Learn the Difference Between Impact Windows and Hurricane Windows
What Is the Difference Between Impact Windows and Hurricane Windows?
As you look ahead to the next major storm, you know you want to protect your Florida home as best as possible. This is done either via hurricane windows or impact windows. Though these terms may be used interchangeably, hurricane windows and impact windows are not the same thing. They differ in terms of the protection they offer. Let's look now into these differences, as well as which option is right for you.
Understanding Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows do exactly what you would assume, protect your windows from being broken in a hurricane. They offer less insulation, though, and their primary function is to resist wind damage. That being said, they do little in the way of protecting against projectiles. A hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds. The window will shatter though if struck by flying debris. If you're wondering what good it is to have wind protection without stopping the projectiles, we'd have to agree.
That is why
these windows are better than regular glass, but not the best you can get. Hurricane windows are not as hurricane-proof as you want when storm season gets near, and they don't offer anything in the way of
energy savings, noise reduction, or increased safety. If you want true protection, you want impact windows.
Impact Windows Offer Even More
While our area of the country certainly gets more hurricanes and major storms than other places. Impact windows are popular because they’re extremely effective when a hurricane hits, but also because they do so much more. They help reduce energy costs, and noise pollution, and add value to your Florida home.
Your Impact Window Options
There are several types of impact windows on the market. The two most common types consist of either multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between sheets of glass or PET laminated glass combined with PVB-treated glass. PVB is able to handle smaller projectile impacts very well, and is very affordable. The second option offers incredibly strong glazing, but also comes at a higher price tag. We'd be happy to go over these two options with you in more detail so you can decide on the right choice for your specific financial situation.
Contact Unlimited Windows & Doors to Learn More
Impact windows do much more than just protect your home from storms- as if that weren't enough. If you're looking for the most value for your money, you want impact windows and you want them installed by Unlimited Windows & Doors. To learn more about the differences between hurricane windows and impact windows, to schedule a free consultation at your home, or to ask additional questions, contact our team!
