Are you tired of having to worry about the safety of your home or commercial building during hurricanes and severe weather conditions? Have you experienced the stress and anxiety that comes with traditional windows shattering easily from flying debris?
The damage caused by shattered windows during hurricanes and strong winds can be catastrophic. In addition, the high cost and hassle of repairs and replacements can take a toll on your finances and mental well-being.
The lack of insulation and sound dampening from traditional windows can also make your living space uncomfortable and noisy, affecting your quality of life.
Now you can get rid of those worries with impact windows! These windows are far less likely to break during storms than regular windows because they are built to endure strong winds and the impact of flying debris.
Introduction
Impact windows are an excellent hurricane protection option for your house. They can also aid in reducing noise pollution and break-ins.
They are made to withstand strong winds and flying debris from cyclones, hurricanes, and other extreme weather conditions. They are an excellent option for houses in regions where hurricanes and other extreme weather are common.
These windows use heavy frames and multiple layers of glass laminated with a clear, flexible plastic called polyvinyl butyral or PVB. It makes them more durable than tempered glass and helps them resist shattering during extreme wind and rain.
Some impact windows have Sentry Glass Plus (SGP) interlayers that are five times stronger than PVB. They’re also more durable and clear, so they’re worth the extra cost.
They are designed to withstand flying objects and can weather winds of up to 140 miles per hour. They’re also energy efficient and can help keep your family safe from UV rays harmful to skin, furniture, and other household items.
What Are Impact Windows?
Impact windows are those types of windows that can withstand impacts from wind and other debris. They have strong frames and impact-resistant laminated glass with an innovative low-emissivity coating. They are also incredibly energy efficient. Compared to traditional windows, they can slash your energy bills by up to hundreds of dollars per month. They help to keep your home comfortable while cutting down on your heating and cooling costs. The ability of impact windows to shield your home from the sun’s UV rays, which can harm indoor furnishings and decorations. It is another fantastic advantage. This will help to maintain the value of your home and increase its resale value. Lastly, they can reduce outside noise, which is important for living in an area where severe storms occur frequently. By using thicker, laminated glass and sturdier framing materials, these windows can minimize outside sounds that irritate neighbors.
These windows are also put through weight tests to see how much they can take before cracking or bending. This is called the DP rating, and it’s important to pay attention to this when choosing windows for your home.
How Does Impact Windows Differ from Traditional Windows?
Hurricane impact windows are constructed in a way which impedes strong winds and other forces that would otherwise break a regular window.
- They use dual-layered glass and reinforced framing to create a solid, resilient structure.
- Another advantage of hurricane impact windows is that they can reduce your energy costs by obstructing the sun’s dangerous UV rays.
- The glass also helps reduce outside noise, such as rumbling trucks or buses.
- The glass used in hurricane impact windows is tempered and laminated, making breaking difficult.
- These windows are also great for protecting homes from burglaries and break-ins.
These windows feature a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) liner between the two panes of glass. Because it is a million times stronger than ordinary window glass, this material disperses the power of an impact across the complete sheet of glass as opposed to shattering it into separate pieces as is the case with ordinary window glass.
What Are Hurricane Impact Windows Ratings?
Hurricane impact windows are a must-have for homeowners who live in areas that are prone to hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. These windows are made to withstand strong winds and flying objects that can seriously harm a house during a storm. However, how do you choose the ideal hurricane impact windows for your house? That’s where hurricane impact window ratings come in.
Hurricane impact window ratings are a system that measures the strength and durability of a window. These scores consider many elements, including water penetration, air infiltration, and wind resistance.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) rating is the most widely used rating method for hurricane impact windows.
- The ASTM rating is a numerical value that ranges from 1 to 5. The strength of the pane increases with the number.
- A window with an ASTM rating of 5 can withstand wind speeds of 200 miles per hour. While a window with an ASTM rating of 1 can withstand winds of up to 75 miles per hour.
It’s important to note that the ASTM rating is among many factors to consider when choosing hurricane impact windows. Other factors, such as installation and maintenance, are also among the significant factors in determining the effectiveness of the windows.
Another rating system used for hurricane impact windows is the Miami-Dade County Impact Rating.
- This rating system is specifically designed for windows used in hurricane-prone Florida areas.
- The Miami-Dade County Impact Rating is a pass/fail system that tests the windows for wind resistance, water penetration, and impact resistance.
- Only windows that pass this rigorous testing are certified as hurricane impact windows.
How Much Does Impact Windows Cost?
Prioritizing safety and security over price is crucial when weighing the cost of hurricane impact windows. Investing in high-quality hurricane impact windows can help you relax, knowing that your home is protected during a storm.
Installing hurricane impact windows is a wise investment if you reside in a hurricane-prone region. Strong winds, flying objects, and other elements that can seriously harm your house during a storm are all things that these impact doors and windows are made to withstand. However, one of the homeowners’ biggest concerns regarding hurricane impact windows is the cost.
The cost of hurricane impact windows varies depending on several factors. The windows’ size, style, and material can all affect the price. Including assembly, you should budget between $500 and $1,500 on average for each window. It may seem like a steep price, but it is important to consider the long-term benefits of impact hurricane windows.
Impact windows and doors protect your home during a hurricane and can also improve energy efficiency and reduce noise. This may result in reduced energy costs each month and more comfortable living conditions. Plus, a lot of insurance providers give homeowners who put impact glass windows incentives, which can help with the cost.
Guide to Choosing Impact Window
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best hurricane impact windows for your home.
First, consider the material of the window frame for the impact resistant windows.
· The most common materials used are vinyl, aluminum, and wood.
· Aluminum panels are lightweight yet strong, while vinyl frames are long-lasting and require minimal maintenance.
· Wooden frames provide a traditional look but require regular maintenance.
Next, look for the energy efficiency rating of the window. Low-E glass hurricane impact windows can assist you in cutting down on energy costs by keeping your house warmer and colder in the summer and winter, respectively. Additionally, check for the window’s sound transmission class (STC) rating to ensure that it reduces outside noise.
The window’s structure is yet another crucial factor.
· Hurricane impact windows are available in a variety of designs.
· Select a style that complements your home’s architecture and suits your lifestyle needs.
Finally, confirm that the hurricane impact windows you choose are approved by respected agencies like the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council and that they adhere to regional building standards (NFRC).
Conclusion
If your area is prone to hurricanes, installing an impact window and door may be a good idea. Not only do impact windows and door help to protect your home from storm damage, but they can also save you money on insurance premiums.
Impact window and doors come in a variety of designs, so picking the best one for your house is crucial. They can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic, and metal. In addition, they are available in a variety of shapes and styles.
It’s essential to understand the impact window rating system and how it works to make a wise choice. These ratings are based on tests measuring how well a product resists wind, rain, and hail pressure.