FAQs About Impact Windows for Homes in Hurricane Zones

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If you live in a hurricane zone, every element of your home needs to be strong and able to withstand high winds. This naturally includes your windows. In hurricane zones, impact windows are generally recommended to maintain the home's safety and value. Here are some common questions homeowners have about impact windows, along with their answers.

What makes impact windows so strong?

Impact windows feature a number of characteristics that make them stronger than standard windows. They are generally made from two panes of thicker glass. The glass has also been coated in a plastic substance. The plastic helps prevent the window from breaking and ensures that all of the small pieces remain attached to the plastic if the window does break. This is very similar to the design of windshields for vehicles.

What do impact windows protect against?

Impact windows are primarily intended to protect your home in the case of high winds, hail, and driving rain. The windows are less likely to break if something like a tree branch blows into them. Impact windows also improve your security, as they are harder for a burglar to break. Even if someone were able to crack the window, making their way through the plastic layer would be really hard. This comes in handy if you have to abandon or leave your home for a time during a hurricane or other emergency situation.

Are impact windows energy-efficient?

Energy-efficiency is a top priority for many homeowners. Luckily, impact windows are energy-efficient. The thicker glass and plastic layer provide extra insulation in comparison to that offered by standard windows. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for impact windows; any windows that carry this sticker meet Department of Energy standards for high-efficiency building materials.

What styles are available?

You can find impact windows in practically any style. Many people choose casement windows for their homes in hurricane zones since this window style offers added security. However, you can find double-hung, sliding, and picture windows made with impact glass, so the sky is the limit when it comes to design. You don't have to sacrifice style for security.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of impact windows and their many nuances. To learn more, contact a window manufacturer in your area that supplies impact-resistant windows. They should have happy to answer any of your questions and give you an estimate to buy and install these windows.

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