Do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?

If you live in a hurricane prone area it is critical to understand how to properly prepare your home for a hurricane or tropical storm. Your home’s windows and doors are arguably its most vulnerable areas during these weather events. Intense winds and flying debris can break regular glass windows, exposing your home to the elements and making it vulnerable to more severe damage. Installing impact windows are able to withstand flying debris and intense winds. If impacted hard enough they may fracture, but they remain intact. This prevents more serious damage, such as your home becoming pressurized. Many homeowners in hurricane areas are curious if they need hurricane shutters if they have impact windows and doors. In this article we explore this topic and help you answer the question “do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?” By the end of this article you should be informed and able to make the best decision for your situation.

What Are Impact Windows? Do I need shutters too if I already have impact windows?

Impact windows are a type of window designed for homes in hurricane prone areas, such as Florida. These windows are made with impact resistant, laminated glass and have robust frames made from impact resistant materials. Laminated glass consists of two pieces of glass with a polymer interlayer in between. The three layers are laminated (bonded) together in a special manufacturing process.

Impact glass is impact resistant. However, if it is impacted hard enough it can fracture, but the polymer interlayer holds the glass together. This keeps the window intact, even if it is fractured meaning your home won’t become exposed and glass shards wont go flying.

Benefits of impact windows

Impact windows are a popular choice for homeowners and business owners in hurricane prone areas. This is due to the many benefits they offer. These include:

• 24/7, all year protection: impact windows do not require any deployment. They are always ready to protect your home. This is great, especially if you want convenience. It is also helpful if you are not at your home all year. Your windows will be ready, regardless if you are around or able to prepare for a storm.
• Security protection: impact resistant glass and frames mean it is really tough for intruders to break through. Your home and family will be more secure with impact windows vs windows that break easily.
• Energy efficiency and noise reduction: Impact windows are also valuable in locations with intense sun, such as Florida. These modern windows provide great thermal performance and energy efficiency. They also help block out outside noise. Both of these factors mean a more comfortable home (and some lower bills).

Considerations of Impact Windows

• Will fracture if impacted hard enough: One thing to note with impact windows is that while they do not break through, they can fracture if impacted hard enough. They will protect your home, but may need to be fixed or replaced if damaged.
• Impact windows cost more than hurricane shutters in most cases. This one is good to know in terms of the upfront cost. It is also helpful to know if and when they need to be replaced.

What Are Hurricane Shutters? Do I need them in addition if I already have impact windows?

Hurricane shutters are impact resistant window coverings. They are installed on the exterior of your windows, doors, and other openings. They come in non-permanent forms, such as plywood and storm panels. They also come in permanent hurricane shutter versions, such as:

• Roll shutters: roll shutters are permanent shutters that are installed over your windows and doors. They consist of individual slats that roll up and down on vertical tracks. When open (not in use) they store away in a housing box above the opening. These shutters provide hurricane and security protection.
• Accordion shutters: another permanent storm shutter that cover the exterior of your windows and doors, etc. They sit on the side of your openings when not in use, and when you need to close them they slide horizontally over your windows.
• Bahama shutters: Bahama shutters are a type of decorative hurricane shutter that cover the exterior of your windows. These are unique as they sit over your windows at all times at an angle. This makes them great at providing shade as well as privacy. You can adjust the angle with telescoping arms. And you can adjust the slats of the shutter to adjust how much privacy you want.

Explore all types of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida.

Reasons to choose hurricane shutters instead of impact windows

Impact windows are a popular choice for homeowners and business owners. They have many benefits, including convenience and 24/7 protection. However, they may not be right for everyone. Here are some reasons why you might prefer hurricane shutters instead of impact windows:

• They are generally less expensive vs impact windows
• You may like the look of hurricane shutters and want to add shutters to your home
• Shutters provide other functional benefits, such as security, shade, and privacy, among others that you may find beneficial

Reasons not to choose impact windows instead of hurricane shutters

Similarly, you may prefer impact windows over hurricane shutters for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Impact windows require no preparation before a storm, whereas hurricane shutters need to be deployed
• You need to or want to replace your old, worn out windows anyways, and impact windows offer a lot of benefits
• You do not like the look of hurricane shutters, and/or you would prefer to keep the current look of your home

Learn more in our guide about Hurricane Shutters vs Impact Windows.

Do I need Hurricane Shutters if I have impact windows?

The answer to the question of if you need hurricane shutters over impact windows is no. You do not need them. Impact windows are sufficient hurricane protection by themselves. Impact windows are Florida Product Approved and meet the Florida Building Code. They are rated to withstand flying debris and intense wind pressure during a hurricane or severe weather event.

But with that being said, impact windows can fracture if they are impacted hard enough. Remember the polymer interlayer keeps the glass together. This means they will not break through and leave your home exposed. But there is a possibility they may become damaged if impacted hard enough. This may mean you will have to repair or replace the fractured window, which can be costly.

So do you need hurricane shutters on top of impact windows? No.

Can you install hurricane shutters on top of impact windows? Sure. You can install storm shutters over your impact windows if you want to feel extra secure or prevent the chance of your impact windows fracturing.

In turn, the decision whether you need hurricane shutters if you have impact windows is a matter of personal preference. If you want to prevent any possible damage to your impact windows then you may choose to install hurricane shutters over the exterior of them, even if it is not required. Or, if you just feel better about having two layers of protection, that is something that should not be undervalued. Many individuals choose to install hurricane shutters over their impact windows for a variety of reasons.

Factors to consider when deciding if you need hurricane shutters on top of impact windows

There are many factors to consider when making a decision. We discuss these briefly below.

• Personal peace of mind: at the end of the day the decision comes down to your comfort level. If you feel better about having hurricane shutters installed over your impact windows than that if your decision. Some individuals feel more protected or safer with both, even if one if okay by itself.
• Your location: if you live in a HVHZ that is consistently impacted by severe hurricanes than adding an extra layer of protection may be worthwhile. Adding hurricane shutters over your impact windows will provide extra peace of mind and keep your impact windows protected.
• Local building code requirements: Although this is probably not a factor today, it might be one day. Check to determine if your area requires secondary opening protection, such as hurricane shutters installed over your impact windows. At the very least you will need to meet the building code requirements of your city/county. Impact windows that are adequately rated for your area will satisfy the FBC. For example, if you live in a HVHZ you will need windows that are approved for HVHZ use.
• Need to deploy hurricane shutters: one of the main reasons why individuals buy impact windows is their convenience. They do not require any installation before a storm. If you want to install hurricane shutters over your impact windows you should be okay with needing to deploy them before a storm. Some types of hurricane shutters, such as accordion and roll shutters do not take much effort, but they still take effort and require you to be there to do it.