Impact Windows & Roofing Miami-Dade County | Bigfoot Windows & Roofing
Last updated: July 2026
Bottom line: In Miami-Dade County, both impact windows and roofing systems must satisfy the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) code — which means Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) certification for every product installed. Whether you are replacing a roof, installing impact windows, or doing both at the same time, the NOA requirement applies throughout. This guide covers what that means for your permit, your insurance, and your choice of contractor — for roofing and windows equally.
Key Takeaways
- Miami-Dade and Broward are HVHZ counties — the strictest building code tier in the U.S.; only NOA-certified products are accepted for both windows and roofing.
- Florida Product Approval alone is NOT sufficient for HVHZ; every window and roofing system must hold a Miami-Dade NOA.
- Bigfoot actively installs roofing across Miami-Dade — including Miami, Cutler Bay, Coral Gables, Miami Gardens, Palmetto Bay, North Miami, and surrounding communities.
- Filmed glass does not satisfy HVHZ code for new or replacement openings — laminated impact glass is required.
- A proper permit pulls inspection stages for both roofing and windows; a contractor with a documented pull history is verifiable at the county level.
- Bundling a roof replacement with impact window installation under a single licensed contractor can streamline permitting, inspections, and insurance documentation.
- Documented impact window and roofing installation can affect windstorm premium eligibility under Florida Statute 627.0629.
- Bigfoot holds four active DBPR licenses — including a Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC1333168) — and pulls permits directly on every job.
The Problem
Why Most Storm-Protection Information Gets Miami-Dade Wrong
The internet is full of generic impact-window and roofing content written for the rest of Florida. Miami-Dade is different — and the differences matter at inspection.
A homeowner in Orlando can install a window with a Florida Product Approval and pass inspection. A homeowner in Miami-Dade cannot. The High-Velocity Hurricane Zone imposes a stricter code tier, and the product certification required here — the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance — is a separate, more demanding test protocol. Most content online does not explain this distinction clearly, which means homeowners arrive at the permit counter (or at the inspection) with the wrong window or the wrong roofing system.
The same problem affects roofing. Many roofing products sold across Florida carry a Florida Product Approval but do not hold an active Miami-Dade NOA. Installing one of those systems in an HVHZ county creates a permit and inspection failure — and potentially a coverage gap with your windstorm carrier.
The second common window mistake: assuming filmed glass is equivalent to impact-rated laminated glass. A film applied over standard glass is not code-compliant for a replacement opening in an HVHZ county. If a contractor installs filmed glass on your Miami-Dade home, it will not pass a wind mitigation inspection and will not qualify for windstorm insurance credits.
Local Code Context
HVHZ, NOA, and the Florida Building Code: What They Mean for Windows and Roofing in Miami-Dade
Three layers of code govern both impact windows and roofing in South Florida. Here is how they stack.
The Florida Building Code (FBC) sets a statewide baseline. On top of that, FBC Chapter 36 designates Miami-Dade and Broward counties as a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) — a geographic tier with significantly stricter product-testing and installation requirements driven by exposure to sustained winds and wind-borne debris that exceed what the rest of the state faces.
Within the HVHZ framework, every window, door, glazing product, and roofing system must hold a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by Miami-Dade County’s Product Control Section. An NOA is not the same as a Florida Product Approval (which comes from the Florida Building Commission). A Florida Product Approval means the product passed statewide testing. An NOA means the product also passed Miami-Dade’s own, more rigorous protocol.
For windows, that protocol includes large-missile impact testing (a 9-pound 2×4 at 50 fps) and cyclic pressure tests simulating hurricane-force wind loading. For roofing systems, the NOA protocol evaluates the full system — underlayment, fastening pattern, attachment method, and deck construction — not just the shingle or tile in isolation. A roofing contractor who installs only an NOA-approved shingle without following the NOA’s required installation specifications is still non-compliant.
| Certification | Issued by | Required in HVHZ? | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Product Approval | FL Building Commission | No — insufficient alone | Windows, roofing, doors |
| Miami-Dade NOA | Miami-Dade Product Control | Yes — required | Windows, roofing systems, doors, glazing |
| Impact film on standard glass | N/A | No — code non-compliant | Does not meet laminated glass standard |
You can verify any product’s NOA status at the Miami-Dade County product control database. Before signing a contract for either a roof replacement or window installation, ask the contractor for the NOA number on the specific product or system being installed and look it up yourself.
Roofing Services — Miami-Dade
Roofing Work Bigfoot Installs Across Miami-Dade County
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing is an actively operating roofing contractor in Miami-Dade, with completed roofing projects across the county — from Miami and Coral Gables to Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Miami Gardens, North Miami, and surrounding communities.
Our Certified Roofing Contractor license (CCC1333168) covers the full scope of residential and small commercial roofing work. Every roofing job we take in Miami-Dade is permitted, inspected, and completed with NOA-compliant products and system specifications. We do not subcontract the accountability — Darryl Rosenbaum’s license is on the permit.
Roof Replacements
Full tear-off and replacement of existing roofing systems. We assess deck condition, replace damaged decking where needed, install code-required underlayment, and complete the finish system — all permitted and inspected under the HVHZ standard.
Re-Roofing & Recover
Where existing deck and structure qualify, we assess whether a recover is code-permissible. Miami-Dade’s HVHZ provisions are stricter than state code on recover allowances — we evaluate this honestly rather than defaulting to the cheaper option.
Flat & Low-Slope Roofing
Common across Miami-Dade’s concrete-block residential and small commercial stock. We install modified bitumen and TPO membrane systems with NOA-compliant attachment methods for low-slope applications.
Tile Roofing
Concrete and clay tile systems are prevalent across Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay. We install tile with NOA-specified underlayment and fastening patterns for HVHZ — the system approval, not just the tile, is what counts at inspection.
Shingle Roofing
Architectural and impact-rated shingle systems with HVHZ-compliant nailing patterns, underlayment specifications, and deck attachment. Not all shingle products hold a Miami-Dade NOA — we spec only those that do.
Roofing Repairs & Leak Investigation
Targeted repairs to identified failure points — flashing, ridge, penetrations, and field damage. We document conditions and provide written scope before any repair work begins.
Service areas for roofing in Miami-Dade include — but are not limited to — Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Miami Gardens, North Miami, Pinecrest, Kendall, Homestead, Hialeah, and South Miami. If you are in Miami-Dade and need a licensed roofing contractor who pulls permits and works to HVHZ code, call us at 786-886-2088 or request a written estimate.
HVHZ Roofing Compliance
Miami-Dade NOA Requirements for Roofing Systems — What Makes HVHZ Roofing Different
A Miami-Dade NOA for a roofing system covers the entire assembly, not just the surface material. Getting this wrong is one of the most common roofing compliance failures in the county.
In a non-HVHZ county, a licensed roofer can install a manufacturer-approved shingle system and pass inspection. In Miami-Dade, the roofing NOA specifies not just the surface product but the complete system: deck type, deck fastening, underlayment layers and attachment method, and the specific nailing pattern and fastening schedule for the finish material. Every component must be installed exactly as the NOA prescribes.
Common HVHZ roofing compliance failures we see when homeowners bring us in after a failed inspection or an insurance dispute:
- Underlayment non-compliance: Using a single layer of felt where the NOA requires two layers, or using a non-NOA underlayment product entirely.
- Fastening pattern shortcuts: Nailing shingles to a four-nail pattern where the NOA requires six nails per shingle for the HVHZ wind zone. This is invisible at first glance but fails wind mitigation.
- Deck attachment gaps: The Miami-Dade HVHZ standard for roof deck attachment is stricter than the statewide standard. Homes with 6-inch nail spacing on roof decking get a lower wind mitigation rating than those with 6-inch field / 6-inch edge spacing — and the difference shows up in your wind mitigation inspection report.
- Mixed-NOA systems: Installing an NOA-approved tile with an underlayment that is not part of the same NOA system assembly. The NOA approval is system-specific.
| Roofing System Element | Rest of Florida | Miami-Dade HVHZ (NOA Required) |
|---|---|---|
| Surface material approval | FL Product Approval sufficient | NOA required — system-specific |
| Underlayment specification | FBC minimum | NOA-specified layers & attachment |
| Deck fastening | FBC statewide standard | HVHZ enhanced schedule |
| Nailing pattern (shingles) | 4-nail standard common | 6-nail HVHZ pattern typical |
| Permit & inspection | Required statewide | Required — HVHZ inspection stages |
| Wind mitigation credit | Based on documented features | NOA-compliant system required for full credit |
When Bigfoot pulls a roofing permit in Miami-Dade, the permit package includes the NOA number for the roofing system, the underlayment specification, and the deck attachment plan. The inspection stages verify these are installed as specified. The resulting Certificate of Completion and wind mitigation inspection report give your insurance carrier what they need to apply windstorm credits.
Bundling Roofing + Windows
Why Replacing Your Roof and Impact Windows Together Makes Sense in Miami-Dade
Storm protection is a system, not a checklist of individual products. A new roof and new impact windows installed together — by the same contractor — is often the most efficient path to full HVHZ compliance and maximum windstorm insurance benefit.
Here is why the combination matters:
One permit process, not two. When a single licensed contractor holds both the roofing and glazing scopes, the permit applications can be coordinated — same contractor of record, same job site, same inspection schedule. Splitting the work between two separate contractors means two separate permits, two separate inspection queues, and two separate completion timelines that may not align.
Window installation timing relative to roofing. If you replace windows in a home that still has an aging roof, the window flashing and sealant work is done against an existing roofing edge condition. When the roof is later replaced, the new roofing must tie back into the window perimeter correctly — which is straightforward when the same contractor understands both scopes and can coordinate the sequencing.
Wind mitigation inspection — the whole-home picture. A wind mitigation inspection evaluates your home as a system: roof shape, roof deck attachment, roof cover, opening protection, and secondary water resistance. Replacing windows while leaving a non-compliant roof cover — or vice versa — produces a partial wind mitigation score. Completing both brings the whole-home score to its maximum, which is what your insurance carrier bases discounts on.
Cost efficiency of mobilization. Bringing a contractor’s crew to your home involves mobilization cost regardless of scope. Combining roofing and window work in a coordinated project reduces the number of separate mobilizations, which benefits both scheduling and overall project cost compared to doing them independently at different times.
Single point of accountability. With one licensed contractor holding all four licenses — General Contractor, Residential Contractor, Roofing Contractor, Glass & Glazing — there is no finger-pointing between a roofer and a window contractor about whose scope caused a leak or a flashing problem. That clarity matters when something unexpected surfaces during the job.
“When a homeowner is replacing their roof and their windows are also aging, the most efficient outcome — for permitting, for insurance documentation, and for the integrity of the envelope — is to coordinate both scopes under one contractor. That is what our license set allows us to do.”
President, Bigfoot Windows & Roofing
The Full Picture
Permits, Inspections, and What the Process Actually Looks Like
A permitted impact-window or roofing replacement in Miami-Dade involves more steps than homeowners expect — and each step is a checkpoint.
When a licensed contractor pulls a permit for impact window installation or a roof replacement in Miami-Dade County, the permit application must include the product’s NOA number, the installation schedule, and engineering or structural documentation if the scope involves structural modification. Permit review typically takes two to six weeks depending on county workload and project complexity.
Typical inspection stages for a standard impact window replacement (no structural modification):
- Rough-in inspection: Contractor installs the buck or rough opening; inspector verifies the opening is structurally sound before the window goes in.
- Window installation inspection: Inspector verifies the window is the NOA-certified product listed on the permit, correctly anchored per the NOA’s installation instructions, and properly flashed.
- Final inspection: All openings complete; inspector issues a Certificate of Completion.
Typical inspection stages for a roofing replacement in Miami-Dade HVHZ:
- Deck inspection: After tear-off, the inspector verifies deck condition and attachment before any new material is applied.
- Dry-in inspection: Underlayment installed per the NOA specification is inspected before finish material covers it.
- Final inspection: Finish roofing system complete; inspector issues a Certificate of Completion.
The Certificate of Completion is the document your insurance carrier will want when you submit for a windstorm credit — for both roofing and windows. Keep it. If a contractor installs either product without pulling a permit and you file an insurance claim later, you may face complications — the carrier can argue the installation is not code-verified.
You can look up any contractor’s permit pull history through Miami-Dade’s online permit portal. A contractor who regularly pulls roofing and window permits in Miami-Dade will have a visible record. One who doesn’t — or who asks you to pull the permit yourself — is a yellow flag.
Side by Side
Laminated Impact Glass vs. Filmed Glass: The Code-Compliance Gap
This distinction trips up homeowners every year in South Florida.
| Feature | Filmed Glass (Security Film) | Laminated Impact Glass (NOA) |
|---|---|---|
| HVHZ code compliant | No | Yes |
| Passes wind mitigation inspection | No | Yes |
| Insurance credit eligible | No | Yes (with Certificate of Completion) |
| Large-missile impact tested | No | Yes (per NOA protocol) |
| Permitted as replacement opening | No | Yes |
| Typical installed cost range | Lower upfront | Higher — but code-required in HVHZ |
The filmed glass option can look attractive on price. But in Miami-Dade and Broward, it is not a legal replacement for an impact-rated opening. If a contractor quotes filmed glass as an impact-window solution for your HVHZ home, walk away.
When filmed glass might be appropriate: Interior decorative use, supplemental privacy, or UV reduction on already-compliant impact openings — not as a structural wind-protection product for any exterior opening in an HVHZ county.
Why License Breadth Matters Here
What a Certified General Contractor Can Do That Others Cannot
A licensed contractor, not a lead aggregator — pulling permits, coordinating inspections, handling both roofing and structural scope in-house.
Many impact-window companies are glazing or window-specialty contractors. That is perfectly adequate for a straightforward opening-swap. But some Miami-Dade homes need more than a swap. If your window replacement requires enlarging an opening, reinforcing a header, installing hurricane straps, or correcting structural deficiencies found during the rough-in inspection, a window-only contractor cannot legally perform that structural work and must stop the job until a separate contractor is brought in.
Similarly, many roofing contractors carry only a roofing license. If a roofing job surfaces structural deck or framing issues that go beyond the roofing scope — a common finding in older Miami-Dade homes — a roofing-only contractor must stop and bring in a GC, or the homeowner has to manage a separate contract. That creates delays and gaps in accountability.
Bigfoot holds a Certified General Contractor (CGC1531370) license in addition to its glazing and roofing licenses. That means structural modifications — header work, hurricane strap installation, decking repairs, code-driven framing corrections — can be handled in the same scope without breaking the job into multiple contracts or waiting for a separate GC to clear the structural punch list.
✓ Certified Residential Contractor CRC1331693
✓ Certified Roofing Contractor CCC1333168
✓ Certified Specialty Contractor — Glass & Glazing SCC131153098
✓ Miami-Dade & Broward HVHZ
✓ Roofing Active Across Miami-Dade
✓ Permit Pull Verified
“We see it regularly — a homeowner hires a glazing-only shop or a roofing-only crew, the rough-in or tear-off reveals a structural issue, and the job stalls for weeks waiting for a GC. We can handle that in-house. That is not a performance claim — it is what the license allows us to do.”
President, Bigfoot Windows & Roofing
Product Guidance
What to Look for in an HVHZ-Approved Impact Window or Roofing System
Frame material, glass thickness, roofing system assembly, and series grade all affect code compliance and long-term performance in South Florida conditions.
Bigfoot installs Mr. Glass aluminum impact windows as its primary window product line. We specify aluminum frames — not vinyl — for South Florida homes. Aluminum has a longer performance track record in HVHZ heat, salt air, and UV exposure. In coastal zones (within two miles of open water), the finish specification also matters: 2605 anodized or painted finish is required to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. A 2604 wood-grain finish loses that protection.
For glass, we typically recommend SB 70 Low-E (also called Climate Guard 6227 by Mr. Glass) for its heat-blocking performance — strong SHGC reduction with a neutral appearance. Glass thickness scales with the opening’s design pressure requirements under the NOA: 5/16” for builder-grade low-pressure applications, 7/16” for standard mid-range, and 9/16” for high-rise or high-design-pressure openings.
Note: The Mr. Glass Series 350 is rated for residential use only and is not appropriate for condominiums, high-rise buildings, or commercial applications. The Series 200 and 300 flagship lines are HVHZ-capable and high-rise rated where the NOA supports the design pressure of the specific opening.
For roofing, product selection follows the same NOA-first discipline. We source roofing systems — shingle, tile, modified bitumen, and membrane — that carry active Miami-Dade NOAs and specify the full system assembly required for HVHZ compliance, not just the surface product. The underlayment, fastening schedule, and deck attachment all form part of the NOA system, and we install to that specification.
If you are exploring impact door replacement alongside windows or roofing, the Mr. Glass Series 2500T thermally broken door is tested for both in-swing and out-swing configurations — a detail most competing products do not offer.
For homeowners concerned about project cost, PACE financing is available for both roofing and impact windows — paid through your property tax bill, not a bank loan, with no prepayment penalty. PACE applications for roofing and windows must be submitted separately. For qualifying property owners, there may be tax benefits available — please consult your CPA. The My Safe Florida Home grant of up to $10,000 can be stacked with PACE for eligible window work.
The Process
How a Permitted Roofing or Impact Window Installation Works — Start to Finish
For impact windows:
- Estimate and product selection: We review your openings, existing structural conditions, and NOA-compatible product options. You get a written scope before anything is ordered.
- Permit application: We pull the permit — you do not. We submit the window schedule, NOA documentation, and any structural drawings required.
- Material lead time: Custom-measured aluminum impact windows typically run 6–12 weeks from order to delivery depending on manufacturer backlog.
- Rough-in inspection: We schedule and pass the rough-in before windows are set.
- Installation: Windows are set, anchored per the NOA installation instructions, flashed, and sealed.
- Final inspection and Certificate of Completion: We schedule the final; you receive the Certificate of Completion for your insurance carrier.
For roofing:
- Roof assessment and written scope: We inspect the existing roof, assess deck condition, identify any structural concerns, and provide a written scope specifying the NOA roofing system.
- Permit application: We pull the roofing permit with the NOA system documentation, underlayment specification, and deck attachment plan.
- Tear-off and deck inspection: Existing material is removed; we schedule the deck inspection before new material goes down.
- Dry-in and underlayment inspection: Underlayment is installed per the NOA; inspector verifies before finish material is applied.
- Finish roofing installation: Shingle, tile, or membrane system installed per the NOA assembly specification.
- Final inspection and Certificate of Completion: Final inspection confirms full system compliance; you receive the Certificate of Completion.
Ready to get NOA-compliant impact windows or roofing permitted and installed in Miami-Dade?
Call us or request a written estimate online. We pull the permit. We handle the inspections. You get the Certificate of Completion — for roofing, windows, or both.
Related Reading
More on Impact Windows, Roofing & South Florida Code
Related Articles
Who We’re Not the Right Fit For
- Buyers who want the lowest bid, no questions asked. We pull permits on every job and use NOA-certified products for both roofing and windows. That costs more than a cash-and-carry install with no permit. If your priority is lowest upfront cost regardless of code compliance, we are not your contractor.
- Homeowners who need commercial glazing for a large office or retail build-out. Our focus is residential and small commercial in Miami-Dade and Broward. Large-scale commercial curtain-wall projects are outside our current scope.
- Projects requiring window brands we do not carry. We do not install PGT or Marvin windows. If you have already spec’d one of those product lines and are set on it, we cannot help with supply.
- Investors who want to skip the wind mitigation documentation. We install to code and document it — roofing and windows both. If you want an undocumented installation that skips the inspection record, that is not how we operate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need hurricane shutters if I install impact windows in Miami-Dade?
No. Once every exterior opening in your home is protected by NOA-certified impact windows and doors, hurricane shutters are not required by code. The impact glazing satisfies the opening-protection requirement under the Florida Building Code HVHZ provisions. However, if even one opening remains unprotected — a skylight, a non-impact garage door — you still need supplemental protection for that opening.
What is a Miami-Dade NOA and why do my impact windows and roofing system need one?
A Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) is a product approval issued by Miami-Dade County’s Product Control Section. For windows, it certifies that the product passed HVHZ-specific testing — including large-missile impact (a 9-pound 2×4 at 50 fps) and cyclic pressure testing. For roofing, the NOA covers the full system assembly: surface material, underlayment, fastening pattern, and deck attachment. In the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, a Florida Product Approval alone is not sufficient for either product category. The NOA is the county-level certification that satisfies the stricter HVHZ standard under FBC Chapter 36.
How long does it take to get an impact window or roofing permit in Miami-Dade County?
Permit review in Miami-Dade typically runs two to six weeks for a standard residential window replacement or roof replacement. Projects that require structural modifications — enlarging an opening, reinforcing a header, replacing damaged decking beyond normal scope — take longer because structural drawings must be reviewed. Material lead time for custom-measured aluminum impact windows adds another 6–12 weeks after permit approval. Plan for a total timeline of 10–20 weeks from signed contract to final inspection for most window projects. Roofing timelines are typically shorter on the material side but follow the same permit and inspection sequence.
Will impact windows and a new roof lower my homeowners insurance in South Florida?
They can. Florida Statute 627.0629 requires insurers to offer actuarially justified discounts for documented wind-mitigation features, including impact-rated openings and compliant roofing systems. The operative word is documented: you need a wind mitigation inspection report and a Certificate of Completion from the permitted installation — for both roofing and windows. The discount amount varies by carrier, home age, and how many features are present. Completing both roofing and window work to HVHZ code typically produces the strongest wind mitigation score and the best opportunity for insurance savings.
What is the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone and does it affect which windows and roofing systems I can use?
The HVHZ is a geographic designation under the Florida Building Code covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It applies the most stringent building standards in the U.S. for wind resistance. It directly affects product selection for both windows and roofing: a window or roofing system approved for the rest of Florida may not hold a Miami-Dade NOA and therefore cannot be legally installed in an HVHZ county. Always confirm the specific window series and roofing system assembly carries an active NOA before signing a contract.
Does Bigfoot do roofing in Miami-Dade, or just impact windows?
Both. Bigfoot Windows & Roofing holds a Certified Roofing Contractor license (CCC1333168) and actively installs roofing across Miami-Dade County — including Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Miami Gardens, North Miami, and surrounding areas. We pull roofing permits, complete all HVHZ inspection stages, and provide Certificates of Completion. Roofing work can be scoped independently or coordinated with impact window installation as a single project under one contractor of record.
Can I use PACE financing to pay for roofing and impact windows in Miami-Dade?
Yes. PACE financing (Property Assessed Clean Energy) is available for both roofing and impact window installation. Repayment is added to your property tax bill — it is not a bank loan and does not require a credit score check. Rates run approximately 9.49%; a 20-year term produces the lowest monthly payment. PACE applications for roofing and windows must be submitted separately. For qualifying property owners, there may be tax benefits — consult your CPA. The My Safe Florida Home grant of up to $10,000 can be stacked with PACE for eligible window work.
Sources referenced in this article:
- Florida Building Code (FBC), 8th Edition — Chapter 36, High-Velocity Hurricane Zone provisions.
- Miami-Dade County Product Control Section — Notice of Acceptance program overview (miamidade.gov).
- Florida Statute 627.0629 — Residential property insurance; rate filings; wind mitigation.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Contractor license verification (myfloridalicense.com).
Get a written estimate for NOA-compliant roofing or impact windows — permit included.
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing serves Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. We pull the permit. We document the installation. You get the Certificate of Completion — for roofing, windows, or both.