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Updated August 2026. Low-E and impact are two different things that often ship on the same Florida window. Low-E is a coating that cuts solar heat. Impact is laminated glass and a tested frame. Statewide Windows & Doors specs both on the same unit when the house needs hurricane protection and a lower AC load.
Quick answer
Ask for an impact-rated assembly with a Low-E coating on the glass package if you want storm protection and less heat through the glass. Low-E alone is not a hurricane window. Laminate without Low-E is still impact-rated, it just does less for the AC.
What Low-E actually is
Low-E (low emissivity) is a thin metal-oxide coating on the glass. It lets most visible light through and reflects a chunk of infrared heat. In Florida that usually means a cooler room and less work for the air conditioner. It also helps with UV fading on floors and furniture. Exact performance is the glass package on the bid, not a blog percentage.
What makes it a hurricane window
Impact rating is the tested assembly: laminated glass, frame, and anchors, with a Miami-Dade NOA or Florida Product Approval for the sizes and design pressures on your house. The coating does not hold the glass together in a storm. The laminate does.
What to put on the quote
- Impact approval number for that opening (especially in HVHZ)
- Whether Low-E is on the makeup, and which surface
- Insulated glass vs a single laminated lite
- Permit in the price
Related: Do I need impact windows in Florida? and the cost guide.
FAQ
Does Low-E make the house dark?
A normal Low-E impact package should still look like a clear window. Tints and some coatings go darker. Look at a sample in daylight, not a brochure chip.
Can I add Low-E film to existing impact glass?
Aftermarket film is not the same as a factory coating, and it can mess with a warranty or an approval. Ask before you stick anything on a tested lite.
Is this only for houses?
No. Commercial punch and storefront work uses Low-E impact glass too. See the commercial impact guide.
Want Low-E on the impact spec?
Call Statewide Windows & Doors at (561) 816-4010 or request a free estimate. Ask for the glass makeup in writing, not just “energy efficient.”
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About Samer Samaan
Samer Samaan is the Marketing Director and Call Center Manager at Statewide Windows and Doors, a Florida-based company that specializes in impact-resistant windows and doors. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and customer service, Samer plays a crucial role in the success of the company. As Marketing Director, Samer is responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies that help promote the Statewide brand and drive business growth. He works closely with the CEO and other key stakeholders to identify new opportunities and develop marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences. As Call Center Manager, Samer oversees a team of customer service representatives who are responsible for handling inquiries, scheduling appointments, and providing support to clients. He is committed to ensuring that every interaction with Statewide's call center is a positive experience for customers. Samaan's expertise in marketing and customer service has helped establish Statewide Windows and Doors as a trusted provider of impact-resistant windows and doors. He is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and providing clients with customized solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements. Through his leadership, Samer Samaan has helped drive business growth at Statewide Windows and Doors, while maintaining the company's reputation for excellence in the industry.Subscribe to Statewide Windows & Doors's Blog
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