How High Impact Windows Protect Against Extreme Weather
High impact windows protect your home from extreme weather events including hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. These severe weather conditions pose significant threats to homes and personal safety and can often lead to dire financial losses.
Preparing your home for hurricane season is paramount, especially if you live in a high-risk area. Installing high impact windows is an effective way to protect your home, as these windows are specifically designed to withstand severe weather conditions. If you’re uncertain about whether impact windows are worth the investment, this guide will provide insight into what they are, how they are constructed, and how to install them on your property successfully.
Traditional Vs. High Impact Windows
Traditional window styles, while functional in typical weather conditions, offer limited protection for homes during hurricanes and other weather events. They are composed of a single layer of glass held within a standard frame, which makes them easily broken by high winds, flying debris, and sudden pressure changes during severe weather, leading to potential injuries and property damage.
High-impact windows are designed with two key components that keep your home safe during the hurricane season: laminated glass and reinforced frames.
Laminated Glass Technology
Laminated glass technology plays a major role in ensuring high impact windows withstand severe weather elements. They are created by bonding multiple glass layers with a resilient interlayer ( polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)). They are similar to typical windshield glass, only thicker and more sturdy.
The process of creating laminated glass begins with the selection of high-quality glass sheets. These sheets are meticulously cleaned and prepared for the lamination process. The interlayer material is then placed between the glass sheets, and the assembly is subjected to heat and pressure in an autoclave.
The laminated glass technology holds the glass together in case it is shattered, preventing it from breaking into sharp, dangerous pieces. This technology also makes impact windows sturdy, making it difficult for intruders to break in. Additionally, this window technology blocks most of the UV rays from penetrating and damaging your home interiors and property.
Reinforced Frames
Traditional window frames are mostly made from wood, vinyl, or aluminum. They also rely on basic joints and fasteners to hold the window in place. While these materials and construction are okay for typical weather, they barely hold together during severe weather.
High impact windows are constructed from hardy materials like steel, aluminum, and reinforced vinyl. These materials can withstand significant force, offer a great balance between strength and weight, and are relatively easy to install. They are also chosen for their durability, resistance to corrosion and low maintenance requirements.
Impact window frames also come with additional reinforcements and structural supports including thicker profiles, internal reinforcements, and sometimes double or triple chamber designs to distribute impact forces more effectively.
The combination of laminated glass technology with reinforced frames makes high impact windows are formidable force against extreme weather.
Protection Against Hurricanes
Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural events, with their high winds and flying debris posing significant threats to homes and personal safety. The powerful winds generated by hurricanes can easily exceed 150 miles per hour, turning ordinary objects into dangerous projectiles capable of penetrating standard windows. When windows break, the rapid pressure changes inside the house can cause roofs to blow off and walls to collapse, leading to total structural failure.
High impact windows are specifically engineered to withstand these forces. The laminated glass in high impact windows is designed to absorb and disperse the energy from impacts, preventing the glass from breaking into dangerous shards. The reinforced frames provide additional strength and stability, ensuring the window remains intact even under extreme pressure.
To ensure their effectiveness, high impact windows undergo rigorous testing. Standards set by organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Miami-Dade County Testing Protocols are used to evaluate the performance of these windows. These tests simulate the conditions of a hurricane, including wind speeds and the impact of flying debris. Windows that meet these standards are certified to provide reliable protection during a hurricane, giving homeowners peace of mind.
Additional Benefits of High Impact Windows
While high impact windows are primarily designed to protect against hurricanes, they offer several additional benefits that make them a valuable investment for any homeowner.
- Enhanced Security: Impact windows’ laminated glass and reinforced frames make it harder for buglers to break into your house, ensuring safety of your home.
- Noise Reduction: The laminated glass technology in impact windows significantly reduces transmission of external noise into your home, giving you peace of mind.
- Energy Efficiency: Impact windows reduce heat transfer through the windows. The insulating properties of laminated glass and tight seals of reinforced frames help to maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.
- UV Protection: Laminated glass in impact windows blocks a significant amount of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This helps to protect interior furnishings, such as carpets, furniture, and artwork, from fading and damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- Increased Property Value: Installing impact windows can increase the resale value of a home or building. Potential buyers value the added security, energy efficiency, and durability offered by impact-resistant windows, making them a desirable feature in real estate.
- Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners’ premiums for properties with impact-resistant windows. This is due to the windows’ proven ability to mitigate damage from hurricanes and other extreme weather elements.
Cost Considerations and ROI
High-impact windows represent a substantial initial investment, with costs varying based on factors like window size, type, materials, and installation complexity. Despite these upfront expenses, their long-term financial benefits can yield a significant return on investment (ROI). For instance, many homeowners benefit from reduced insurance premiums, with discounts for properties equipped with high-impact windows. These savings accumulate over time, offsetting the initial cost and providing ongoing financial relief.
Moreover, high impact windows contribute to improved energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling expenses. Additionally, the windows’ ability to withstand extreme weather minimizes the need for costly repairs and replacements, saving thousands of dollars over their lifespan.
Furthermore, installing high impact windows enhances property value, making homes more appealing to prospective buyers and potentially increasing resale value. These combined benefits underscore the sound financial decision of investing in high impact windows for long-term savings and enhanced property value.
Protect Your Home with STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing
High impact windows are a crucial investment for homeowners looking to protect their homes from extreme weather conditions. With their advanced laminated glass technology and reinforced frames, these windows provide superior protection against hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms. In addition to weather protection, high impact windows offer numerous benefits, including noise reduction, UV protection, and improved energy efficiency.
While the initial cost of high impact windows may be higher than standard windows, the financial benefits and potential return on investment make them a worthwhile investment. From insurance savings to energy efficiency and reduced repair costs, high impact windows offer long-term value and protection for your home.
Are you ready to protect your home against extreme weather with the best impact window technology? STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing offers top-of-the-line solutions to ensure your home remains safe and secure. Give us a call today at 561-763-1675 or request a quote online.
