If you live along the Gulf Coast or Atlantic Seaboard, hurricane season means a year of concerns about high winds and debris. But the right windows and doors can make all the difference.
Standard windows are easy for criminals to break into, but hurricane-impact windows require more effort and tools to smash. This makes them a smarter choice to protect your home from criminals.
Strength
Unlike plywood or shutters, which require you to be available before a storm to install them, impact windows come ready to go. They have extremely tough aluminum frames and two layers of glass buffered by a laminate layer in the center, which is reinforced with silicone glazing to offer the best protection possible.
The most important reason to invest in hurricane impact windows is to prevent wind-borne debris from slamming into your home. That can cause serious property damage, injury, and even death.
These windows have a Design Pressure Rating of up to 156 mph, which means they can easily withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions. This strength makes them an excellent choice for homes located in hurricane-prone areas, such as Florida. They can also help lower your homeowner’s insurance policy and keep your family safe and sound.
Energy Efficiency
Hurricane impact windows protect your home from storm damage and help with energy efficiency. These windows have a solid air seal that keeps outside air out, helping your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving homeowners money on energy bills. They also reduce damaging UV rays from entering the house, protecting furniture and carpets from fading over time.
In addition, many hurricane-impact windows are insulated, increasing their energy efficiency. Additionally, they are often recessed into the frame to increase security and make it more difficult for intruders to break into your house.
Security
Hurricane impact windows are built to protect homes from the elements and provide homeowners with added security. They can reduce outside noise transmission into houses significantly, which is great if you are dealing with noisy neighbors or live in a traffic-heavy area. In addition, they are recessed into the frame to make it harder for burglars to break in by smashing glass windows.
Traditional glass windows are easy to smash with a handheld bludgeoning tool, making them a common entry point for criminals. However, hurricane windows are built to withstand much more force, so many choose to install them in their homes. As a result, they can offer additional peace of mind and reduce insurance costs in the long run. You should always consult your insurance provider to confirm if they offer discounts for installing impact windows in your home.
Aesthetics
Unlike plywood or storm shutters, hurricane-proof windows offer superior protection without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic. They can withstand wind and projectiles while allowing natural light into your home, which is great for energy efficiency. Plus, they’re much easier to open and close than standard windows.
Whether in an area prone to hurricanes or other severe weather, fortifying your home should be a priority. After all, those post-storm photos of 2x4s speared through shattered glass and furniture and belongings sucked through window openings make for heartbreaking images. Choosing impact windows is the best way to protect your property from storm damage. In addition to reducing outside noise, these windows can help increase your energy efficiency and lower your insurance premiums.
