The Warranty You Didn’t Read Might Cost You: EGS and Coastal-Grade Impact Window Protection

When it comes to impact windows and hurricane-proof sliding glass doors, the details of a manufacturer’s warranty matter more than most property owners realize. Many standard warranties exclude high-rise and coastal properties, leaving owners exposed to corrosion, hardware failure, and costly repairs (even when the product technically meets code). Florida’s harsh coastal conditions and the unique stresses on high-rise buildings go far beyond the “normal use” scenarios that most warranties are designed for. In this article, we’ll explain why these exclusions exist, the risks they pose to property owners, and how EGS systems provide performance specifically engineered for coastal and high-rise environments.

Why do many warranties exclude coastal and high-rise properties?

When you purchase hurricane-impact windows or sliding glass doors, they usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty, a written guarantee that covers specific defects in materials or workmanship. These warranties typically protect against issues such as seal failure, glass delamination, frame warping, or hardware malfunction under normal residential use. Some also include a limited finish warranty, often ranging from 5 to 10 years, that covers peeling or fading of the coating.

However, what’s important to note is what these warranties don’t cover. In many cases, manufacturers exclude installations near coastlines, in high-rise towers, or in areas defined as High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) under the Florida Building Code (FBC). These exclusions appear because the environmental and structural demands in these settings go far beyond what standard warranties are designed for. Coastal regions expose window systems to salt-laden air, humidity, and constant UV radiation, which accelerate corrosion on frames, fasteners, and hardware. Salt particles are highly corrosive and can break down protective coatings much faster than in inland conditions. According to the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA 2605) standards, finishes in coastal environments must undergo more rigorous salt-spray and humidity testing, but many residential-grade products aren’t built or certified to that level.

Meanwhile, high-rise buildings face unique physical stresses. Wind pressures increase exponentially with height. For instance, at 30 stories, windows can experience three to five times the load found at ground level. Building movement can also weaken sealants and glazing joints over time. Since most window systems aren’t tested for those dynamic forces, manufacturers exclude such applications from warranty coverage to avoid performance claims they can’t verify.

In short, standard impact window warranties are designed for controlled, inland environments. The moment a property falls within a few miles of the ocean or rises above four or five stories, the warranty’s “normal use” clause no longer applies. That’s why many coastal or high-rise property owners discover, often too late, that their impact-rated windows don’t carry the protection they assumed they did.

The real risk behind limited warranties

For property owners in Florida, these exclusions can be costly. Without full coverage, owners of high-rise or oceanfront units can face denied warranty claims if corrosion, discoloration, or hardware failure occurs. Let’s say a window passes the Miami-Dade impact test for large missile resistance, but the warranty excludes corrosion from salt air. The product may still technically “meet code,” yet any deterioration that affects its performance or appearance could become the owner’s financial responsibility.

Over time, coastal corrosion can reduce hardware life by 50% compared to inland installations. Hinges, rollers, and locks can seize, seals can deteriorate, and frames can show pitting or paint loss within just a few years if not treated with marine-grade finishes. These issues not only affect performance but can also prevent a building from passing future inspections under the Florida Building Code (FBC) 7th Edition’s maintenance and recertification requirements. In short, a window warranty that seems comprehensive on paper may not protect you where you actually live or build, and the cost of replacement in high-rises can reach tens of thousands of dollars per opening.

How EGS windows redefine coastal and high-rise protection

Because standard warranties often exclude coastal and high-rise installations, owners need products and coverage explicitly built for those conditions. As trusted and reliable high-rise window manufacturers in Florida, our team at EGS ensures systems with that reality in mind. Our impact windows and hurricane-proof sliding glass doors are engineered to perform where others stop. Our systems feature 6005 T5 alloy aluminum frames and employ premium-grade 70% Kynar finishes, as well as proprietary stainless-steel rollers and rail cover systems. These materials offer superior durability in salt-air and high-humidity conditions.

Beyond the fact that each EGS product has been tested under rigorous conditions, our hardware and finishes are engineered to withstand coastal exposures and meet Florida’s structural requirements. EGS products are backed by Miami-Dade County Notices of Acceptance (NOA), Florida Product Approval, and certifications for High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) compliance. These third-party verifications ensure our windows and doors meet or exceed the toughest impact and pressure standards required for coastal and high-rise applications.

What to ask before you buy

When evaluating impact-window systems, always check that the documentation mentions coastal or high-rise installations, not just impact rating. If warranty language includes phrases like “within five miles of saltwater” or “above four stories,” it signals a potential coverage gap. Additionally, before choosing impact windows or glass doors for your property, take the time to review what’s behind the warranty. Ask if materials and finishes are corrosion-resistant, and also if the product is certified for HVHZ or Miami-Dade compliance? A reliable manufacturer will be transparent about coverage and provide documentation that matches your building’s specific exposure and location.

Your investment in impact windows and hurricane-proof sliding glass doors should deliver peace of mind as well as strength and durability. A strong warranty ensures that your protection extends throughout the life of the product. With EGS, you can trust that your windows are designed and warranted for the conditions you actually live and build in. As trusted high-rise window manufacturers in Florida, EGS provides coverage specifically for high-rise and coastal environments, ensuring long-term performance you can rely on.