In 2023, over 300,000 people moved to Florida. The Sunshine State is one of the most popular states to move to in the entire country, and it’s easy to understand why. Florida has 1,350 miles of coastline featuring stunning beaches and crystal waters. The state is also filled with national and state parks, lush tropical forests, beautiful farmlands, and so much more! It’s no wonder that so many people want to live in Florida permanently.
However, Florida also experiences more hurricanes than any other state in the country. This means that new and current residents alike need to take steps to protect their property from the dangers of Florida Hurricane Season. With the number and intensity of storms predicted to remain high, now is the time to invest in protective storm solutions like impact windows in Southwest Florida. Not sure what impact windows are or what they offer your Florida property? This guide will lay it all out for you.
What Are Impact Windows?
If you haven’t heard of impact windows, a brief introduction is deserved before we dive deeper. Impact windows in Florida are specially designed and approved to withstand hurricanes. That means they can withstand both intense hurricane winds and the impact of wind-borne debris. During a hurricane, anything from tree branches to street signs can become airborne. Hurricanes transform everyday objects into dangerous projectiles that can shatter traditional glass windows/doors and allow wind and water into your property.
Some impact windows in Florida can withstand wind speeds of up to 150+ miles per hour (category 5 storm strength). They can also withstand the flying debris these storms whip around. They’re able to provide this level of protection thanks to their unique construction.
Impact windows are constructed of laminated glass, impact resistant frames, advanced glazings, and strong, durable components. Laminated glass is able to take severe impacts. And although they may fracture if hit hard enough, the glass remains in place due to the polymer interlayer between the plates of glass. This means even if your window is struck your home will remain “closed” and secured.
How Do Impact Windows Work?
Impact windows in Florida work to prevent wind and debris from compromising the structure of your property. Shattered windows create threats with glass shards potentially flying and being scattered everywhere. However, the true danger lies in the opening in the structure left behind when the window is damaged. This allows rain and wind into the home, which can damage your sheetrock and other materials. Exposed homes also face severe damage from pressures inside the home. If a window, door or other vulnerable opening is broken the entire building may become pressurized. This can cause more serious damage, such as causing your roof to detach.
How can they withstand hurricane impacts?
Impact windows on Florida homes and businesses feature unique window construction. The most important component is called laminated glass. This special glass, plus other components allows the windows to withstand the immense power of hurricane-force winds and flying debris. They feature a “sandwich” design that has an interior and exterior layer of glass and an interlayer material in between. This creates an ultra-strong window. Most importantly, the interlayer keeps the glass together, even if it is struck and damaged.
All of our impact windows feature an inner and outer layer of laminated glass. If sufficient force hits these panes, the glass will crack and spiderweb, but the lamination prevents it from shattering, keeping the window intact through the storm.
The center layer is made from SGP, which is five times stronger than the PVB interlayer most Florida impact window companies use. Our windows also feature reinforced frames for even higher strength. We can also offer insulated impact windows in Florida homes and businesses, which provides additional benefits, which we’ll discuss shortly.
At Eurex Shutters, your protection is our ultimate goal and we’re committed to delivering the peace of mind and safety you deserve.
How Resistant Are Impact Windows in Florida?
Impact windows designed for use in Florida homes and businesses are highly resistant to wind and windborne debris. They are tested and rated to withstand wind speeds from 100 up to 150 miles per hour depending on the brand, style, and manufacturing method. However, it’s important to remember that they are impact-resistant, not impact-proof.
All impact-resistant windows installed in Florida are designed to hold up to Mother Nature’s fury and if hit hard enough may fracture under severe stress. However, the window remains in tact, or in other words, it will not shatter. To put it another way, the inner and outer glass panes may crack but will remain in the frame. The central SGP membrane will remain intact, protecting your property from wind damage and preventing torrential rain from entering through a shattered window.
How Do Impact Windows Affect the Look of My Property?
Worried that impact windows will affect the aesthetic of your Florida home or business? We get it. You want to keep your home’s overall look and feel the same as when you purchased it. It’s also possible that you’re concerned about compliance with HOA rules and regulations.
There is good news! We install impact windows in Florida homes and businesses that complement the existing style of your property rather than change it. We carry a broad range of impact window types and styles, including single-hung, double-hung, casement, picture, sliding, and awning windows. All are customized exactly to your home and preferences.
No matter what your architectural style might be or what your goals are for the property’s look and feel, there’s an impact window style that will work. That ensures you can enjoy peace of mind and protection while also creating the design you want.
Are Impact Windows Energy Efficient?
New impact windows in Florida homes and businesses are energy efficient by default. But you can elect to make them even more so. For instance, you can choose insulated impact glass rather than standard impact glass.
Both styles are more energy efficient than old, single-pane, or even conventional double-paned windows.
Insulated impact glass brings a fourth layer (a third layer of glass) to the design that acts as an insulation barrier to reduce heat/cold transfer across the glass. And with Florida’s average high temperature edging upward and even winters growing warmer, that’s more important than ever before. And if winter is abnormally cold, they will help keep the cold out as well.
Where to Find the Best Impact Windows?
Ready to consider installing impact windows in your Florida property? We’re here to help. At Eurex Shutters, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality impact windows, impact doors, and other protective solutions for your home or business.
What makes our products superior? In addition to the knowledge and experience of our technicians, we work with local Florida manufacturers to provide the most wind and debris-resistant impact windows on the market. We use SGP as the interlayer for all of our impact windows and doors, which is five times stronger than the PVB interlayer most other companies use. Our goal is to offer the ultimate storm and security protection made to meet your specific needs.
In addition, we’re proud to offer a wide range of other solutions, including hurricane shutters, hurricane screens, and more. Our expert technicians are happy to offer advice and guidance to create a customized solution tailored to your unique needs and budget. Get in touch with us today.
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