Better Choice? Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters?

Are you comparing impact windows vs hurricane shutters for your Florida home? The best choice depends on your budget, how much convenience you want, the appearance you prefer, and the type of protection you need.

Both options provide effective protection from hurricane-force winds and flying debris. The key differences between them are how they’re installed, how they look, how much they cost, and how much preparation they require before a storm.

This guide compares impact windows and hurricane shutters so you can determine which option makes the most sense for your home.

Table of Contents:

Impact Windows

Impact windows are impact-resistant, hurricane-rated windows. In Florida they will have a Florida Product Approval #. These windows are built with impact glass and impact resistant frames made from aluminum or vinyl. This class of windows are able to withstand hurricane force winds, intense positive and negative pressures, and flying debris experienced during a hurricane. They look like ordinary windows, but they are impact resistant. In other words, they can take an impact and without shattering. They may fracture (crack) if impacted hard enough, but they will not send shards of glass flying.

Advantages of Impact Windows:

• Great Looks: Impact resistant windows look like normal windows so they don’t detract from the look of your home
• Easy: They offer 24/7 hurricane protection and require zero installation or removal or preparation for a storm
• Energy Efficiency: Help improve your home’s insulation: energy efficient windows keep cold air in and hot air out as well as put less stress on your HVAC system
• Reduce outside noise: impact windows, while not soundproof, do help reduce outside noise in your home. This makes for a more comfortable, peaceful home.

Considerations of Impact Windows:

• Hurricane windows are more costly than most hurricane shutters both for installation and repair
• The repair time can be lengthy if they need to be repaired or replaced
• They are only useful for protecting window openings so you will need other storm protection products for other openings such as your doors, lanai, patio, etc.

When are impact resistant windows the best choice?

Impact windows are a good choice if you want (or need):

• 24/7 storm protection
• You don’t want to deal with the hassle of installing anything before a storm
• Storm protection that will NOT change the exterior/look of your home.

Learn more about impact windows in Southwest Florida.

Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters are exterior shutters that cover and protect your windows, doors, lanai, patio, etc. These shutters are made specifically for hurricane protection. They can withstand intense wind, driving rain, and airborne debris.

Some types of storm shutters, such as storm panels are temporary/removable. These need to be installed and uninstalled before each storm. Permanent shutters, on the other hand are permanently attached to the exterior of your home. They just need to be deployed before a storm.

Types of Hurricane Shutters

There are many different styles of hurricane shutters. Each type differs by design, ease-of-use, and the hurricane shutter cost. The different styles of storm shutters include:

• Accordion hurricane shutters
• Roll down hurricane shutters
• Bahama shutters
• Aluminum and plastic storm panels 

All of our hurricane shutters are hurricane-rated, meet the Florida Building Code and have Florida Product Approval #’s. They are made of impact resistant materials to protect the glass openings of your home during a storm. 

Explore your options for hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida.

Advantages of Hurricane Shutters

• Typically cheaper vs impact windows
• Less costly to repair or replace if damaged
• Decorative hurricane shutters can add to the style or character of your home (examples include Bahama or Colonial hurricane shutters)
• Certain styles have multiple uses. Examples include roll down shutters also serving as security shutters and Bahama shutters providing sun protection and shade. In other words, these shutters also provide security protection, shade / light control, and privacy as well as storm protection

Limitations of Hurricane Shutters

• Require varying levels of installation and removal before and after a storm, which may be difficult and time consuming
• May take away from the look of your home depending on which shutter style you select
• Some styles require storage (such as storm panels)

When are hurricane shutters the best choice?

Hurricane shutters are a good choice if you want (or need):

• A lower cost option vs impact windows
• A certain look: you may like the aesthetics of a certain style of decorative hurricane shutter, such as Bahama or Colonial shutters
• Protection when impact windows are not ideal, for whatever reason

FAQs: Impact Windows and Hurricane shutters

Are impact windows better than hurricane shutters?

Impact windows are not universally better. The right choice depends on your priorities, budget and the type of storm protection you prefer.

Are impact windows the same as hurricane windows?

Hurricane windows and impact windows may also be referred to as hurricane resistant windows, impact resistant windows, storm windows, etc.  They are designed to withstand flying (wind-borne) objects during a severe storm, such as a hurricane or tropical storm, etc. One thing to note is that in order for a window to be hurricane-rated it needs a Florida Product Approval #. It should not be assumed that all windows with laminated glass are hurricane-rated.

Are impact windows worth it?

The answer is, it depends on your needs, budget and preferences. If you put a high preference on ease of use and home aesthetics then impact resistant glass is worth it. Insulated varieties also help with insulation of your home, which is helpful in the blistering heat of Southwest Florida.

Do I even need hurricane shutters or impact windows?

If you live in an area with a high risk of severe storms, such as Southwest or Southeast Florida then yes, you need hurricane shutters or an adequate form of storm protection.

Do I need hurricane shutters if i have impact windows?

This is a matter of personal preference. The basic answer is no. You do not need hurricane shutters if you have impact windows. The impact windows will protect your home and family from hurricane winds and flying debris. This is their purpose. However, hurricane shutters are cheaper to replace vs impact windows. In turn, you may still choose to install hurricane shutters on top of your impact windows. Doing this would help to protect your investment and reduce the need to repair or replace damaged windows if they were impacted. And if your hurricane shutters ever became seriously damaged or blew off completely, your impact windows would act as your second line of defense.

Choose the Best Impact Windows and Hurricane Shutters in Southwest Florida

If you are looking for the best storm protection, including impact windows and hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida or have questions we are happy to help. Eurex Shutters is the oldest hurricane shutter company in SWFL. Our company has 40+ years of experience and over 25,000 satisfied customers.

If you need help our family can help you determine the best fit for your home and family.

Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.