With hurricanes causing a real threat to homes, we discuss the benefits of impact windows
Strong winds, flying debris, and heavy rain are all tell-tale signs of the hurricane season approaching, all of which can cause severe damage to your home. You’ve probably heard about impact windows, also called hurricane windows or impact-resistant windows. But, do they really protect your home and are they worth the expense?
Understanding the Cost of Impact Windows
Impact windows consist of a near-invisible plastic sheet, made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which is sandwiched between two panes of glass. The window frames are usually made from heavy-duty materials like steel, vinyl, or aluminum. This composition prevents the glass from shattering and adds extra strength to cope with damage much better than traditional windows. For this reason, impact windows are more expensive but the initial cost can be offset by various benefits. Impact windows don’t just add extra protection, they can also add value to your home and save on energy bills. Plus, many insurance companies will offer reduced premiums and discounts for homeowners who have installed impact-resistant windows. Just be sure to use a professional window installer to ensure your hurricane windows are secure.
Overall costs for impact windows will depend on numerous factors including:
- The window size and type
- The material and quality
- Installation complexities
At Clark Hall, we offer one of the industries’ leading warranties, giving you peace of mind that you are buying the highest quality product. So, if you’re thinking about installing impact windows in your home, contact us for a chat to see what we can do for you.
Key Benefits of Using Impact Windows
Impact windows are popular for a reason. Once installed, they offer many benefits to homeowners, including:
Enhanced Security and Safety
Impact-resistant windows offer unbeatable protection from anything that nature throws at you, making them an important addition to homes in hurricane, tornado, or blizzard-prone areas. Due to their strength and durability, impact windows are very difficult to break or pry open. So, they also give additional home security from burglars. Hurricane windows have reinforced frames and multi-layered inside panels that prevent the glass from shattering on impact.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
While the upfront cost of hurricane windows may seem daunting, they also offer lifetime energy savings. Impact products offer in-built insulation properties that minimize heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home. So, you’re less likely to need to turn the heating or the air conditioning on in response to outside weather conditions. In addition, some energy companies offer incentives or discounts for installing energy-efficient windows.
Noise Reduction
Impact windows are very beneficial for people living near a bustling city or busy road because they have soundproofing properties thanks to their multi-layer construction. This allows for sound sleep and a more relaxed home environment.
UV Protection
The sun’s UV rays can damage parts of your home interior over time, including carpets, wood, and other fabrics. Fortunately, impact-resistant glass can effectively block these harmful rays from entering your home, meaning your furnishings will resist fading and discoloration for much longer.
Efficiency of Impact Windows During Disasters
In recent years, there have been an average of 12 named storms annually in Florida alone, the majority of which registered at category 3 or above on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Impact or hurricane windows can withstand strong winds of up to 200 miles per hour, which is equivalent to wind speeds found in a category 5 storm. If just one window breaks during severe weather, the barrier between inside and outside pressure is compromised, leaving your home interior open to further damage. Impact windows aren’t completely resistant to breaking, but the durable plastic sheet that’s fused between layers of glass prevents the glass from shattering. Basically, when an impact window does crack, it’s designed to stay within the window frame, creating less of a hazard to homeowners.
Aside from potential weather damage, burglaries are another major worry for homeowners. Fortunately, impact windows and doors are much more resistant to damage than traditional windows, making them harder to break into. Their solid construction ensures that breaking them is a labor and time intensive process, which are factors that are likely to deter burglars from trying to enter your home in the first place.
Impact Windows vs. Other Types of Windows
So, now we know a little more about impact windows, how do they compare with other types of windows?
Versus Non-Impact Windows
One of the major factors that set impact windows apart from standard windows is their ability to withstand high pressure and force without shattering. These products undergo a series of stringent impact and pressure tests, known as Testing Application Standard tests (TAS), at a laboratory to ensure they meet specific hurricane building codes. These standards give you peace of mind that your new windows will be able to withstand high winds and flying debris during hurricane season. Furthermore, impact windows are highly durable and built to last. Regular windows can get damaged easily which means they will need to be replaced or repaired more often.
Versus Traditional Shutters
Traditional hurricane shutters are installed over windows to protect the glass. While they are the cheaper option when compared to impact windows, the latter offers year-round protection from other elements such as UV rays and noise pollution without compromising the appearance of your property. Traditional shutters are easy to remove but you will need to put them back up every time there is a severe storm. When they are installed, they don’t let much natural light into your home, unlike impact windows.
Return on Investment for Impact Windows
Impact windows have a great return on investment (ROI). Homeowners can expect an average of 80% ROI when it comes to resale value. In addition, impact windows are made of heavy-duty materials that are designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. They just need a regular wipe down with a non-abrasive material and warm soapy water. While you do this, it’s also a good idea to check the window seals for any wear and tear so you can identify and fix damaged areas as soon as they appear. Bear in mind that any cracked glass will need to be replaced to maintain the integrity of your impact windows.
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners, especially along the East Coast, is potential hurricane damage, making impact windows a vital investment. Contact one of our experts at Clark Hall to find out more about our custom windows and window walls to protect your home while still maintaining style and aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the negatives of impact windows?
Perhaps the biggest downside of impact windows is the higher upfront costs when compared to normal windows. However, they offer unbeatable protection for your home, particularly in hurricane season, and can reduce your energy bills, making the initial cost of hurricane windows worth it in the long run.
Are impact windows a good investment?
There’s no denying that impact windows can be expensive. However, they don’t only protect your home from damage, they can also reduce noise pollution, reduce your energy bills, minimize harmful UV rays from damaging your interior furnishings, and increase your home value. For these reasons, many homeowners consider impact windows to be worthwhile investments.
How much value do impact windows add?
The return on investment for impact windows is around 80% on average, and potentially even higher in hurricane-prone areas such as South Florida. How much impact windows increase home value is dependent on a number of factors including the location of your house, as well as the labor costs of installation.
Do hurricane impact windows really work?
Hurricane windows consist of a polymer layer sandwiched between two panes of glass in a solid, heavy-duty window frame. These components make impact windows incredibly durable, hardwearing, and shatterproof. Furthermore, all hurricane windows need to be rigorously tested to ensure they meet specific state building codes so you can be certain that they will work as described.
