Many homes located in hurricane-prone areas require impact windows. However, even if your home is not in a hurricane zone, these windows are still an excellent choice. They will protect your property and the people inside of it from debris caused by storms, and they can also prevent break-ins by criminals.
Increased Home Value
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and straight-line winds can wreak havoc on a home. But the right windows can protect your home from damage.
Impact resistant windows are rated for their ability to withstand the force of debris and high winds. This rating is known as the “design pressure” (DP) rating. The higher the DP number, the more resistance the window can withstand. These windows can withstand such forces by incorporating laminated glass and stronger frames. The sacrificial pane of glass is also thicker than standard windows.
Besides protecting your home from debris, impact windows offer many other benefits, including energy efficiency. They also improve insulation and reduce outside noise pollution. And because they are thicker, these windows block more heat and sun than standard windows. This means you’ll have less to pay for your energy bills. They’re also more durable, reducing wear and tear over time. They’re the perfect choice for homeowners looking to protect their homes from damage and increase their property value.
Increased Energy Efficiency
Besides protecting against severe weather debris, impact windows offer increased energy efficiency compared to traditional single-pane and double-pane windows. This means you can save on energy costs and help protect the environment.
The sturdy frames of impact windows can withstand the force of sleet, hail, or even stray limbs during a storm. The frames are made of heavy-duty materials like aluminum and vinyl that can resist warping or the accumulation of rust. Unlike standard glass, impact windows have an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two laminated glass panes. This layer breaks up the noise transmission and significantly lowers your home’s sound level. This is one reason why most homeowners choose to invest in impact windows. They can help provide a quiet and peaceful living environment all year round. In addition, impact windows can protect your home from burglaries and other forced entries due to their sturdier frame construction.
Increased Security
While protecting your home from windborne debris and flying objects is certainly one of the most obvious benefits of impact windows, this is far from the only advantage. The laminated glass and multiple layers of material used to create impact windows make it incredibly difficult for burglars to break into your home.
Many burglars may not even try to break into homes with impact-resistant windows because of the difficulty involved. This type of window also reduces the amount of heat transfer into a home and helps to keep furnishings from fading due to harsh UV rays.
Homeowners insurance companies typically discount premiums for homes with impact-resistant windows and doors as an added benefit. These savings can offset the initial cost of installing these specialized windows and doors. This makes them a good investment that can pay off for years.
Reduced Noise
Impact windows are a smart and cost-effective home investment for those living in areas prone to hurricanes. They help protect homes from catastrophic damage during storms and can also prevent burglars from breaking into the home and causing further destruction.
However, impact windows can also provide a secondary benefit of significantly reducing outside noise. This is because they contain a layer of polyvinyl butyral sandwiched between two outer laminated glass panes. PVB is a dense material that helps to break up sound waves, significantly lowering the amount of outside noise that enters the home at an audible level.
While each homeowner has their own needs and wants for their home, many homeowners choose impact windows to reduce the amount of outside noise that penetrates the property. Consider the design pressure (DP) rating when deciding, as not all impact windows are created equal.