Looking for ways to protect your home from hurricanes? You’re not alone. One of the most frequently asked questions we receive here at Absolute Window LLC is, “Do impact windows really protect homes during hurricanes?” Yes! Here’s what you should know about impact windows and how they protect your home from storm damage.
What Are Impact Windows?
Impact windows are designed to keep your home strong during hurricane season. Installed by professionals, they can reduce the chance of your home suffering from extreme storm damage. Though no window can make a home completely hurricane-proof, impact windows can minimize damage to your home by:
- Withstanding hurricane-force winds
- Preventing debris from shattering your windows
- Regulating pressure to prevent structural damage
Impact windows are constructed with thicker frames and laminated glass. Laminated glass is designed to stay intact when struck by flying debris. Traditional windows can easily shatter when hit by Hurricane winds, while impact-resistant glass features multiple layers fused together by a strong inner layer. Should the glass break, the shards are less likely to tear free and scatter throughout your home.
By remaining intact, your windows help keep the pressure inside your home more consistent with the pressure outside. When a window is shattered, wind can rush inside and dramatically increase the pressure indoors. Higher air pressure inside your home can cause major structural damage to roofing and walls.
How Do Hurricanes Damage Homes?
While some homeowners may believe damaged windows are the biggest threat to their homes during a hurricane, broken windows can cause even bigger issues.
Hurricane-force winds can cause the air pressure inside your home to rise when they find an entrance through broken windows and doors. When higher air pressure combines with powerful winds outside, your roof can suffer catastrophic damage. Not only that, but your walls and garage doors can be stressed to their limits. Debris that enters your home can also cause damage to your interior and increase the risk of injury to you and your family.
Impact windows can reduce these risks by not shattering when struck by windborne debris. They’re put through a rigorous process to ensure they meet local building codes for impact resistance.
Benefits Beyond Storm Season
While protecting your home from hurricane damage is a huge benefit, impact windows can provide you with other advantages.
Additional benefits of installing impact windows include:
- Home security – prevents forced entry
- Energy efficiency – keeps your home cooler in the summer
- Noise reduction – keeps outside noise out
- UV protection – minimizes furniture and floor fading
- May lower insurance costs – check with your insurance provider
Because they offer benefits even outside of storm season, many homeowners view impact windows as a smart investment.
Will Impact Windows Make My Home Hurricane Proof?
No window can 100% protect your home from every type of storm. However, impact windows are an excellent option for keeping your home safe during hurricane season.
Hurricanes can produce devastating winds and forces. While your impact windows will resist damage from debris and high winds, extreme hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and other problems can still cause destruction to your home. Products that claim to be “ hurricane proof” are often misusing that term. Impact windows can reduce your risk of damage, but they can not prevent all damage under every condition.
Your impact windows are made to protect your home from flying debris and high winds, not to hold up if your roof flies away or some other catastrophic situation happens. Impact windows should not be solely relied on to keep you and your home safe.
Just because your home has impact windows does not mean you should ignore evacuation orders or other safety precautions if a storm is approaching.
Installation is Key
Even high-quality impact windows can fail to perform as expected if they’re not installed properly. All components of your window need to work together in order to withstand hurricane-force winds.
The window frame, fasteners, anchoring methods, and sealing all play a part in your window’s ability to handle strong winds and impacts. Installation professionals know local building codes and manufacturer specifications for installing hurricane-rated windows. Always ensure that the company you hire knows how to properly install impact windows.
At Absolute Window LLC, our installations are done by certified professionals that we work with day in and day out. We do not use subcontractors. Each installation is performed by one of our in-house technicians.
Not All Impact Windows Are Created Equal
When you start looking into impact windows, you’ll notice that they all vary. You should choose windows that fit your home’s architecture, adhere to local building codes, and match your budget.
Here are a few factors to keep in mind when comparing impact windows:
- Impact performance ratings
- Energy efficiency
- Frame materials
- Window style
- Warranties
- Installation
By working with a reputable window company, you can trust that your impact windows will be just what you need to protect your home and live comfortably year-round.
Impact Windows Are a Smart Choice
If you live in Southwest Florida, you know that hurricane season is something you have to prepare for as a homeowner. Impact windows can keep your home safer during storm season and provide you with many benefits year-round.
Not only do impact windows improve your home’s storm protection, but they can help you improve its energy efficiency, too. Impact windows are a great choice for any homeowner looking to keep their family safe and secure.
Still wondering, “Do impact windows really protect homes during hurricanes?”
Contact the team at Absolute Window LLC today to find out how our impact windows can help keep your home protected when hurricane season arrives.
