Impact windows are a great way to make your home safer and more energy efficient. These windows are designed to protect against strong winds, flying debris, and intruders.
They also help reduce energy costs by keeping the interior of your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
In this article, we’ll discuss what impact windows are, the benefits they provide, types available on the market today, how much they cost to install, and how you can get them installed in your home.
What Are Impact Windows?
You may have heard of them, but do you know exactly what these protective barriers are and how they can benefit your home?
Impact windows are a type of window that use laminated glass and specialized framing to provide extra protection from extreme weather conditions like high winds, hurricanes, and hail storms. These windows are designed to withstand impacts from objects flying through the air during storms which would otherwise cause severe damage or even break regular windows.
In addition to providing extra protection against strong winds, impact windows also offer homeowners many other benefits such as increased security, better energy efficiency, improved soundproofing capabilities, and enhanced aesthetic appeal. They’re also cost-efficient in comparison with regular windows since they require minimal maintenance and last longer than traditional window designs.
Having impact windows installed on your property will add value to it since potential buyers prefer properties that come equipped with these protective barriers. All in all, impact windows offer numerous advantages for homeowners looking for added safety and energy efficiency while at the same time enhancing their home’s overall look.
Benefits of Impact Windows
By investing in impact-resistant windows, you can enjoy a variety of benefits that’ll make your home safer and more secure. Here are some of the advantages:
- Enhanced Security: Impact windows are designed to be strong enough to withstand powerful hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions, making them an ideal choice for keeping intruders out. They also come with multi-point locking systems that provide an extra layer of security.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Impact windows are much more energy efficient than traditional windows because they block out heat, cold, and UV rays from entering your home. The sealed glass also helps keep cool air inside during summer months and warm air inside during winter months, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.
- Increased Durability: Impact windows are made from heavy-duty materials such as laminated glass, which is stronger than regular glass and highly resistant to shattering or cracking. This makes them last much longer than traditional non-impact windows, saving you money in the long run on repairs or replacements.
Types of Impact Windows
Impact-resistant glass comes in various shapes and sizes, offering homeowners a range of options to choose from.
There are two main types of impact windows available on the market today: laminated glass and tempered glass. Laminated glass is made with two or more layers of glass, sandwiched together with an inner layer of plastic that helps keep the window intact when exposed to high wind speeds.
On the other hand, tempered glass is heat strengthened and designed to break into small pieces upon impact—minimizing the risk for injury or damage caused by flying shards of broken glass. Both types are built with safety in mind, providing reliable protection against winds up to 140 mph or higher.
The type of window you select will depend on your particular needs and preferences. For example, if you’re looking for something lightweight and affordable, then laminated glass might be the best fit; however, if you want something that can stand up to severe weather conditions like hurricanes, then tempered windows are likely a better option.
Additionally, many homeowners opt for a combination of both materials depending on their climate—using laminated windows in lower-risk areas while installing tempered options near coastal regions where storms are more frequent.
No matter which type you choose though, rest assured that your home will be safer than ever before with impact-resistant windows guarding it from any potential danger.
Cost of Impact Windows
Shielding your home from severe weather can be expensive, but it’s worth it with the right protection. Impact windows are an excellent choice for protecting your home from storms and high winds.
The cost of installing impact windows varies depending on several factors, including the size and number of windows being replaced or installed, the type of frame chosen for the window, the quality and efficiency rating of the glass pane, any additional features like hurricane shutters or shutter reinforcements added to the window frame, and labor costs associated with installation.
Despite carrying a higher price tag than traditional windows, impact windows offer significant savings down the road. They are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions without damage, are energy-efficient, and can help reduce cooling costs in hotter climates. In addition, installing impact windows may qualify you for discounts on your homeowners’ insurance policy.
In short, although installation of impact windows may be initially more expensive than other options, their long-term benefits make them well worth considering for any homeowner looking to safeguard their property against strong winds and storms.
Installation Process for Impact Windows
Protecting your home from extreme weather is an investment that pays off – and installing impact-resistant windows is the perfect way to do it.
The installation process for impact windows differs depending on the type of window, but typically involves removing the existing window, ensuring a correct fit with the opening, and then securing the new window in place.
It’s important to make sure there are no gaps between the frame and wall for proper insulation and protection against water damage. With some types of impact-resistant windows, you may also need to install foam tape or backing rods around any gaps before caulking.
Once all these steps are complete, you can attach additional sealants and weather stripping materials as needed to ensure a tight seal. Additionally, if you have glass blocks or larger panels of glass in your windows, they will need to be securely mounted within their frames so they won’t shift or break during extreme weather events.
Finally, check your product instructions carefully when installing your impact-resistant windows – they may require special tools or techniques that you should be aware of ahead of time.