahama shutters can provide shade and help reduce direct sunlight while also serving as an approved protection system when the specific product is rated for that use.
Are Colonial shutters available in different styles?
Yes. Colonial shutters provide a traditional decorative appearance and are available in impact-rated and non-impact options, depending on the product.
Are storm panels a good option for homeowners on a budget?
Storm panels can be a cost-conscious option. They are typically installed when needed and stored when not in use. Consider the effort required to handle, install, and remove them when comparing panels with permanently installed shutters.
Can existing hurricane shutters be repaired?
Many shutters can be serviced or repaired, depending on their condition, manufacturer, and parts availability. Forcefield Hurricane® offers shutter maintenance and repair services on many shutter systems.
Roll Screens and Fabric Protection
What are hurricane roll screens?
Roll screens deploy over an opening to provide protection according to the specific product's tested and approved performance. Depending on the model, they can also provide shade, insect protection, and privacy while preserving some visibility.
Are roll screens suitable for large lanais and patios?
They can be used on openings up to 32 feet wide. Screen size limits depend on the specific opening dimensions and some configurations accommodate particularly large openings, so each project should be evaluated individually.
What are Armor Screen fabric panels?
Armor Screen is a specific brand of flexible fabric-based storm protection system secured using an approved anchoring method.
What makes Kevlar/aramid roll screens different?
Kevlar/aramid fibers are known for their high strength relative to weight and UV resistance. Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems® Roll Screens use fabric described as containing 50% aramid fiber, including genuine Kevlar® fiber, for demanding applications.
Can removable screens stay installed year-round?
No. Unlike our roll screens, removable screens are not designed for extended outdoor exposure. They are not UV-resistant and will degrade over time when exposed to sunlight and the elements.
To help extend the life of your removable screens, we recommend removing them when they are not in use and storing them in a protected area.
Can roll screens be motorized?
Yes, motorized operation is the preferred method.
Garage Doors, Entry Doors, and Skylights
Why should I consider an impact-rated garage door?
A properly selected impact-rated garage door helps protect a large opening in your home's exterior. The door must meet the applicable design-pressure and impact requirements for the property.
Does Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems®offer garage doors?
Yes. Forcefield Hurricane® offers impact garage door options, including products intended for demanding hurricane-prone environments. Available models, finishes, and approvals vary.
What are the benefits of a storm door?
Storm doors can provide an additional layer of protection from everyday weather, ventilation, and added security while allowing you to retain the appearance of your main entry door. Features vary by model.
Can I add a dog door to a storm door?
Certain storm door configurations can be ordered with a built-in pet door. Availability depends on the selected model and configuration.
Are impact skylights available?
Yes. Forcefield Hurricane® offers impact skylight options. The specific model, glazing, size, and approval must be matched to the roof and installation requirements.
Approvals, Warranties, and Installation
What does HVHZ mean?
HVHZ stands for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. It refers to the designated high-wind zone covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Florida. Products installed there must meet the applicable requirements for that location. Not every product or configuration is HVHZ approved.
What is Florida Product Approval?
Florida Product Approval is a system for evaluating and approving qualifying building products for use under the Florida Building Code. Approval applies to specific products and configurations, not automatically to every product from a manufacturer.
Will new impact windows or shutters lower my homeowners insurance?
They may qualify for wind-mitigation credits, but savings are not guaranteed. The outcome depends on your insurer, the products installed, whether all required openings are protected, and the results of any required inspection. Contact your insurance company for a property-specific estimate.
Do hurricane windows and doors come with a warranty?
While warranty terms vary by manufacturer, product series, components, and installation, Forcefield Hurricane® offers a lifetime warranty on many products.
Do I need a permit to install hurricane windows, doors, or shutters?
Yes, for windows, doors and most shutter installations permits are required in Florida, but requirements depend on the product, scope of work, and local jurisdiction. We will confirm the permit requirements and apply for the appropriate permits when required.
How do I know which products are right for my home?
Start with your opening location, desired appearance, budget, and protection goals. Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems® can help evaluate available options and identify products with the appropriate approvals and performance ratings for your project.
Financing, Estimates, and Service
Does Forcefield Hurricane® offer financing?
Promotional financing options, including 0% financing when available, may be offered for qualifying purchases. Ask Forcefield Hurricane® about current offers, eligibility, terms, and any applicable restrictions.
How much do hurricane windows, doors, or shutters cost?
Pricing depends on the product, dimensions, number of openings, selected features, installation requirements, and permitting. A free in-home estimate is the best way to receive pricing specific to your home.
Can I visit the Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems® showroom?
Yes. Visit the showroom to discuss available window, door, shutter, and garage door options with the Forcefield Hurricane® team.
How do I schedule a free estimate?
Contact Forcefield Hurricane® to arrange a free in-home estimate for windows, doors, shutters, garage doors, or other available hurricane protection products.
Do you only offer residential hurricane protection, impact windows and doors?
We do offer a wide range of commercial security and hurricane protection solutions. Window and door installation is limited to residential and condo applications.
Prepare before a storm approaches.
Call 941-625-2295 or request a free estimate online
to discuss your hurricane protection installation with Forcefield Hurricane Protection Systems® - protecting Florida homes since 2004.