ESW vs. PGT Impact Doors: Florida Experts Break Down the Key Differences
Homeowners researching hurricane protection often come across ESW and PGT as two established names in impact-rated doors. Both brands manufacture products certified for Florida's High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, the designation covering Miami-Dade and Broward counties where building codes require exterior openings to withstand extreme wind pressure and windborne debris. Understanding how these two brands differ can help homeowners in Tampa and across Florida make a more informed decision, even outside HVHZ boundaries where the same products are often installed for added protection. Frame Construction and Materials ESW doors typically use heavy-gauge aluminum framing paired with laminated impact glass, often built with T5 or T6 aluminum alloy for structural strength. Panel depth on ESW's Elite line runs around 1¾ inches, with heat-strengthened glass included as a standard feature. PGT offers a broader range of frame materials, including both aluminum and vinyl options depending on...