The owner of this oceanfront condo already had impact resistant windows and doors, but due to the proximity to the ocean, wanted to upgrade to impact products better suited to her location and environment. The windows and doors in the unit had corrosion, leaks, were difficult to operate and did not take full advantage of the magnificent views.

After understanding the owner’s goals, a full on-site review of the openings and the building’s HOA regulations, Window & Door Replacement Company decided on 2 products for this condo’s project: CGI Estate Sliding Glass Doors and CGI Commercial’s Slimfront Fixed windows. These products were able to address all the structural concerns while also meeting the owner’s goal of modernizing and upgrading the look of the condo. 

When discussing an oceanfront property, our remodel consultants are trained to first consider meeting the engineering requirements of the building and using finishes that can withstand the salty sea air from the Atlantic Ocean. The Estate sliders and Commercial storefront products boast the highest design pressures in the CGI line of products, exceeding what is required so that the owner can have peace of mind, even if the Florida Building Code changes in coming years. To prevent salt corrosion, Kynar paint finishes are used on these products. Kynar is extremely resistant to fading in the sun, corrosion and chipping.

Another concern regarding corrosion is the exterior hardware. CGI’s hardware features a PVD coating, which stands for physical vapor deposition, which is a sealant used to help prevent tarnishing, peeling, corrosion or cracking. Below shows the previous hardware after just 2 years exposed to the harsh coastal conditions.

Beyond performance, the aesthetics of the finished product were important for both the homeowner and the HOA regulations. To match the other units, bronze finishes needed to be used. Both CGI products were available with bronze Kynar, and since they are the same manufacturer would match seamlessly. The other components of the install, waterproofing/sealing materials and break metal, were also color matched to the window and door frames to ensure a cohesive appearance. Similarly, break metal was used in the corners to help keep the curvatures similar to those in the rest of the building while creating an additional barrier to prevent water intrusion.

With its beachfront location, this condo has impressive views that needed to be maintained by using large amounts of uninterrupted glass. The CGI products used are the ideal solution as they offer large sizes of glass with minimal sightlines, especially in the Slimfront series. The homeowner determined the best ratio of sliders to fixed windows that would allow impressive views while maintaining the ability to have the ocean breeze ventilate the home.

From engineering concerns to aesthetic choices, finding the perfect impact resistant solution for a home is a process, and Window & Door Replacement Company has extensive experience in working with oceanfront condos to know exactly what products will withstand wind, rain, salt, sand and hurricanes. 


Products Used:

Commercial Slimfront: 20
Sliding Glass Door: 6
Fixed Window: 1
Arch Top Window: 1