We know that hurricanes and other storms aren’t a matter of “if” but rather “when.” And when they hit, they can leave behind debris that can destroy your home or office.
Unlike regular windows, impact-resistant ones are made to withstand high-speed wind-borne debris. This is why they feature a design pressure rating and a shatterproof design.
Increased Structural Strength
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or severe storms, choosing impact resistant windows West Palm beach and doors is a smart – even necessary – decision. Besides helping you protect your largest investment, it can also add value during resale.
We’ve all seen images of 2x4s speared through windows or furniture and belongings sucked through the glass of non-impact windows during a disaster. This is why many homeowners choose to upgrade to impact-resistant windows.
The reason is that these windows are designed and tested to withstand debris from hurricanes and severe storms. The test involves shooting a nine-pound 2×4 into the window from a timber cannon at over 34 miles per hour. The window must stay in place and pass 9,000 cycles of pressure.
Better Energy Efficiency
The specialized construction of impact windows makes them harder to break than non-impact doors and windows. This is good news for your safety and security, as it deters burglars trying to enter your home by breaking a window.
Hurricane-force winds and severe storms can blow debris everywhere, causing extensive property damage. These airborne objects can destroy windows and cause serious injury or even death.
In addition to protecting your home from wind and weather-related damage, impact windows also block out the sun’s harmful UV rays that can fade carpet, furniture, woodwork, and photographs over time. This translates to lower utility bills year-round, saving you money over the long run. The increased energy efficiency also increases the value of your home for future buyers.
Reduced Noise
Many people associate impact windows with their ability to withstand hurricane-force winds, but they also offer several other side benefits, including significant noise reduction. These windows can stifle exterior noises because they have an interlayer between two panes of glass.
To prove the point, in a viral video, two men who look like Hercules smash and bash an impact-resistant window with a crowbar, chainsaw, and eight-pound sledgehammer, to no avail. The strong impact-rated windows stand tall.
The sturdiness of impact-rated windows protects your home from debris and burglars 365 days a year, even when the weather is calm.
Increased Security
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, high-quality impact windows can help to minimize damage. These specialized windows are manufactured to withstand the force of debris propelled by hurricane-force winds. They’re designed with multiple layers of glass that are held together by a plastic-like membrane.
This means that if a window breaks, it will stay intact instead of scattering shards throughout the house. This provides a safer environment during and after a storm and reduces the risk of injury or death.
In addition, the bonded layers of impact windows make it impossible for intruders to break in using a crowbar or other tools. This provides additional security and could lead to reduced insurance premiums. Many homeowners find this extra protection layer is well worth the investment.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Investing in impact windows is not just a wise financial choice for Florida homeowners; it can also lead to discounts on home insurance premiums. Insurance companies offer these discounts because impact windows can help protect homes during hurricanes and other severe weather conditions.
They can help prevent debris propelled by strong winds from damaging a house or knocking it off its foundation. The polyvinyl butyral layer between the panes of impact glass is designed to prevent shattering during a storm.
In addition, these windows can reduce energy consumption in a home by keeping warm air inside during winter and cool air during summer, leading to lower utility bills. These savings, coupled with the reduction in homeowner’s insurance premiums, can add up to a substantial amount of money saved in the long run for homeowners.