How Impact Windows Enhance Holiday Decorations With Natural Light
Impact windows bring more natural light into your home. This creates a unique advantage during the holiday season, as natural light can enhance the appearance of holiday decorations. Continue reading to learn about how impact windows are different from standard windows, the different types available, and how impact windows can brighten your home with natural light this holiday season.
How Are Impact Windows Different From Standard Windows?
Impact windows (also known as impact-resistant windows) have several key features that set them apart from standard windows:
- Construction
- Design pressure (DP) rating of 45 or higher
- Quality assurance
Construction
Impact windows are made with two pieces of glass instead of just one, and there is a thick interlayer of laminate between each piece of glass. The type of laminate used is typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The laminate is a bonding agent that helps the glass remain intact even after heavy impact from strong winds or flying debris.
Windows that stay intact after a strong impact reduce the risk of structural collapse or loss of structural integrity. Even if the glass does break, the laminate keeps it from shattering into large pieces, which reduces the risk of injury to people or further damage to objects and structures because there will not be large shards of glass flying through the air.
Design Pressure (DP) Rating Of 45 Or Higher
Impact-resistant windows undergo strict testing to determine their design pressure (DP) rating. The DP rating measures the window’s ability to tolerate various levels of force. DP ratings range from 25 to 85+. Impact windows must have a DP rating of 45 or higher, but a DP55 or higher is ideal. Here are the distinctions between the different DP ratings:
- DP30-39 windows can withstand wind speeds between 111 and 129 miles per hour (equivalent to a category 3 hurricane)
- DP40-49 windows can withstand wind speeds between 130 and 156 miles per hour (equivalent to a category 4 hurricane)
- DP50-59 windows can withstand wind speeds of 157 miles per hour or higher (equivalent to a category 5 hurricane)
Quality Assurance
In addition to DP ratings, impact-resistant windows have also undergone rigorous assessments to ensure that they meet and exceed industry standards in multiple factors, including:
- Air infiltration resistance
- Forced entry resistance
- Structural performance
- Water resistance
What Are The Different Types Of Impact Windows?
Generally, there are 5 types of impact windows:
- Awning windows
- Casement windows
- Fixed or picture windows
- Horizontal roller windows
- Single hung windows
Awning Windows
Awning windows are well-suited to climates that experience heavy rain because the window’s design creates a water-resistant awning when opened. These windows have hinges on top and they open outward from the bottom. They offer unobstructed views because they are constructed from solid glass.
Awning windows are a good choice to use in a variety of spaces throughout your home, including the following:
- Bathroom
- Garage
- Hallway
- Kitchen
- Storage area
Casement Windows
Casement windows are designed with side hinges and made of solid glass, offering the advantage of less-obstructed views. They are often used along with awning windows and fixed windows to achieve matched sightlines and great views. Casement windows are available with one, two, or three sashes and they can be operable or fixed. A sash is a movable panel that forms a frame to hold panes of glass. This type of window is a good option for your home’s bathroom, kitchen, or sunroom. Like awning windows, casement windows should not be placed overlooking high-traffic areas.
Fixed Or Picture Windows
Fixed or picture windows cannot be opened, so they are less prone to air leakage than operable windows. Picture windows are large and do not have any breaks or visible frames, which offers an unobstructed view of the outside from inside your home. Fixed windows work well in high areas like lofts and two-story atriums.
Fixed windows come in many variations and styles, including:
- Architectural windows
- Commercial glass
- Custom windows
- Picture windows
- Sidelights
- Storefront windows
- Transom windows
Horizontal Roller Windows
Horizontal roller windows are one of the most versatile types of impact windows. They have built-in tracks on the top and bottom of the frame, which allows the window to open and close horizontally. A two-lite horizontal roller has two vertical sashes that open either from left to right or right to left. A three-lite horizontal roller can have up to six different configurations and has three vertical sashes so that each end slides open toward the center. The horizontal roller style allows for better egress requirements, fewer mechanical moving parts, greater airflow, and unobstructed vertical views. Horizontal roller windows are ideal for windows that face patios, porches, or walkways because they open and close without protruding. Horizontal rollers are also recommended for rooms that require maximum airflow, like the kitchen or the laundry room.
Single Hung Windows
Single-hung windows are the most common type of window for homes. A single-hung window has a movable lower sash and a fixed upper sash. A single-hung window can be opened by moving the bottom sash up or closed by moving the bottom sash down. Similar to horizontal roller windows, the single-hung design is a great choice for windows that face patios, porches, or walkways because they open and close without protruding.
How Can Impact Windows Enhance Holiday Decorations With Natural Light?
You can create inviting holiday window decoration displays that are backed up by the natural light coming through your windows.
Instead of hanging a wreath on the outside of your front door this year, try hanging one on a window.
If you celebrate Hannukah, you can put your family’s menorah on display on a windowsill to be admired.
Living rooms and dining rooms tend to have larger windows than the rest of the house, so these can be a great spot to display your Christmas tree, especially if the window faces the street. Just make sure that any gifts around the tree are not visible through the window.
If you receive any Christmas cards, you can arrange them nicely and tape them to the inside of a window. Windows with colonial grids are especially well-suited for this, as you can put one card in each square.
Impact Windows From STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing
STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing is South Florida’s leading provider of impact-resistant windows and doors. We are veteran-owned and operated and have over 25 years of experience in the industry.
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, a three-year installation warranty, and after-installation repairs are included.
Call us today at 561-264-1175 or fill out our online free consultation and quote request form for more information on the impact windows and doors we supply and install.
