Frequently Asked Questions

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, we are licensed and insured to install impact windows, doors, and hurricane shutters in Florida. Our State of Florida contractors license #CBC1252048..

What is the best way to purchase hurricane shutters?
For the Florida homeowner, hurricane protection is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Shutters are the first line of defense against
an impending storm. With the many types of residential and commercial shutters available on the market, shopping can be a daunting task. However, once you understand what each shutter offers, you will find that choosing the right one for your home
is relatively easy.

Why should I get hurricane shutters?
People who live in coastal counties from Texas to Maine, and those in other hurricane prone areas, such as most of the
Florida peninsula, will find shutters an excellent investment for protecting their lives and property. They protect against wind
and wind-borne debris. These shutters protect not only the windows or doors they cover, but also possessions and people inside the building. Once a window or door has been breeched by hurricane winds tremendous pressure is brought to bear
on interior walls and upward pressure on the building's roof. This can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents
of the building to the storm. Shutters are a first line of defense against the hurricane. Much of the damage and building failure
in Hurricane Andrew could have been prevented by well installed hurricane shutters over windows and doors.

How much protection do Storm Shutters provide?
Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew were instrumental in an industry-wide upgrade of the standards for "storm shutters". Standard building codes require a product to withstand 110 M.P.H. winds. The "newer standard", commonly called ASCE-7-88, increases the wind-load standard plus adds a positive and negative wind loads test and a positive and negative "cycling test" plus an "impact test". The new standards are much more stringent and expensive to satisfy but do provide a real degree of protection. The only Florida counties that have formally adopted many of the new standards are Dade, Broward, Palm Beach
& Monroe counties.

What is a Mitigation Home Inspection Report?
The State of Florida requires insurance companies ot offer reduced rated for homes with certain hurricane resistant features. One of the benefits of receiving a mitigation home inspection is identifying the potential insurance savings available to you based on the current structure of your home. Many insurance companies provide discounts or credits for construction
features proven to reduce damage from hurricanes.

AWS offers this service free of charge, with the purchase of either Impact Windows or any Hurricane Protection System on
your entire home. This personalized form will tell your insurance company how your home may qualify for insurance discounts.

What is the Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency?
On February 17, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009. This bill
extends and modifies the tax credits for windows, doors, and skylights established in the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Qualifying products purchased between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30
percent of the product cost. Installation is not included; be sure to obtain an itemized invoice from your retailer or installer.
The maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements combined is $1,500 during 2009 and 2010.

Is there a tax credit for Storm Windows/Storm Doors?
Yes, there is a tax credit for storm windows and doors in 2009 and 2010 that meet certain criteria.