Hurricane season in the southeastern United States can be a scary time. Storms always seem to be just over the horizon, and in the blink of an eye, residents must pack what little they can into their vehicle or stay at home and hope for the best, while winds tear at the doorstep.
Luckily, hurricane impact windows and hurricane glass can limit the amount of damage to the inside of a home. They’re built tough to protect against even the strongest of storms.
What Are Hurricane Impact Windows?
Hurricane impact windows are made of highly reinforced glass that can withstand hurricane-force winds without shattering like standard glass might. They have multiple layers of laminated glass (usually two or three), set in a specially made, ultra-strong frame.
Hurricane windows are built to take the impact of tree branches and debris flying into the glass at high speeds. While the glass itself may still crack and spiderweb, it won’t shatter. That means no open holes that leave your home vulnerable to the harsh weather.
The Benefits of Hurricane Impact Windows
While hurricane windows are made for storm season, the same strong, double-paned glass that protects your home from high winds also has other benefits. The multiple layers of laminated glass provide noise reduction, so you can sleep well knowing all is quiet inside, even if it may not be outside. Another benefit that will help you sleep soundly is that hurricane windows can’t be broken by common burglar’s tools, like crowbars or even sledgehammers.
Hurricane glass also has a darker tint than standard glass to provide UV protection. The darker tint plus laminated, double-paned glass makes these windows energy-efficient: Outside air can’t get in, and the sun won’t heat up your home in the summer. That decreases the need for heat or air conditioning and can reduce your electric bill.
Impact Glass vs. Standard Window Glass
What do all those benefits boil down to? Safety and reliability. The use of impact glass or hurricane windows greatly improves the chance that your home will survive a strong hurricane. Standard glass windows are typically single-pane and don’t have the same level of lamination as hurricane windows, so they’re less energy-efficient and more likely to break. Hurricane impact windows have at least two panes and are available with low-emittance (LoE) coating to improve energy-efficiency.
The difference is simple: Where standard glass will shatter and smash, impact-resistant windows will not. And with additional UV protection, energy-efficiency, and noise reduction, hurricane impact windows are well worth the price.
Additionally, some local regulations will not allow you to have standard windows without an added layer of protection. Hurricane windows are the far superior choice for anyone living in a storm zone but have great benefits no matter where you live.
Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters
"Do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?" is a common question among homeowners considering storm protection. Impact windows and hurricane shutters serve as two distinct yet complementary options for safeguarding homes during severe weather. Hurricane impact windows, designed to resist shattering upon impact, provide a continuous barrier against high winds and flying debris. They offer enhanced security, noise reduction, and protection against storms.
While impact windows can stand alone as a robust defense, some homeowners opt for the added protection of hurricane shutters to create an extra layer of defense during intense storms. There are many types of shutters, from industrial-strength aluminum roll-up systems to stylish colonial options to permanently installed panels.
Depending on the style and price point, some downsides of shutters are that they can darken your home and they need to be manually closed during a storm. The decision ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the level of protection desired for a particular home.
How Much Do Hurricane Impact Windows Cost?
The average cost of hurricane impact windows can vary depending on the size of your house and how many windows you want to install. A standard picture window will cost around $500 on average. However, the long-term benefits of these windows cannot be overstated. These windows have the potential to not only limit the damage to your home, but also every other home in the storm’s wake.
When a hurricane puts a hole in a window or shatters it, the wind entering your home creates pressure because of the confined space. This pressure can build until it causes the roof to be torn away, feeding more debris into the storm and endangering your neighbors’ homes.
Hurricane windows can create a safer environment for yourself and your neighbors during a storm – and save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Finding the Best Hurricane Impact Windows for Your Home
Worsening storms continue to pose a threat throughout the U.S., but especially in coastal areas. Hurricane impact windows are an investment that can not only protect your home and loved ones, but also contribute to the safety and well-being of your entire community. You’ll enjoy energy savings, noise reduction, and overall peace of mind.
To ensure you get high-quality, impact-resistant windows that will benefit you in the long-term, go with a trusted, reliable company like MI® Windows and Doors. Our StormArmor™ impact windows are storm-proof in winds up to 140 miles per hour and backed by an industry-leading Lifetime Limited warranty. Browse our windows now to find the style that’s right for you.
