Your current windows were able to withstand the last hurricane, but this is a new year. You’re unsure and debating whether to do some window replacement with new high-impact windows. Sometimes, the answer is an obvious “Yes, ‘but if you’re still unsure, we hope this article will help you.
Here’s a little hint: if your windows are cracked, panes are damaged, leaking, or rotting, then it’s time for us to replace them with impact windows near Clearwater, Florida.
Another good idea is that if your home contains single-pane or temperature-conductive windows, you may consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient one. Whatever the case may be, it’s an important decision that you have to make.
Something to consider is the purchase cost and the fact that these high-impact windows last up to twenty years or more. If you’re thinking about getting new high-impact windows, it’s a good idea to know what your options are
Let’s Start With Some Hurricane Window Style
Remember that the impact of window replacement design depends on your home’s structure. Here are some popular window styles:
- Single or Double Hung Windows: Most households have these types of windows. This separate window sashes open or close by sliding up and down. On the other hand, single-hung windows open only from the bottom up, while double-hung windows open from the top and bottom.
- A plus about double-hung window is that it creates better airflow to the home. They are great for homes with little children because they make it hard for a kid to climb out the bottom window.
- Casement Windows: These windows are made of one large sash hinged vertically and swing open using a lever or other similar mechanism.
- Awning Windows: These are hinged at the top and open at the bottom. They are very popular in coastal areas and bathrooms.
- Slider Windows: Like the name says, these windows open by sliding from side to side, which is great for small rooms or spaces.
Let’s look at some impact window installation frame materials
When it comes to window frame materials, you have several options. Most homeowners choose wood or vinyl, but there is another material, aluminum. However, these three materials will work best, depending on your needs.
- Wood Windows: Wood windows are functional, offer great style, and resist heat and cold weather. The downfall of wooden windows is that wood requires maintenance, including painting, staining, and weather treatment.
- Vinyl Windows: Vinyl windows are convenient because you don’t have to do any maintenance, and the prices are reasonable. The only maintenance you’ll need to do is cleaning occasionally.
- Aluminum Frame Windows: These windows are not as energy-efficient as the others and are typical windows used. However, they are durable, require low maintenance, and are affordable.
It is also essential to know about the materials used to make high-impact windows when it comes to windows. With technology advancements, you now have a lot more options for window glass you can use.
Not only can you choose between double, triple, and quadruple-pane glass. Keep in mind space in between the panes and space does more for insulation.
Let’s take a look & consider the most popular and efficient window glass:
- Low Emissivity (Low E) Glass: This glass is made with a thin layer of material on the surface, reducing the heat and cold that can flow through the window or glass door.
- Impact Resistant Glass: Made for extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, impact-resistant windows are very durable and shatter-resistant.
Good read https://glassed.vitroglazings.com/glasstopics/how_lowe_works.aspx
Top Benefits of Hurricane Impact Window Replacement
1. Improves Soundproofing
Another pro of buying hurricane-impact window replacements is that they protect your home from noise. Since impact windows are made with laminated glass, they give superb soundproofing besides storm protection.
Impact windows will improve your home’s security if a storm hits, but they’ll likewise help your home feel comfortable and calm all year.
2. Lower Energy Usage and Increase Home Energy Efficiency
Impact windows protect your home with the help of impact-resistant glass; they likewise offer insulating help. When your home has single-pane glass, you will use more cooling or warming since your HVAC system will work overtime.
However, if you purchase the best impact windows in Florida, you will lower your energy costs, as hurricane windows prevent air from escaping.
3. Impact Windows Only Requires a One-Time Installation
Unlike hurricane shutters and plywood, impact windows require a one-time installation. When an expert installs your impact windows, there’s nothing else you need to do. A storm, like a tornado or a hurricane, can strike quickly.
Fortunately, impact windows give 24-hour protection regardless of whether you have time to prepare. So, don’t worry; even if you’re not home and don’t have time to set up barriers, your home will have a good defense.
And remember, with shutters and plywood, people will need to get on a dangerous ladder to close and remove shutters when the storm passes every time. Hopefully, you will go up a ladder one time since Florida gets multiple storm hits every year.
4. UV Protection
UV light can age and damage essential interior covers and destroy art, fabrics, furniture, and paint after some time. Impact windows can prevent 99 percent of UV rays and protect your home’s inside valuables.
In addition, the impact windows will protect your furniture, family, and heirlooms for many years.
5. Home Security
Hurricanes aren’t the only lousy event that impact windows can protect against. Impact-resistant windows will protect your home in case an intruder tries to break the glass.
Windows can withstand winds, making it more difficult for burglars to break inside. The truth is that the toughest internal polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layers can even stop bullets in certain instances.
There it is, folks; now the decision is up to you. So, are you ready to remove those old windows and high energy bills?
