Upgrading your home’s windows and doors is one of the smartest investments you can make in South Florida. Done right, you’ll gain hurricane protection, lower energy bills, quieter rooms, better security, and a meaningful boost in curb appeal and resale value. This guide from MPC Build walks you through options, costs, timelines, and how to choose the right contractor.

Why Fort Lauderdale Homeowners Upgrade

  • Hurricane resilience: Impact-rated products resist wind-borne debris and help maintain your home’s envelope during storms.
  • Energy efficiency: Low-E coatings, warm-edge spacers, and tight seals reduce solar heat gain and infiltration so your AC runs less.
  • Noise reduction: Laminated glass and better seals make a dramatic difference near busy roads and flight paths.
  • Security & insurance savings: Stronger hardware and glazing deter break-ins; many carriers discount premiums for verified impact openings.

Window Types & Best Uses

Single-hung & Double-hung

Classic look and cost-effective. Double-hung offers top/bottom ventilation and easier cleaning — popular in older homes being modernized.

Casement & Awning

Hinged operation seals tightly against weather; excellent for bedrooms and baths where maximum ventilation is desired.

Picture & Architectural Fixed

Large panes maximize views and efficiency; often paired with operable units for ventilation.

Horizontal Sliders

Great for wide openings and contemporary aesthetics; fewer moving parts and easy operation.

Impact Windows

Multi-layer laminated glass with reinforced frames designed for high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ). Often the best long-term value.

Door Options & Considerations

Entry Doors

Fiberglass and steel lead for durability and security. Add sidelites/transoms for light; choose multi-point locks for strength.

Sliding Glass Doors

Space-saving and perfect for patios and pools. Consider impact sliders with thermal breaks and low-E glass for comfort and safety.

French & Hinged Patio Doors

Timeless style, wide clear openings, and excellent hardware options; require swing clearance.

Garage Side & Service Doors

Don’t overlook these for security and weather performance; impact-rated options available.

Materials: Vinyl vs. Aluminum vs. Wood-Clad

  • Vinyl: Strong thermal performance, low maintenance, attractive price point. Modern formulations withstand UV well.
  • Aluminum: Slim sightlines, high strength, excellent for large spans and coastal modern design; pair with thermal breaks for efficiency.
  • Wood-clad: Premium look with exterior protection; higher maintenance and cost — best for design-driven projects.

Glass & Performance Specs to Know

  • Low-E coatings: Reflect heat while admitting light.
  • U-Factor / SHGC: Lower values = better insulation and reduced heat gain.
  • Laminated vs. Tempered: Laminated improves impact/noise; tempered increases safety for doors and large panels.
  • DP/Ratings: Ensure products meet Broward HVHZ requirements.

Budgeting: Typical Fort Lauderdale Price Ranges

  • Whole-home window replacement: $18,000–$40,000+ depending on count, sizes, and impact vs. non-impact.
  • Impact sliding glass door (2-panel): $3,500–$7,500+ installed.
  • Premium entry door with sidelites: $3,000–$6,000+.

Labor complexity (stucco reveals, interior finishes), access (second story), and custom shapes influence pricing. We provide line-item proposals so you can phase upgrades if desired.

Process & Timeline

  1. Consultation & measurements: We capture exact rough openings, egress needs, and design goals.
  2. Proposal & options: Compare impact vs. non-impact, frame materials, and glass packages with clear pricing.
  3. Permitting: We prepare plans, product approvals, and pull Broward permits — a step DIY installers can’t legally perform.
  4. Ordering & lead times: Typical lead is 4–10 weeks depending on manufacturer and customization.
  5. Installation days: Crews protect interiors, remove old units, prepare openings, set, plumb, and seal new units, then finish and clean.
  6. Inspections & closeout: We schedule city inspections and provide documentation for insurance discounts where applicable.

Repair or Replace? A Quick Decision Guide

Choose repair when frames are sound and issues are limited to hardware, seals, or isolated panes. Choose replacement when leaks are chronic, frames are rotten/corroded, or you want impact protection/efficiency gains that repairs can’t deliver.

Case Study: Impact Upgrade in Coral Ridge

A mid-century home received impact casements and an impact slider. Insurance premiums dropped ~22%, interior temps stabilized, and street noise fell dramatically. Appraisal noted the upgrade as a key value driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need impact products to pass code?
A: In HVHZ zones, you need impact protection (either impact units or approved shutters). Impact windows/doors offer year-round readiness without deploying shutters.

Q: Will new windows really lower my bill?
A: Yes. Many homeowners see 10–25% reductions, especially when replacing leaky single-pane units.

Q: How long will installation take?
A: Most homes are completed in 3–7 days. Multi-story or custom shapes can take longer.

Q: Can I replace in phases?
A: Absolutely. Many clients prioritize bedrooms and most exposed elevations first, then complete remaining openings later.

Q: What warranties are included?
A: Manufacturers typically offer 10–20 years on glass/frames; MPC Build backs installation with a workmanship warranty.

Final Thoughts

Quality windows and doors are a foundation of comfortable, resilient South Florida living. Whether you’re seeking hurricane protection, lower energy costs, or a fresh modern look, the right products — installed by a licensed contractor — pay dividends for years.

Get started: Request a free, no-pressure consultation with MPC Build to compare options for windows and doors in Fort Lauderdale and build a plan that fits your budget.