Updated October 25, 2026 · Prepared by Vision Aluminum & Glass Specialists, licensed Florida contractor CGC 1537007

The prices below are averages: we combined the price ranges we publish for our own work with the ranges published in 2026 price guides by other South Florida installers, then rounded. They are planning numbers for installed work, not quotes. Your exact price comes from a free in-home measurement.

Impact window prices in South Florida

Larger openings, custom shapes, second-floor installs and coastal homes that need higher design pressures land at the upper end. See our impact window replacement service for what is included.

Impact door and sliding glass door prices

Very wide multi-panel sliders, typically 16 feet and up, are priced individually and can run well above these ranges. More on impact door installation.

Impact garage door prices

The garage door is usually the largest opening in the house, and it counts toward the opening-protection credit on a wind-mitigation report. A heavier impact door may also need a stronger opener. See garage door repair and installation.

Permits and other costs

• Building permit: on average about $200–$1,000 per project, depending on the city and the scope. A reputable quote states whether the permit is included.
• County rules: Miami-Dade and Broward are in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone, so products must be approved for that standard; one 2026 guide estimates this adds roughly 10–15% compared with Palm Beach County.
• Structural changes: enlarging an opening or converting windows into a door is priced separately and changes the permit scope.
• Finish work: stucco, drywall and paint touch-ups around new openings should be listed on the quote, not discovered afterwards.

What changes the price?

• The number and size of openings — the biggest single factor.
• Window and door style: fixed glass and single-hung cost less than casements, large sliders and French doors.
• Glass package: low-E coatings, tints and obscure glass for bathrooms add cost but cut heat and glare.
• Frame finish and color, and whether grids are added.
• Location: coastal homes and upper floors often need higher design-pressure products.
• Access and removal: second-story openings and old window removal add labor.

How to lower the cost

• Insurance credits: once every opening is protected, file a wind-mitigation inspection — opening-protection credits can offset part of the cost every year.
• My Safe Florida Home: eligible owner-occupied single-family homes may qualify for the state’s matching hurricane-hardening grant, subject to eligibility and available funding.
• Repair what is repairable: a dragging slider often needs new rollers, not a new door, and foggy glass usually needs a new glass unit, not a new window — see our guides on sliding door service and foggy glass replacement.
• Shutters for rarely used openings: aluminum shutters cost less than impact glass where daily use and views matter less.
• Phase the project: some homeowners protect the most exposed elevations first and finish the rest later.

Our typical repair prices

How we calculated these numbers

For each item we took the installed-price ranges we publish for our own work and the ranges published in 2026 price guides from other South Florida installers and window and door companies covering Miami, Fort Lauderdale and the wider region. We averaged the low ends and the high ends separately and rounded the results. Published prices come mostly from contractors, so treat them as planning ranges; quotes that include permits, finishing work and premium glass will sit higher than bare-product prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to put impact windows in a whole house in South Florida?

For a typical single-family home with about 12 to 20 openings, the average installed cost is roughly $16,500–$40,000. Smaller condos and townhomes come in lower; large homes, oversized sliders and premium glass push the total higher.

Are impact windows more expensive in Miami-Dade and Broward than in Palm Beach?

Usually somewhat, because Miami-Dade and Broward are in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone and products must be approved for that stricter standard. One published 2026 guide estimates the difference at roughly 10 to 15 percent compared with Palm Beach County, but it depends on the product and the opening.

Do impact windows pay for themselves?

Partly, and sometimes substantially. Once every opening is protected and a wind-mitigation inspection is filed, Florida insurers apply opening-protection credits, you no longer need to buy, store or install shutters, and laminated insulated glass reduces cooling load. How fast that adds up depends on your policy and your home.

Why do impact window quotes vary so much?

Quotes differ in the product series and brand, glass package, design pressure, whether stucco and drywall repair, permits and debris removal are included, and how many openings change size. Compare itemized quotes that list each opening with its product approval number.

Related: Hurricane protection package · Impact window replacement · Sliding door repair · Glass replacement

Updated October 25, 2026 · Written by the installation team at Vision Aluminum & Glass Specialists, licensed Florida contractor CGC 1537007

Why does glass fog up between the panes?

Most modern windows and sliding doors use an insulated glass unit: two panes separated by a spacer and sealed around the edge, with dry air or an insulating gas in between. The spacer contains a desiccant that absorbs any trace of moisture. That edge seal is under constant stress in South Florida — strong sun heats the glass every afternoon, the air conditioning cools it from the inside, and the unit expands and contracts thousands of times a year.

Eventually the seal lets humid outdoor air in. For a while the desiccant soaks it up, then it saturates, and moisture starts condensing on the inside faces of the glass. You see it first on hot mornings as a milky film, later as permanent haze, water streaks or white mineral spots that no cleaning can reach.

How can I tell a failed seal from normal condensation?

A quick test: wipe both sides with a dry cloth. If the haze is still there, it is between the panes.

Can foggy glass be cleaned or defogged instead of replaced?

Some companies offer “defogging”: they drill small holes in the glass, flush out the moisture and plug the holes. That can improve the look for a while, but it does not restore the seal, it does not bring back any insulating gas, and a drilled unit is no longer the product the manufacturer tested. On impact-rated glass in particular we do not recommend it, because the glass makeup is part of what the product approval certifies.

Do I need a whole new window, or just new glass?

If the frame is straight, the hardware works and there is no water getting in around the window, replacing only the insulated glass unit is the sensible repair. We measure the glass, order a unit built to the same thickness and makeup, remove the glazing beads or stops, swap the unit and reseal it. The frame stays in the wall, so there is no stucco or drywall work.

A full window replacement makes more sense when the frame is corroded or bent, several units in the same window have failed, the window leaks around its perimeter, or it is an older non-impact window and you are already planning to upgrade the house for insurance savings.

What about foggy impact windows?

Impact windows use laminated glass — two layers of glass bonded to a strong interlayer — and many are also insulated units. Fogging between panes is the same seal failure, but there is an extra rule: the replacement glass must match the glass construction listed in the window’s Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance. In practice that often means ordering the replacement unit through, or to the specification of, the original manufacturer. We check the label or approval before quoting so the window keeps its rating.

Do not confuse fogging with cloudy edges on laminated glass. Milky patches that creep in from the edges of an impact pane are usually the interlayer delaminating, which is a different failure — the laminated glass itself needs replacing.

What does the replacement process look like?

1. Inspection and measurement — we confirm it is a seal failure and record the exact glass makeup.
2. Quote — a written price for the glass unit, labor and any hardware that should be serviced at the same time.
3. Ordering — insulated units are made to measure; lead time depends on the glass type and manufacturer.
4. Installation — the old unit comes out, the new one is set and sealed; a typical opening takes well under a day.
5. Clean-up and check — we clean the glass, test operation and confirm the seal.

Does window warranty cover foggy glass?

Often, yes. Many manufacturers warrant the insulated glass seal for a set number of years, separate from the frame warranty. Look for the manufacturer’s name etched in a corner of the glass or a label on the frame, and check your purchase paperwork. If the window is still covered, we can help you document the failure for the claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will foggy glass go away by itself?

No. Once the seal of an insulated glass unit fails and the desiccant is saturated, moisture keeps getting in. The haze usually gets worse over time and can leave permanent mineral stains between the panes.

Is foggy glass a safety problem?

Fogging itself does not make the glass weaker, but it means the unit has lost its insulating value and the view is impaired. On impact windows, check whether it is fogging or delamination at the edges — delamination does affect the laminated glass and should be inspected.

Can you replace foggy glass in a sliding glass door?

Yes. Sliding door panels use the same insulated glass units, and the glass can usually be replaced without replacing the door frame, as long as the panel frame is in good condition.

How long does foggy glass replacement take?

The installation itself is usually done in a single visit. Most of the waiting time is the manufacturing lead time for a unit built to your exact measurements.

Related services: Glass replacement · Impact window replacement · Sliding glass door repair

Updated October 25, 2026 · Written by the installation team at Vision Aluminum & Glass Specialists, licensed Florida contractor CGC 1537007

Why is my sliding door hard to open?

A sliding panel rides on two roller assemblies hidden in its bottom rail. Every time the door moves, those wheels carry the full weight of the glass — and a large impact-rated panel is heavy. Sand, grit and pool-deck debris collect in the bottom track and act like sandpaper on the wheels and the track itself. Salt air adds corrosion. Over months the wheels flatten, the bearings seize and the door starts to drag.

How do I maintain a sliding glass door?

Ten minutes a month prevents most service calls:

• Vacuum the bottom track, then wipe it with a damp cloth — grit is the number-one cause of roller wear.
• Use a silicone spray or dry lubricant on the track sparingly. Avoid grease and oily sprays; they attract sand and turn into grinding paste.
• Clear the weep holes at the bottom of the frame so rainwater can drain out instead of backing up over the sill during summer storms.
• Check that the handle and lock operate smoothly; a lock you have to force usually means the panel has dropped.
• Rinse salt spray off frames and hardware if you live near the beach or the Intracoastal.

Can sliding door rollers be replaced?

Yes, and it is the most common sliding door repair we do. The operable panel is lifted out of the track, the old roller assemblies are removed from the bottom rail, and new rollers matched to the panel’s weight and track profile are installed. We then set the height at both ends so the panel rides level, re-seat it and adjust the lock. If the track itself is worn down or dented, a stainless steel track cap can give the new rollers a smooth surface again without replacing the frame.

What about impact-rated sliding doors?

Impact sliders are heavier and built to tighter tolerances, and their hardware is part of the tested assembly. Replacement rollers, locks and keepers should be the correct parts for that door, not generic substitutes. Getting the adjustment right matters even more: an impact panel that is not seated properly in its interlocks will not perform the way it was tested during a storm.

When is it time to replace the door instead of repairing it?

Repair is the right answer for most doors. Replacement makes sense when the aluminum frame is heavily corroded or bent, the panels are racked so they no longer seal, the glass units have failed in several panels, or the door is an older non-impact unit and you are upgrading the home’s openings for hurricane protection and insurance credits. If you are not sure, we will give you prices for both so you can compare.

What happens during a service visit?

1. We operate the door and inspect rollers, track, frame, lock and weatherstripping.
2. You get a clear explanation of what is wrong and a written price before any work starts.
3. Most roller, track and adjustment repairs are completed in the same visit.
4. We clean the track, lubricate correctly and show you the maintenance routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should sliding door rollers be replaced?

There is no fixed schedule; it depends on the door’s weight, how often it is used and how clean the track is kept. A busy patio door that is used dozens of times a day and sits next to a pool deck will wear rollers much faster than a bedroom slider.

Is WD-40 good for sliding doors?

Oily sprays are not a good choice for the track because they attract sand and grit. A silicone spray or dry lubricant used sparingly, on a clean track, works better.

Can a sliding door be fixed without removing the glass?

Yes. For roller and track repairs the whole panel is lifted out with the glass in place; the glass only comes out if the glass unit itself is being replaced.

Do you service sliding doors from any manufacturer?

We work on most aluminum sliding doors found in South Florida homes. For impact-rated doors we use parts that are correct for that door so it keeps performing as tested.

Related services: Sliding glass door repair · Impact door installation · Glass replacement

Updated October 25, 2026 · Written by the installation team at Vision Aluminum & Glass Specialists, licensed Florida contractor CGC 1537007

When does window or door glass need to be replaced?

• Cracks or chips, even small ones — temperature swings in the Florida sun make cracks spread.
• Fog or haze between the panes of insulated glass, which means the seal has failed.
• Broken glass after a storm, a stray ball or an attempted break-in.
• Cloudy, milky edges on laminated impact glass, a sign of delamination.
• Old single-pane glass you want to upgrade for comfort, noise or energy savings.

What types of glass are used in windows and doors?

Does the building code require a certain type of glass?

Yes. The Florida Building Code requires safety glazing — tempered or laminated glass — in hazardous locations. That includes glass in doors, glass next to doors, glass near bathtubs and showers, and large panes close to the floor where someone could walk into them. When we replace glass in any of these locations, the new glass is safety glass even if the original was not.

For impact windows and doors there is a second requirement: the glass has to match what the product’s Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance specifies. Putting ordinary glass into an impact frame would quietly remove the opening’s hurricane protection — and with it the opening-protection credit on your insurance.

What should I do if a window breaks?

1. Keep people and pets away and wear gloves — broken annealed glass is very sharp.
2. Do not pull loose pieces out of the frame by hand.
3. Cover the opening from the inside with plastic sheeting or plywood if rain is coming.
4. Take photos for your insurance claim before anything is cleaned up.
5. Call a glass contractor to secure the opening and measure for replacement.

Broken laminated impact glass usually stays in one piece in the frame, so the house remains closed — but it should still be replaced, because a damaged pane will not perform as tested in the next storm.

What happens during a glass replacement?

1. Assessment — we identify the glass type and check whether the frame and hardware are sound.
2. Measurement and quote — replacement glass is made to the exact size and makeup; you get a written price.
3. Ordering — standard tempered or annealed glass is often quick; insulated and impact units take longer to manufacture.
4. Installation — the stops are removed, the old glass comes out, the new glass is set and sealed.
5. Final check — we clean up all fragments, test the window or door and confirm it seals properly.

Should I replace just the glass or the whole window?

Replacing only the glass is the right call when the frame is solid and the window operates well. If the frame is corroded, leaking or bent, or several panes have failed at once, or you are upgrading an older non-impact window, a full replacement is usually better value over the long run. We give you both options when both are realistic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you replace just the glass in an impact window?

Often, yes — but the replacement glass must match the construction listed in the window’s product approval, which frequently means ordering it to the original manufacturer’s specification. We check the label or approval before quoting.

Is tempered glass the same as impact glass?

No. Tempered glass is heat-treated so it breaks into small blunt pieces, which makes it safer. Impact glass is laminated glass that is tested to stay in the opening when hit by wind-borne debris. Some impact units also use tempered layers inside the laminate.

How long does it take to replace a broken window pane?

Securing the opening can happen right away. Standard glass can often be replaced quickly, while insulated and impact glass units are made to order and take longer to manufacture before installation.

Does homeowners insurance pay for broken window glass?

It depends on your policy and the cause of the damage. Photograph the damage before clean-up and check with your insurer; we can provide a written estimate for the claim.

Related services: Glass replacement · Impact window replacement · Hurricane protection