Impact windows are a must-have for anyone living in an area prone to extreme weather. From hurricanes and tropical storms, to high winds and hail – these durable windows protect both your home and your family from the worst Mother Nature can throw at you.
But how do impact windows work? What makes them different than regular windows? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about impact windows – so you have all the info needed to make an educated decision on whether they’re right for your home.
First, let’s start with what exactly is meant by ‘impact window’. Impact resistant glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together under intense pressure combined with a strong interlayer made of either polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
The combination creates superior resistance against windborne debris while also providing protection from UV rays. Depending on their size, shape and design, some impact windows consist of as many as five layers of material!
Finally, when shopping for impact windows there are several factors that should be taken into consideration; including price point, type(s) of materials used in construction, manufacturer warranty details, installation costs/requirements and overall aesthetic appeal.
By doing research ahead of time, one can ensure they get the most bang for their buck when investing in an upgrade like this for their residence.
What Are Impact Windows?
Impact windows are a special type of window designed to withstand extreme weather events. They are typically made from reinforced glass and other durable materials that can resist winds, flying debris, and water penetration during storms like hurricanes or tropical storms. Impact windows provide an extra layer of protection for homeowners who live in areas vulnerable to severe weather conditions. Not only do they offer superior defense against the elements but also come with several additional benefits such as energy efficiency and noise reduction.
Various ratings exist within the industry so it is important to research impact window reviews and determine which ones will best suit your needs before purchasing them.
The most common ratings include resistance to high velocity windblown debris, air infiltration, design pressure, thermal performance, forced entry resistance and sound transmission control. Each rating indicates how well a product was tested under specific criteria; therefore making sure you know what each one means is essential when choosing the right impact windows for your home.
Installation of hurricane impact windows should be done by a professional contractor with experience in this area since improper installation can compromise their effectiveness. Allowing professionals to handle the process ensures maximum safety and security while ensuring that all applicable building codes are met.
Benefits Of Installing Impact Windows
Impact windows offer many benefits and are becoming more popular among homeowners. The cost of impact windows can be high, but the return on your investment is worth it in the long run. Impact window security makes them a great choice for those looking to protect their home from break-ins or other damage caused by extreme weather conditions.
These windows also provide energy efficiency as they reduce noise levels and improve insulation throughout the house. This can result in lower utility bills over time. In terms of materials used to make these windows, you will find that most are composed of laminated glass with an inner layer that absorbs energy during impact.
A comparison between different types of impact windows shows that there are various features available depending on what kind of protection you need for your home. Beyond just providing safety, these windows come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit any budget or aesthetic preference.
As such, they have become one of the top choices when it comes to remodeling projects or new construction work. Transitioning into the next section about types of impact windows, homeowners should consider which type best suits their needs before making a decision on installation.
Types Of Impact Windows
When looking for the best impact windows, it is important to understand the different types that are available. There are a variety of styles, designs and features offered by various manufacturers. Knowing which type works best for your needs can help determine the overall cost and efficiency of each window.
Impact window styles range from single hung and double hung to casement, sliding, bay and bow windows. Each style offers unique benefits in terms of energy savings, soundproofing and security.
Impact window manufacturers typically offer several glass options as well. The most commonly used material is laminated safety glass or LSG, which consists of two panes bonded together with an interlayer film.
This helps prevent shattering even when exposed to strong winds or debris during storms. Other materials may include tempered glass, insulated glass units (IGUs), low-emissivity coatings (Low-E) and solar control glazing (SCG).
Designs vary among manufacturers too, providing endless possibilities when customizing impact windows for any home or business setting. For example some frames come in vinyl while others might be made from aluminum or fiberglass; all three will provide superior strength against hurricane force winds but also differ in price points depending on the design chosen.
It’s important to compare impacts windows based on their construction materials so you can get the right combination of quality and budget considerations.
Choosing the right type of impact window is key in ensuring protection from windborne debris and other hazards associated with severe weather events like hurricanes and tropical storms.
Understanding what’s available on the market today allows customers to make informed decisions about their investments in new windows – weighing factors such as cost versus value before settling on a particular product offering from a manufacturer they trust..
Cost Of Impact Windows
Impact windows can be a costly investment, but the protection and security they provide is worth it. The cost of impact windows varies based on size, number of panes, frame material, and additional features you may choose to add. Generally speaking, however, most home-owners spend between $400 – $1,200 per window installed.
Regardless of what type of window you select for your home or business – best impact windows or regular ones – both require some level of maintenance and care in order to keep them functioning properly and looking their best. Before selecting an impact window for your needs, consider these three things:
- Cost: Impact windows are more expensive than traditional options upfront; however, they should last longer so you don’t have to replace them as often. Additionally there may be incentives available from local governments that could offset this initial cost difference over time.
- Maintenance: Impact windows will still need regular cleaning and dusting just like any other kind of window. But because they are designed with stronger glass and frames than normal windows you won’t have to worry about replacing them due to weather damage or breakage from flying debris during storms.
- Durability: Impact windows tend to be far more durable than standard ones since they are made with shatterproof materials that protect against severe weather conditions including hurricanes and strong winds. This makes them an ideal choice if you live in areas prone to extreme weather patterns!
When weighing out the pros and cons associated with impact vs regular windows—cost is always one factor that must be taken into consideration before making a final decision. Ultimately though the added safety provided by these specialized types of windows should not be overlooked when deciding whether or not they’re right for your home or office space!
Maintenance And Care Of Impact Windows
Impact windows are a great way to keep your home safe, secure and looking good. They offer many benefits that make them an attractive option for those who want added protection from natural disasters. But with these advantages come some important maintenance and care considerations that should not be overlooked.
The key to keeping impact windows in top shape is regular cleaning and inspection of both the window frames and glass panes. The frames must be checked every few months for signs of wear or damage such as cracks or chipping paint. If any issues are found, they should be addressed right away by either repairing or replacing the frame if necessary. In addition, it is also important to clean all dirt, dust, pollen and other debris off of the window frames regularly using a soft cloth or sponge so that they don’t become scratched over time.
When it comes to maintaining the glass panes of impact windows, there are several things you can do to ensure their longevity. First of all, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on the glass as this could cause scratching or discoloration; instead opt for mild detergents mixed with warm water for best results. Secondly, check for chips or cracks periodically and make sure to have any noticeable problems repaired immediately in order to prevent further damage from occurring. Lastly, be sure to close impact resistant windows securely when leaving for extended periods of time since this will help protect against break-ins or accidental openings due to windy conditions outside.
By taking simple steps like these into consideration when caring for your impact windows you can rest assured that they will continue providing optimal security year after year while improving the overall look of your property too!
Conclusion
Impact windows are a great investment for any home. They provide increased protection from severe weather, reduce energy costs and increase the overall value of your property. Not only that, but they come in a variety of styles to suit different aesthetic needs. While there is an initial cost involved with installing impact windows, these expenses can quickly be offset by savings on insurance premiums, maintenance and repair bills.
For example, consider the case of Sally Smith who lives in Tampa Bay, FL. After much consideration she decided to invest in impact windows for her house due to the frequent storms that occur in her area. In addition to providing added safety during hurricanes and other strong winds, the new windows also kept out noise pollution and improved air circulation throughout her home – leading to reduced heating/cooling costs each month! And thanks to their durability, Sally knew she wouldn’t need to worry about repairing or replacing them anytime soon.
In summary, impact windows offer many advantages when it comes to protecting homes and businesses from severe weather conditions. Their strength and resilience make them ideal for areas prone to extreme temperatures or high winds such as coastal regions or hurricane zones. At the same time they present numerous economic benefits – including lower energy bills over time and fewer maintenance requirements than traditional window types. As demonstrated by Sally Smith’s experience installing impact windows can truly pay off long-term!