Hurricanes can cause significant damage to unprotected homes and businesses. We cannot stop hurricanes from happening, especially in hurricane prone areas like Southwest Florida. But being prepared and installing hurricane protection can help protect you. Hurricane proof windows are one type of hurricane protection. They look like normal windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds and flying debris. In this article we will discuss what they are and how they work.
What are Hurricane Proof Windows?
Hurricane proof windows and doors, also known as impact windows or impact-resistant windows and doors, are designed specifically to withstand the intense forces of hurricane winds and debris. Unlike ordinary windows, these are built using multiple layers of laminated glass and an impact-resistant frame designed to prevent shattering.
Manufacturers engineer hurricane windows to meet stringent standards. In Florida, these standards include the Florida Building Code (FBC). In addition, those in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) must meet Miami-Dade requirements. These standards ensure that the windows can stand up to major hurricanes that frequently hit the Sunshine state. And this is crucial for residents in hurricane-prone areas like Southwest Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples.
The construction of these windows includes two panes of glass with a polymer interlayer in between them. Think of the two pieces of glass as the bread and the polymer interlayer as the filling. This glass and polymer “sandwich” is laminated together in a special production process. The polymer interlayer holds glass fragments together even after a high-impact collision.
This prevents your home from being exposed to the winds, flying debris and water that results from broken windows.
This is all true for hurricane proof glass doors as well. For instance, you can replace our standard glass sliding doors with impact glass sliding doors. The same goes for French doors and entry doors with glass inserts. This means you can outfit all of your home’s openings with impact glass products.
Do Florida Residents Need Hurricane Resistant Windows?
By installing these specially-designed, Florida-approved windows and doors, you as a homeowner can significantly enhance their property’s resilience to hurricanes. In other words, their home stands a better chance to not be severely damaged during a hurricane.
Hurricane protection is not just a buzzword; it really is a necessity in coastal regions. This is especially true in coastal areas like South and Southwest Florida. The robust design of impact-resistant windows ensures they can withstand the severe conditions of tropical storms, offering homeowners peace of mind during hurricane season. With each storm, homeowners are reminded of the importance of these windows, which serve as a first line of defense against nature’s fury.
The demand for these hurricane proof windows continues to grow in areas frequently hit by hurricanes, such as those serviced by Eurex Shutters. They provide a practical and long-term solution to safeguarding homes, reducing hurricane damage repair costs, and maintaining the structural integrity of both residential and commercial buildings.
Learn more and get a free estimate for Hurricane Windows in Southwest Florida.
Benefits of Hurricane Proof Windows
Hurricane proof windows help protect your home and family against damage from high winds and flying debris. They also offer several other benefits that make them worthwhile. Below we discuss the biggest benefits of these windows in more detail.
Hurricane Protection
The biggest benefit of hurricane proof windows is that they provide 24/7 protection against hurricanes. They require no preparation, installation, or anything. This makes them convenient and effective against dangerous storms.
Security Protection
These windows can withstand hurricanes. So as you can imagine they can withstand burglars and intruders as well. Laminated glass is very hard to break, meaning it is really hard for intruders to get inside through your windows.
Energy Efficiency
Like most new windows, impact windows provide good energy efficiency. They are insulating meaning they reduce heat transfer through them. This helps keep your indoor temperatures cool, even with the extreme heat of Florida. This reduces strain on your HVAC system and also reduces energy costs.
Noise Reduction
Another benefit of hurricane proof windows is that they help reduce outside noise. Noise reduction might not be as important as hurricane protection. But it does help to make the interior of your home more enjoyable.
Insurance Discounts
Hurricane rated windows may qualify for insurance discounts in Florida. The actual discount you get will depend on your carrier.
Types of Hurricane Windows
Hurricane proof windows come in any style a regular window does. In addition, you can order custom impact windows to fit nearly any size or shape opening. There are also different frame materials, such as vinyl and aluminum frames.
Hurricane proof windows come in any style a regular window does. In addition, you can order custom impact windows to fit nearly any size or shape opening. There are also different frame materials, such as vinyl and aluminum frames.
Below are some of the many types of impact windows available:
- Single-hung and double-hung
- Casement
- Awning
- Picture
- Architectural windows
- And more
Choosing the Right Impact Resistant Hurricane Windows for Your Home
Selecting the ideal hurricane proof windows for your home may feel a bit overwhelming. After all, there are several factors you need to consider. So it may seem like option overload. But if you break the decision down into certain criteria buckets it becomes easier.
First, assess your home’s specific risk level and review your city’s local building codes. You need to make sure you buy windows that meet the standards required by your city, county, state, etc. This may feel intimidating. So it is always a good idea to speak with a local hurricane protection expert.
Here are some things to consider when choosing your impact (hurricane proof) windows:
- Frames – vinyl or aluminum
- Frame color – white, bronze, etc.
- Ventilation – do the windows need to allow ventilation, or will they be fixed?
- Egress – do the windows need to meet egress requirements?
- Cost – what is the cost of the windows, and do they fit your budget?
- Quality and reputation – pick a window brand and installation company with a solid reputation for both quality products and installation success.
Installation Process of Hurricane Proof Windows
The installation of hurricane proof windows is a task best left to professionals. First, installing impact windows in Florida requires permits, which are pulled by a licensed contractor. Second, if your windows are not installed correctly, they will not do their job effectively.
The installation process begins with a thorough assessment of the existing window frames and surrounding structure to ensure compatibility with the new impact-resistant windows.
Installers will carefully remove the old windows, taking care not to damage the surrounding areas. This step is crucial, as any structural weaknesses could compromise the effectiveness of the new windows. Once the openings are prepared, precision is key as installers align and secure the new windows, ensuring a tight, weather-resistant seal.
Final adjustments, including caulking and sealing, are necessary to prevent water and air infiltration. This step ensures that the windows are not only protective against wind and debris but also energy efficient. A post-installation inspection is typically conducted to verify that the windows are correctly installed and meet all safety standards.
After they are installed the city Building & Permits department will inspect the installations to ensure they are up to code.
In regions like Southwest Florida, where hurricanes are a frequent concern, proper installation by experts, such as the team at Eurex Shutters, is essential to maximize the windows’ protective capabilities.
Cost Considerations: A Worthwhile Investment
Hurricane impact windows cost more than standard windows and other hurricane protection products in most cases. But they provide solid hurricane protection that normal windows cannot. They also provide unmatched convenience compared to other hurricane protection products.
There are some things that do help offset their cost over the long-term. First, the windows’ higher energy efficiency can help reduce energy cost savings, which add up over time. Second, discounts on your insurance wind policy also pay you back over time.
While these two may not pay for your new windows in full, they do help, especially over time.
One potential area for major cost savings is their ability to reduce repair costs of significant hurricane damage. Catastrophic or severe hurricane caused repairs from a single storm can cost many times what these windows cost to install.
Financing Programs Help Make them More Obtainable
You may not have the cash in hand to pay for new impact windows. Fortunately, many window installers offer financing programs. Such programs, such as the Eurex Shutters Home Project Financing Program, allow you to pay for the windows over time vs upfront.
This is a helpful program, even if you do have the funds to pay for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do hurricane-proof windows differ from regular windows?
Hurricane-proof windows are specially designed to withstand hurricane force winds and impact from flying debris during a hurricane. They are made of impact-resistant glass and reinforced aluminum or vinyl frames to provide extra strength and protection compared to regular windows that break on impact.
What are the benefits of installing hurricane-proof windows in my home?
Installing hurricane-proof windows can help protect your home, family, and belongings during a storm. These windows can prevent costly damage from high winds, flying debris, and water intrusion. Additionally, they can increase the energy efficiency of your home, reduce outside noise, and provide added security against intruders.
Are hurricane-proof windows worth the investment?
Yes, hurricane-proof windows are worth the investment, especially if you live in a hurricane-prone area. The cost of installing these windows can be offset by potential savings on insurance premiums and reduced repair costs after a storm. They can also increase the resale value of your home and provide peace of mind during hurricane season.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on Are Impact Windows Worth the Money in Southwest Florida?
Can hurricane-proof windows be customized to match my home’s aesthetic?
Yes, hurricane-proof windows come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes complementing your home’s aesthetic. You can choose from different types of frames, glass tints, and decorative features to achieve the look you desire while still benefitting from the protection and durability of hurricane-proof windows. They are also available as custom windows, allowing you to build a window to meet any size, shape, or opening.
How do I maintain hurricane-proof windows?
Maintenance is similar to regular windows. You will need to periodically clean them, inspect for damage, and test that they work correctly.
Conclusion
Hurricane proof windows and doors provide solid hurricane protection for homes and businesses located in storm-prone areas. In addition to hurricane protection they also provide energy efficiency, security protection, and reduced outside noise.
Are you ready to invest in hurricane proof windows and protect your home from Mother Nature’s fiercest storms? The team at Eurex Shutters can help. Trust a local hurricane impact window installation company in Southwest Florida with 38+ years of experience. Contact us with questions or to start your installation project.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
