Impact Window Brands Sold in Palm Beach & Broward: PGT vs CGI vs Andersen Compared
If you've started shopping for hurricane impact windows in South Florida, you've probably run into a wall of brand names - PGT, CGI, Andersen, ES Windows, and more. Every dealer has a favorite, every neighbor has an opinion, and every manufacturer claims to be the gold standard.
The truth is, several brands make genuinely excellent impact windows. The right choice depends on your home's location, your design priorities, your budget, and the specific performance specs your county requires. This guide cuts through the marketing noise and gives Palm Beach and Broward homeowners a real, side-by-side look at the top impact window brands available in South Florida.
Why Brand Selection Matters More Than You Might Think
All impact windows must meet Florida Building Code requirements, but not all brands are equal in terms of construction quality, available configurations, warranty terms, and long-term performance in our unique climate. Choosing a brand that isn't well-suited to your specific situation - coastal vs. inland, HVHZ vs. non-HVHZ, historic district vs. new construction - can mean problems down the road.
For example, homeowners in Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, or Lighthouse Point face salt air corrosion risks that don't apply the same way to homes in western Coral Springs or inland West Palm Beach. Some brands are better equipped for that coastal punishment than others. Similarly, if your home is in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), your windows need Miami-Dade NOA certification - and not every product from every brand carries it.
Brand reputation also matters when it comes to warranty claims. A manufacturer with strong local distribution and responsive dealer support will serve you far better than a budget brand that makes you wait weeks for replacement hardware. We've written extensively about impact window warranty red flags that homeowners should watch for regardless of which brand they choose.
The Top Impact Window Brands in South Florida
PGT Innovations
PGT is arguably the most recognized impact window brand in Florida - and for good reason. Founded in Venice, Florida, PGT has been manufacturing impact-resistant products since the 1980s and has grown into one of the largest window and door manufacturers in the southeastern United States.
What Makes PGT Stand Out
PGT's flagship WinGuard line is the product most Palm Beach and Broward homeowners encounter. WinGuard aluminum windows combine heavy-duty extruded aluminum frames with laminated impact glass, and they carry Miami-Dade NOA certification, making them compliant even in High Velocity Hurricane Zones.
Key strengths of PGT include:
- Extensive product range: PGT manufactures everything from single-hung and casement windows to large picture windows, sliding glass doors, and impact doors, giving homeowners a single-brand solution for whole-home projects.
- Strong South Florida distribution: Because PGT is Florida-based, parts, replacement glass, and service support are widely available. This matters enormously if you ever need warranty work.
- Solid energy performance: PGT's WinGuard line offers multiple glass configurations with competitive SHGC and U-factor ratings. If reducing cooling costs is a priority - and in South Florida, it should be - check out our full guide on impact window energy efficiency.
- Proven storm track record: PGT windows have been inspected in the aftermath of multiple major hurricanes hitting Florida. Their performance data is well-documented.
PGT Limitations to Know
PGT's aluminum frames, while durable, conduct heat more than vinyl or fiberglass. For east-facing homes or those with significant direct sun exposure, this is worth considering. We go deeper on frame material trade-offs in our guide to impact window frame materials.
PGT also sits at a mid-to-upper price point. It's not the cheapest option on the market, but for most South Florida homeowners, the reliability and parts availability justify the cost.
CGI Windows and Doors
CGI (Custom Glaing Inc.) is another Florida-based manufacturer with deep roots in the South Florida market. If PGT dominates statewide awareness, CGI is sometimes considered the insider's choice among South Florida contractors who prioritize build quality and customization flexibility.
What Makes CGI Stand Out
CGI manufactures its windows in Miami, which means the entire design philosophy is built around South Florida's specific demands - high humidity, salt air, extreme UV exposure, and of course hurricane-force winds.
Key strengths of CGI include:
- Miami-Dade NOA across the board: CGI's core product lines carry full HVHZ approvals, making them a go-to for coastal Broward communities like Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach where wind exposure is severe.
- Customization options: CGI offers a wider range of frame finishes, glass tints, and configuration options than some competitors. For homeowners in areas with HOA or historic district design requirements, this flexibility is valuable. Our HOA and condo impact window approval guide explains how design approvals work.
- Hardware quality: CGI is frequently praised by installers for the quality of its hardware and weatherstripping, which is directly relevant to long-term performance in coastal salt air environments. See our article on salt-air impact window seal failure for context.
- Competitive noise reduction: CGI's laminated glass configurations perform well for sound attenuation, which matters for homeowners near I-95, Florida's Turnpike, or busy corridors in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach. Learn more in our guide on impact window noise reduction.
CGI Limitations to Know
CGI is primarily an aluminum-frame manufacturer. If you're looking for vinyl or composite frames, you'll need to look elsewhere. CGI also tends to be priced at or slightly above PGT, reflecting its build quality and customization options.
CGI's brand recognition is lower with homeowners than with contractors, which can sometimes make resale conversations more complex - though any knowledgeable buyer will recognize CGI quality.
Andersen Windows
Andersen is a nationally recognized window manufacturer headquartered in Minnesota with over 120 years of history. In South Florida, Andersen's 100 Series and select impact-rated products have gained traction with homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and a more traditional window appearance alongside hurricane protection.
What Makes Andersen Stand Out
Andersen brings a different design sensibility than Florida-specific manufacturers. Their impact windows are built with a focus on architectural authenticity - something that matters enormously in neighborhoods like El Cid in West Palm Beach, Las Olas Isles in Fort Lauderdale, or historic districts throughout Palm Beach County.
Key strengths of Andersen include:
- Composite and fiberglass frame options: Andersen's Fibrex composite material offers better thermal performance than aluminum, with lower thermal conductivity and strong resistance to humidity warping. This can translate to real energy savings in South Florida.
- Aesthetic variety: Andersen offers wood-interior options and a wider range of exterior colors than most Florida impact window manufacturers. For homeowners focused on interior design or working through a historic district design review, this is a meaningful differentiator.
- Strong warranty reputation nationally: Andersen's warranty infrastructure is well-established, though homeowners should verify local service availability.
- Energy performance: Andersen's impact products can achieve strong U-factor ratings, which helps with insurance discounts and potential tax credits.
Andersen Limitations to Know
Andersen's South Florida impact line is narrower than PGT's or CGI's in terms of configurations specifically engineered for extreme HVHZ conditions. Homeowners in coastal Broward communities should carefully verify Miami-Dade NOA status for any specific Andersen product before purchasing.
Andersen is also generally the premium price option in this comparison. The higher cost reflects material quality and brand equity, but homeowners on tighter budgets may find better value with PGT or ES Windows for equivalent protection levels.
ES Windows
ES Windows is a Florida-based manufacturer that often gets overlooked in brand comparison conversations but deserves serious consideration, particularly for homeowners working with tighter budgets who still need certified HVHZ performance.
ES Windows manufactures primarily aluminum-frame impact products and has a solid lineup of Miami-Dade approved windows and doors. Their products are commonly used in large residential projects and communities throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Key strengths of ES Windows include:
- Strong Miami-Dade NOA certifications on core product lines
- Competitive pricing relative to PGT and CGI
- Good availability through South Florida dealers
- Solid glass thickness and interlayer specifications
For homeowners comparing costs across neighborhoods, our impact window cost breakdown by neighborhood can help you understand how brand selection interacts with installation pricing across Palm Beach and Broward.
Side-by-Side Brand Comparison
Hurricane Performance
All four brands - PGT, CGI, Andersen, and ES Windows - offer products certified to meet Florida Building Code requirements. PGT and CGI have the broadest HVHZ-approved product lines for coastal South Florida. Andersen requires product-specific NOA verification for HVHZ zones. ES Windows performs well in this category at a more accessible price point.
For a deeper look at how impact windows actually fail in hurricane conditions and what testing data reveals, see our article on impact window failures after hurricanes.
Frame Material Options
- PGT: Primarily aluminum; some vinyl options in non-HVHZ configurations
- CGI: Primarily aluminum
- Andersen: Fibrex composite, fiberglass, and aluminum options
- ES Windows: Primarily aluminum
For homeowners weighing the long-term implications of frame material choice in coastal vs. inland South Florida environments, our comparison of palm beach vs. broward impact window frame materials is worth reading.
Energy Efficiency
Andersen leads this category due to composite frame materials with lower thermal conductivity. PGT and CGI offer competitive glass configurations with good SHGC ratings appropriate for South Florida's solar gain challenges. ES Windows is competitive but offers fewer specialized glass options.
Security Performance
All brands use laminated interlayer glass that provides significant break-in resistance beyond hurricane protection. CGI and PGT both have products that perform well in forced-entry resistance tests. Read more about impact window security performance and what to look for.
Warranty Comparison
PGT and CGI both offer strong warranties with local Florida service infrastructure - a significant practical advantage over brands with national warranty support but limited South Florida dealer density. Andersen's warranty is well-structured but verify local service availability. ES Windows warranties are competitive but vary by product line.
How to Choose the Right Brand for Your Home
Coastal Properties in Palm Beach and Broward
If your home is within a mile of the Atlantic coast - from Jupiter and Juno Beach down through Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood - salt air exposure is a primary concern. CGI and PGT are the most battle-tested options for this environment, with hardware and weatherstripping specifically designed for salt air durability.
Review our guide on coastal impact window maintenance from Jupiter to Hollywood for ongoing care considerations regardless of which brand you choose.
Homes in High Velocity Hurricane Zones
HVHZ requirements apply across all of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with specific applications in Palm Beach County coastal zones. In these areas, Miami-Dade NOA certification isn't optional - it's required for permit approval. PGT and CGI have the strongest HVHZ-certified product portfolios. Always verify NOA documentation before signing a contract.
Large Openings and Specialty Configurations
For great rooms, open-concept living areas, or homes with large picture windows and sliding glass door systems, PGT's product range gives you the most flexibility in a single brand. CGI is also strong here. Our guide on choosing impact windows for large openings covers the engineering considerations in detail.
High-Rise and Condo Applications
For properties above the 5th floor in Broward or Palm Beach high-rise buildings, additional pressure rating requirements apply. Both PGT and CGI manufacture products rated for high-rise exposure, but specification matters enormously. See our guide on high-rise impact windows in Broward for what's required.
Historic Districts and HOA Communities
Andersen's aesthetic range gives it a real edge in historic districts where design review boards scrutinize window profiles and finishes. CGI's customization options are also useful here. PGT has options but fewer configurations specifically designed for historic architectural replication.
What Installation Quality Does for Any Brand
Here's something every homeowner needs to understand: even the best brand of impact window will underperform or fail if installed incorrectly. Improper anchoring, inadequate sealant, or skipped steps in the permitting process can void warranties and create vulnerabilities regardless of what the product spec sheet says.
Proper permitting is non-negotiable in Palm Beach and Broward counties. Our guide on impact window permits in Palm Beach and Broward explains what's required and what to watch for when hiring a contractor.
Installation timelines also vary by project scope and county backlog. See our impact window installation timeline guide to plan your project realistically.
At Window Guys of Florida, our team has over 25 years of experience installing all of the brands described in this guide - PGT, CGI, Andersen, ES Windows, and more. We're authorized dealers with the product knowledge and installation expertise to match the right brand to your specific home and situation. Learn more about our company or explore our service areas across Palm Beach and Broward.
Ready to Choose Your Brand? Start With a Free Consultation
You don't have to navigate brand comparisons alone. Our team can assess your home's specific needs - location, exposure zone, design requirements, and budget - and recommend the right brand and product line for your project.
Contact Window Guys of Florida for a free consultation and get straightforward guidance from licensed, insured professionals who know South Florida's building requirements inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PGT or CGI better for coastal homes in Broward County?
Both PGT and CGI are excellent choices for coastal Broward County homes and have Miami-Dade NOA-certified products suitable for HVHZ locations. CGI is sometimes preferred by installers for its hardware durability in salt air environments, while PGT offers a slightly broader product range. The best choice depends on your specific window sizes, configurations, and budget. Contact our team to compare specific product lines for your home.
Do all impact window brands need Miami-Dade NOA approval in Palm Beach County?
In Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) is required for products installed in High Velocity Hurricane Zone areas and is broadly expected by county building departments for permit compliance. Not every product from every brand carries full HVHZ approval, so always verify the specific product's NOA status. Our guide on Miami-Dade NOA verification explains exactly what to check.
Is Andersen worth the higher price in South Florida?
Andersen can be worth the premium for homeowners who prioritize energy efficiency, architectural aesthetics, or composite frame materials that outperform aluminum thermally. However, for pure hurricane protection and HVHZ compliance breadth, PGT and CGI offer more South Florida-specific product depth at a generally lower cost. The right answer depends on your priorities - talk to our consultants to weigh the trade-offs for your specific project.
How do impact window brands compare for noise reduction?
Brand matters less than glass configuration for noise reduction. The thickness of the laminated interlayer and the overall glass assembly have the greatest impact on sound attenuation. CGI and PGT both offer glass configurations that perform well acoustically. Our detailed guide on impact window noise reduction in South Florida explains what specs to request if noise is a priority.
Will my insurance discount change based on which brand I choose?
Insurance discounts from your homeowner's policy are generally based on the certified wind resistance rating of your impact windows, not the specific brand. Any Miami-Dade NOA-certified product from PGT, CGI, Andersen, or ES Windows should qualify for the same basic discount tier. Energy efficiency tax credits may vary by product specifications. See our guide on impact window tax credits and insurance discounts for 2025 for current details.
Can I mix brands across different windows in my home?
Yes, it is technically possible to mix brands - for example, using CGI for large picture windows where customization is needed and PGT for standard single-hung windows elsewhere. However, mixing brands can complicate warranty service and may create aesthetic inconsistencies. It's generally cleaner and more practical to standardize on one brand for a whole-home replacement project. Discuss your specific situation with our team during a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PGT or CGI better for coastal homes in Broward County?
Both PGT and CGI are excellent choices for coastal Broward County homes and have Miami-Dade NOA-certified products suitable for HVHZ locations. CGI is sometimes preferred by installers for its hardware durability in salt air environments, while PGT offers a slightly broader product range. The best choice depends on your specific window sizes, configurations, and budget. Contact our team to compare specific product lines for your home.
Do all impact window brands need Miami-Dade NOA approval in Palm Beach County?
In Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) is required for products installed in High Velocity Hurricane Zone areas and is broadly expected by county building departments for permit compliance. Not every product from every brand carries full HVHZ approval, so always verify the specific product's NOA status. Our guide on Miami-Dade NOA verification explains exactly what to check.
Is Andersen worth the higher price in South Florida?
Andersen can be worth the premium for homeowners who prioritize energy efficiency, architectural aesthetics, or composite frame materials that outperform aluminum thermally. However, for pure hurricane protection and HVHZ compliance breadth, PGT and CGI offer more South Florida-specific product depth at a generally lower cost. The right answer depends on your priorities - talk to our consultants to weigh the trade-offs for your specific project.
How do impact window brands compare for noise reduction?
Brand matters less than glass configuration for noise reduction. The thickness of the laminated interlayer and the overall glass assembly have the greatest impact on sound attenuation. CGI and PGT both offer glass configurations that perform well acoustically. Our detailed guide on impact window noise reduction in South Florida explains what specs to request if noise is a priority.
Will my insurance discount change based on which brand I choose?
Insurance discounts from your homeowner's policy are generally based on the certified wind resistance rating of your impact windows, not the specific brand. Any Miami-Dade NOA-certified product from PGT, CGI, Andersen, or ES Windows should qualify for the same basic discount tier. Energy efficiency tax credits may vary by product specifications. See our guide on impact window tax credits and insurance discounts for 2025 for current details.
Can I mix brands across different windows in my home?
Yes, it is technically possible to mix brands - for example, using CGI for large picture windows where customization is needed and PGT for standard single-hung windows elsewhere. However, mixing brands can complicate warranty service and may create aesthetic inconsistencies. It's generally cleaner and more practical to standardize on one brand for a whole-home replacement project. Discuss your specific situation with our team during a free consultation.