Please check with your local City building department to ensure any home modifications and materials used meet the requirements and regulations specific to your City and insurer. 

As the name implies, hurricane windows are engineered and manufactured to provide safer windows for homeowners that are able to withstand harsher weather conditions than standard-glass windows. Storm-proof windows are made from a hurricane or laminated glass instead of standard glass. As such, they do a better job of withstanding extreme wind speeds and will protect from wind-borne projectiles and debris more effectively. 

In this article, the Habitat for Humanity Restore team will provide you with all the information you need to know about these storm-proof windows, explore their benefits, discuss the manufacturing process a bit, and more. 

About Impact or Hurricane Windows

Impact windows do an excellent job of protecting homes from wind and flying debris. Also, you can get even more advanced options that take safety a few steps further. Most quality hurricane windows are made to exceed the strictest requirements of the Florida Building Code. Apart from providing adequate protection from hurricanes, the most advanced storm-proof windows typically provide noise insulation and additional home security and block the sun’s UV rays as well. 

How Do These Hurricane Windows Work? 

For the most part, these storm-proof windows are constructed similarly to automobile glass. More precisely, the laminated pane is forged from two separate glass pieces, which are reinforced with a polymer layer in between to add more strength while also providing and improving overall flexibility. 

In hurricane-proof windows, this polymer layer should stay intact even if flying debris shatters the glass in the event of a huge storm, protecting your house’s interior from rain and wind. The polymer also prevents the glass from breaking into massive, sharp pieces that may pose a dangerous hazard for anyone in the home during a storm. 

To test the safety of these windows, most impact windows go through rigorous testing, such as firing 2x4s flying at high speeds (50 feet per second) at them, shooting the windows at least in three different spots, and subjecting the designs to many cycles (even thousands) of negative and positive pressure. 

The polymer isn’t the only thing that makes impact windows strong. Typically, the window frame is durable enough to provide adequate impact protection. Not to mention, the windows should be installed professionally to provide the best overall performance. To help with installation, most experts recommend hiring a professional and/or getting impact windows with pre-drilled installation holes to make the process more straightforward and the end result more secure.  

Who Can Benefit From Impact Windows?

As the name suggests, installing storm-proof windows will make the most sense for those who live in coastal arrears affected by hurricanes. Also, some county and state building codes may require some inhabitants to install hurricane-proof windows and doors. On the other hand, many homeowners opt for impact windows to get better overall protection for their homes, even in areas with no mandated compliance for such installations. 

The Benefits of Hurricane Windows

Obviously, the most significant benefit of these windows is that they provide excellent protection from tropical storms and hurricanes. However, these windows will also save homeowners a considerable amount of money over time. How, you ask? Let us give you a list of the benefits that come from opting for these windows. 

Hurricane Protection

As mentioned earlier, this is the main aim of storm-proof windows. These are much more robust than standard-glass windows, reinforced with a polymer layer between the two laminated glass panes. When storms hit, wind-borne projectiles and debris can shatter standard windows, and if they break, the wind may pressurize the home, causing even more damage. In some cases, the wind may even lift the roof or damage the house’s structural integrity. 

The laminated and polymer-reinforced glasses with robust window frames make the entire window more resistant to wind and projectiles. And even if the glass does manage to break, the laminated layer will hold it in place. The window frames are typically heavy-duty, preventing any bending or cracking during a massive storm. 

These trusted platforms provide excellent overall weather performance, standing up to both water and wind.

Solar Protection

Another excellent benefit that comes from quality impact window options is that most multi-layer options also provide solar protection. This means that family possessions inside the home are safe from the effects of solar rays, such as fading, furniture, and flooring damage, or even skin harm. For example, some top-of-the-line manufacturers offer impact windows that block 99% of harmful solar rays. 

Energy Efficiency

Most of these storm-proof windows are constructed from at least two or even three glass panels to be exceptionally energy efficient. More precisely, they can save a significant amount of money on cooling and heating costs by keeping the cool air in the home during hot days and the warmth during colder days.

Improved Efficiency in Reducing Outside Noises 

This is another significant benefit of hurricane windows that might not be so obvious at first glance. Nearly all storm-proof windows can reduce outside noise transmission into houses significantly. This can come in handy if you otherwise have difficulty falling asleep from barking dogs at night or live in a noisy and traffic-heavy area. 

Security and Safety

These impact windows aren’t just excellent for hurricane and storm protection. For instance, when someone breaks into a home, they will most likely try to enter through a door or window. Hurricane glass windows are often recessed into the frames to improve security further, making it way more challenging for intruders to try and enter. 

Better Insurance Costs

Installing these windows into a new or an existing house may also help homeowners reduce insurance costs. The majority of insurance companies will offer reduced rates when a home has impact windows installed. Still, you will need to check with your insurer to get a clearer idea of how much you may be able to save.

Increase the Overal Value of Your Home

For those homeowners who live in a hurricane-prone area, the added security and safety from installing hurricane windows and the lower utility bills, coupled with the decreased insurance costs, can boost the house’s value when selling to buyers. 

Are Impact Windows Worth Investing In?

When looking at the benefits these windows provide, they can make perfect sense for homeowners living in hurricane-prone coastal areas. These windows can protect your home and family and provide peace of mind during a massive coastal storm or hurricane. Apart from that, improved noise control and stellar energy efficiency can help save money and reduce the number of stressful events that might result from living in a noisy neighborhood.

If you are interested in learning more about these windows or buying them, feel free to visit us at Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Our kind and expert staff will be more than happy to assist you.