Hurricane impact windows aren’t just a good investment for your home. They can also save you money on utility bills and reduce noise pollution. Plus, depending on your area, you may be eligible for tax credits.
A hurricane impact window is a type of laminated glass, usually consisting of two layers of tempered safety glass held together with polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). When debris strikes, this type of glass shatters in a spider web pattern instead of crashing into dangerous shards.
Impact-Resistant Glass
Hurricane impact windows feature specialized laminated glass designed to withstand the force of debris propelled by severe weather. This type of impact-resistant glass is similar to the tempered safety glass used in most vehicles. The difference is that when it comes in contact with something like a nail or piece of wood, it won’t break into sharp shards but will remain intact and hold together.
Impact windows also include a particular frame that provides additional protection against wind and water. The edges are usually made from aluminum and wood, which are more robust than traditional vinyl frames.
Impact glass installed in your home or business is vital for many reasons. Protecting your property in the event of aIt willes its protection. It can result in decreased insurance rates, ande value, and reduced risk of intruders. Having impact w,indows is one of the best ways to prepare for severe weather and add peace of mind to your life.
Shatter-Resistant Glass
Many states in hurricane-prone areas, including Florida, require that new homes have impact windows and doors installed during construction or by a specific date. They also allow homeowners to retrofit existing homes with impact-resistant windows and doors.
These windows use laminated glass, which is thicker than regular and more durable. This glass has a vinyl interlayer, similar to that found in car windshields, sandwiched between two pieces of annealed or heat-strengthened glass.
The frames used for impact windows are made from more substantial materials than those in standard windows, such as aluminum, reinforced vinyl, or steel. These frames are designed to withstand the force of debris and the high wind speeds associated with hurricanes.
The increased strength of hurricane-resistant windows protects from the elements and reduces street noise, making sleeping easier during a storm. They also increase home security and may even help deter burglars. Discounts on home insurance are available for impact windows and doors from insurers.
Energy Efficiency
Hurricane impact windows contain tempered glass held together by a polymer chemical. When it comes into contact with debris, such as a falling tree branch or roof tile, it will break in a spiderweb pattern instead of shattering into dangerous shards that can fall into your living space.
In addition to preventing storm damage, impact windows offer energy efficiency benefits. They have a PVB layer and insulation that reduces the heat that enters your home, which can significantly lower your utility bills.
In some parts of Florida, it is required that homes have impact windows if they are in an area that is prone to severe storms and hurricanes. It makes them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to save money and protect their families. They are also a good option for those who plan to sell their homes in the future, as they can increase resale value.
Low Maintenance
The destructive force of hurricanes can cause extensive harm to residential properties and pose a severe threat to the safety of those inside. Flying debris can break through unprotected windows and doors without proper protection aFlyingo costly damages and may even result in injuries.
Aside without proper protection from protecting your property from severe weather, impact windows also reduce outside noises and make your house more energy-efficient. It can significantly lower your electricity bills, making it an intelligent investment for homeowners.
Windows with hurricane impact protection are constructed with tempered glass and a robust polymer layer that provides exceptional resistance against forced entry, even if the window shatters. These features make hurricane-resistant windows a good choice for homes, and the added security can also increase the value of your home. Consider discussing potential discounts for hurricane windows with your insurance agent.