Not all impact windows are built the same way. When you’re investing in permanent hurricane protection for your home, the manufacturer behind the glass matters just as much as the crew installing it. That’s why West Shore Construction installs CWS — Custom Window Systems — impact windows for homeowners across Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the greater Tampa Bay area.

What Is Custom Window Systems (CWS)?

Custom Window Systems has been designing and building windows, doors, and sunroom products for Florida homes since 1986. The company is based in Ocala and manufactures its vinyl and aluminum products specifically for Florida and coastal markets — not adapted from a national product line built for milder climates elsewhere. That distinction matters in a state where every window has to stand up to sun, salt air, and hurricane-force wind in the same lifetime.

Built for Florida’s Toughest Codes

CWS impact windows are tested and rated to meet or exceed the Florida Building Code, including options approved for installation in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) — the strictest wind-load and impact-resistance standards in the country. Whether your home sits directly on the coast or a few miles inland in Pinellas or Sarasota County, there’s a CWS configuration engineered for your exposure.

What Sets CWS Apart

A few things stand out when we compare CWS windows to other product lines we’ve installed over the years:

  • Florida-built, Florida-tested: manufactured and tested in-state, so the product is engineered around Florida’s specific wind and impact requirements rather than general national standards.
  • Frame material choice: available in aluminum, prized for strength and a slim sightline, or vinyl, prized for energy efficiency and low maintenance.
  • Laminated glass construction: holds together under impact instead of scattering, keeping the building envelope intact during a storm.
  • Consistent lead times: because CWS manufactures close to home, we’re not waiting on windows shipped from out of state, which keeps installation schedules more predictable.

Why West Shore Installs CWS Windows

We’ve been protecting Florida homes since 1985, and in that time we’ve learned that a great window is only as good as its installation. Pairing a Florida-built, code-compliant product like CWS with our own measuring, permitting, and installation process means fewer surprises during inspection and better long-term performance — the kind of protection you can trust without having to think about it every June.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does CWS stand for?

CWS stands for Custom Window Systems, a Florida-based manufacturer that has built vinyl and aluminum window, door, and sunroom products for Florida and coastal markets since 1986.

Are CWS impact windows approved for high-wind zones?

Yes. CWS impact windows are tested and rated to meet or exceed Florida Building Code requirements, with options approved for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ).

What’s the difference between CWS vinyl and aluminum windows?

Aluminum frames offer maximum strength with a slim sightline, while vinyl frames offer excellent energy efficiency and low maintenance. Our team helps you choose based on your home and budget.

Does West Shore Construction install other window brands besides CWS?

We select products based on what best fits each home’s needs; CWS is one of the Florida-built lines we trust most for code-compliant, long-term hurricane protection.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re considering hurricane impact windows and want to know whether CWS is the right fit for your home, we’re happy to walk you through it.

Call West Shore Construction at (727) 488-8182 or request a free estimate online. We proudly serve Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, Pinellas County, Sarasota County, and the greater Tampa Bay area — Florida State Certified Building Contractor, License #LN CBC044653, serving Florida homeowners since 1985.