If you live in Florida or a coastal area that is prone to hurricanes you have most likely heard of impact windows. Impact windows are one option when it comes to protecting your home against hurricanes and severe weather. They offer many benefits that make them a strong contender when it comes to hurricane protection options for your home. In this guide we will cover exactly what impact windows are, their benefits, and some other common questions folks ask about them. If you are new to impact windows then this article should definitely be helpful! Even if you are familiar with these windows, it will provide some helpful, new information. Keep reading to learn more.
Table of Contents:
What is an impact window?
At first glance, impact windows look like normal, new windows. But do not be fooled. They are not normal windows. These windows are special and certainly capable of withstanding hurricane season in Florida. They act as hurricane protection, similar to hurricane shutters, hurricane screens, etc. These special windows are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as the intense winds and flying debris that are common during a hurricane.
They are different because of how they are built. Every component of impact windows are built to withstand extremes. Impact-resistant windows are constructed of impact, laminated glass vs regular or tempered glass, which can shatter and break apart. They also have impact-resistant frames, built from impact resistant materials, such as aluminum and vinyl. The frames and sash are structurally reinforced. They have high-strength glazings. Everything about the windows is high-strength and capable.
Impact window glass is composed of three layers:
- Outside layer = glass pane
- Middle: a clear interlayer made of either PVB or SGP
- Interior layer = glass pane
Laminated glass can withstand intense hurricane winds and the impact of wind-borne debris that are flying around during a hurricane. The window’s interlayer is what keeps the outer glass panes from breaking apart. In other words, if hit hard enough impact glass can fracture. However, it does not break like regular glass. It remains in place. This means you will not have exposed holes. And this means your home will not become pressurized even if your windows are struck.
In a nutshell, these windows provide hurricane protection. Impact resistant windows can withstand the hurricane force winds and the impact of flying debris during hurricanes and major storms.
Impact window testing and requirements
The term “impact window” is only used to describe windows that meet strict requirements here in Florida. To be classified as impact-rated windows, they must pass specific tests (such as large and small missile tests). These tests are intended to simulate wind borne debris hitting the window during a hurricane. A projectile is launched into the window from a “cannon”.
In addition, the windows must meet strict design specifications outlined in the Florida Building Code (FBC). The windows must meet or exceed the requirements of the FBC to be considered impact rated in the state of Florida. If they do, they gain a Florida Product Approval number. You should verify with your contractor or supplier that the windows they will install have this designation.
In addition, the windows need to meet any other local requirements that are relevant to your location. For example, your municipality may require your windows to meet the Miami-Dade test requirements and are Miami-Dade approved.
Who manufacturers impact windows?
There are several companies that manufacture impact windows. Some of them specialize specifically in manufacturing impact windows, and others manufacture regular windows as well as impact rated versions.
Some of the larger impact window manufacturers include:
- Eastern Architectural Systems (Fort Myers, Florida)
- PGT Innovations Inc (North Venice, Florida)
- CGI Windows (Hialeah, Florida)
- Pella Windows & Doors
- Andersen Windows
- Marvin
- Eco Window Systems (Miami, Florida)
- Simonton Windows (Dade-County, Florida)
Who Installs Hurricane Impact Windows?
The impact window installation process can be a bit confusing when you are starting to look for windows. One big question people have is who installs the actual windows. For instance, do you contact the manufacturer directly, or do you have to find a dealer?
Window manufacturers generally sell their products through window replacement dealers. Each manufacturer generally have a preferred network of dealers, which you can typically find on each manufacturer’s website. Some also sell their windows to big-box stores, who may sell directly to consumers and/or offer installation services through their contractor network.
There are many benefits to working with a local impact window dealer. They can measure your home for the windows, order them directly, and install them. They also have a showroom where you can see what each window looks like and how it operates.
Benefits of impact windows?
Hurricane protection
The biggest benefit of impact rated windows is their ability to protect your home and family against hurricanes. They prevent your windows (and doors) from breaking and your home from becoming pressurized, preventing more serious damage.
They provide peace of mind that your home and loved ones will be safe, no matter how extreme the weather.
Security Protection
In addition to hurricane protection, they provide security protection for your family. They prevent burglars from breaking into your home because they are extremely difficult to break through. This will either deter burglars or prevent them from breaking into your home. Security protection is helpful after a storm if you vacate your home. But it is also helpful every day when you are at home.
Convenience
One of the biggest benefits of impact windows vs hurricane shutters is that they offer 24/7 hurricane protection. They are always ready to protect and they require zero installation or removal before or after a storm. This means your home will be protected whether you are home or not. There is no installation and removal like with storm panels. There is no deploying hurricane shutters. You don’t have to do anything other than having them closed and locked.
Curb appeal
Another huge benefit of hurricane windows is that they do not change the appearance of your home at all. Well, that is not true. New impact windows can help freshen up your home’s appearance by replacing old, worn-out ones. But what we mean is that they look just like new windows so your home’s appearance will not change. This is a great option if you are afraid of adding hurricane shutters that may change the look of your home.
Lower insurance premiums
Impact windows can also help you save money on your insurance premiums. Most insurance companies offer discounts when you install impact windows. This is because they increase the hurricane protection of your home and reduce the likelihood of damage and injury. Contact your insurance company for specifics, but you should expect to see your insurance reduced.
Increase your home value
While these windows are an investment, there is a very strong case that impact windows increase home value. These windows are attractive to buyers, because of their storm protection, energy efficiency and other benefits. It is also safe to assume that buyers will place a premium on homes with impact windows, as it will be one less investment they need to make after purchase.
May qualify for tax credits
Your new windows may qualify for a tax credit, which may help alleviate some of the upfront cost.
To learn more, read our article that goes over the specifics of the tax credit for impact windows.
Energy efficiency & home comfort
Impact-resistant windows provide energy efficiency. This means they will make your home more comfortable, while reducing your heating and cooling bills.
Noise reduction (exterior)
Installing impact windows can help reduce exterior noise from entering your home. These windows tight seals and thick, multi-layer glass will ensure that road noise and other noises are reduced. This of course help you enjoy your home even more.
Endless options, including custom shapes and sizes
You will be happy to know that you can get any style of window as an impact window. You can also find them in different frames, such as aluminum, vinyl, etc. You can even get custom window shapes, sizes, and orientations to meet your needs. You will not have to compromise on the type or style of window if you go with impact-rated windows.
If interested, you can read our article that covers all the different types of impact windows available.
Can impact windows withstand a category 5 hurricane?
A category 5 hurricane is one that has sustained winds of 157+ miles per hour. Whether an impact window can withstand a category 5 hurricane will depend on the window’s specific design pressure (DP) rating and the size of the window opening (in square feet).
There are impact windows that can withstand a category 5 hurricane. But not all of them may. If you need to or want your windows to withstand a category 5 we suggest informing and confirming this with your impact window dealer. If they cannot confirm this for you then find another company.
Can you break impact windows?
This is also a very popular question about these windows. There is a misconception that impact windows can not be broken, ever. And this is indeed a misconception because they can be broken. However, it is extremely hard to break.
If struck hard enough, such as by flying debris during a category 5 hurricane impact glass can fracture. But fracture is not hte same thing as “break”. Laminated glass holds together because of the interlayer in between the two panes of glass. So while impact windows can be fractured, they are extremely difficult to break through.
Because of this they are also good at deterring burglars who try to break in through the glass. It takes so long to break through that burglars give up.
Are they soundproof?
One common misconception that people have about impact windows is that they are soundproof. We mentioned before that impact windows reduce exterior noise coming into your home. This is true, and it is a huge benefit, especially if you live in a noisy and/or busy area. However, these windows are not completely soundproof.
Conclusion
Impact windows should be considered a strong contender for hurricane protection for your Fort Myers area home. They provide many benefits, such as hurricane protection, security protection, convenience, curb appeal, lower insurance premiums, increased home value, energy efficiency, and more. They also come in various styles, sizes and can even be custom made in custom shapes and sizes. They also reduce exterior noise coming into your home.
Our company Eurex Shutters, has been installing high quality, impact windows and doors since 1986. We proudly install quality impact windows at fair prices in Fort Myers/Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Naples/Marco Island, Sarasota/Venice, Tampa/Clearwater, and throughout the rest of Southwest Florida.
Contact us to get started.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
