Areas prone to natural disasters or damaging storms leave property owners scratching their heads as to the best way to protect their homes and businesses. The two top choices most people turn to are impact windows and hurricane shutters. Read here about what to know before installing impact windows.
Which you choose is a matter of personal preference, depending on how the pros and cons weigh in your favor and how they work with your property.
The consensus is that each is a wise investment in safeguarding against natural disasters, including tropical storms, hurricanes, and other natural events typical for the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The priority is to research and become more informed on each option for a better decision.
We’ll look at the advantages and limitations of each to help you gain insight into that informed decision.
What Are Impact Windows
Impact windows are so named because they are designed to withstand a lesser impact when hit with heavy objects, such as flying debris during natural disasters or attempted burglaries.
The glass is reinforced with multiple layers to resist shattering, so if there is damage, the glass might crack, but you won’t experience glass shards as a result.
Because the glass doesn’t shatter or break, there’s no threat of damage or intrusion into the home’s interior. You can find high-quality examples with Paradise Exteriors, a leader in the impact window industry. Standard windows are less capable of withstanding heavy abuses.
Because they tend to fail when faced with heavy storms, homes experience air infiltration, water damage, and content loss, leading to extensive costs for repairs and replacement.
What Are the Benefits of Impact Windows
The consequences can be significant when windows break during a hurricane or tropical storm. The damage from high winds, downpouring rain, and flying debris can be devastating.
Still, the most destructive element is the air infiltration soaring through the house, compromising the structure’s integrity, especially the roof. In many of these situations, the storm will destroy the property. Some regions require impact windows on houses.
The FBC—Florida Building Code—requires impact-resistant windows within a mile of the coast. Winds in these areas can reach “130 mph+.”
The windows are expected in any other areas where speeds are at or above this range. Go to https://homebuilding.thefuntimesguide.com/impact_resistant_windows/ for all you need to know about impact-resistant windows.
There are also advantages to having impact windows unrelated to natural disasters.
The sun’s rays
Standard windows don’t block the UV rays like the impact window reduces the sunlight that passes through them. It results in extra protection from fading for the furnishings, carpeting, and throw rugs, not to mention the occupants inside the household.
The noise
The suggestion is that impact windows can greatly reduce the noise that penetrates the structure from the outside by as great as “95 percent.” If you live in an area with heavy traffic or a business district, you can enjoy a much more tranquil environment inside your space.
The security
Impact windows are designed with reinforced glass and durable, solid frames that resist breaking or shattering when struck by heavy objects. Florida homeowners finding their homes targeted by burglars were less likely to have a successful break-in when they invested in high-impact windows.
What Are Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters provide exterior protection for windows as outside coverage on the windows. These are unique from decorative shutters in that they are specifically designed to keep windows safe from natural disasters, including flying debris, heavy downpours, and high winds.
These act as barriers against the tropical storms and hurricanes. They are typically made from high-quality aluminum for low maintenance, simple use, and extra durability.
What Are the Benefits of Hurricane Shutters
The primary benefit of hurricane shutters is to protect the property from incurring damage from natural disasters; the same is true of impact windows.
Hurrican shutters and impact windows aim to reduce the chance that windows will break to ensure optimum safety of the occupants, the property contents, and the structural integrity.
Impact windows have glass that reinforces the window, but hurricane shutters keep the outside elements away from the window altogether. These are a more affordable option, making them beneficial for budget-conscious homeowners.
If you’re in a zone where damage is almost inevitable, replacing shutters is simpler and more straightforward than replacing impact windows. Here are additional benefits to consider.
The Energy efficiency
Hurricane shutters can improve climate control within the home when they’re closed. The shutters reduce the amount of heat and light entering the home, meaning the cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the home. That can also mean savings in utility costs.
The noise
Like impact windows, hurricane shutters add a barrier between the outside and the interior, blocking some of the noise that penetrates the home. If you’re in a heavily trafficked area or otherwise busy location, the shutters will keep your interior more peaceful so you can rest at night without interruption.
The aesthetics
The aesthetic appeal of hurricane shutters is unique from impact windows. These come in various colors and styles to add to the curb appeal, giving you a practical purpose and a design element.
Should You Choose Hurricane Shutters or Impact Windows
If you are unsure whether you would prefer hurricane shutters or impact windows, you really don’t need to make a fast and furious decision. One option would work quite well, offering incredible protection along with stunning appeal. You can do both.
When storms strike, your first layer of safety will be hurricane shutters. If the natural disaster is terrible and damages your shutters, they can readily be replaced more affordably than impact windows. Plus, you’ll have the added protection of impact windows to protect the home’s interior.
There’s nothing better than having the added peace of mind of two layers of protection in the case of a severe storm or hurricane. Impact windows have the potential for damage when storms are dangerous.
Hurricane shutters reduce this risk. Any damage either of these receive will be far less than the expense of storm damage to the home’s interior.
