Are impact Windows worth it?

Impact windows do cost more than traditional windows, but they very well may pay for themselves by preventing extensive and expensive damage to your home. They are also more efficient, saving on energy costs, and can help significantly increase the value of your home and reduce your homeowners' insurance costs.

Are impact windows a good investment?

ROI For Impact Windows

Still, impact windows do offer one of the highest returns on investment in the home improvement industry. Homeowners can expect to see between 80% and 86% of the original price of installing impact windows reflected in their selling price when they list their home!

How much value does impact Windows add?

ENERGY STAR estimates that if you are replacing single-pane windows with double-pane high impact windows, you could see savings between $126 to $465 per year in energy costs. If you are upgrading your existing double-pane windows to a high impact product, the savings are still estimated to be $27 to $111 per year.

What is the average cost of hurricane impact windows?

HomeAdvisor states that the average cost of installing hurricane-proof windows on an entire home ranges from $2,449 and $13,395, or $7,922 on average. That comes to about $55 per square foot of window. Each window, depending on size and customization, ranges between $90 and $400.

Are impact windows necessary?

In this area, residential and commercial properties are required by law to protect every exterior opening with shutters or impact-resistant windows. This law is in place because impact products are the greatest asset any property owner can have as part of their severe storm protection plan.

Are Hurricane-Proof Windows Worth Cost?

Do impact windows reduce insurance?

Saving Money With Impact Windows

Impact windows lower homeowner's insurance because they are designed to resist breaking when struck by wind driven debris. They are typically made with double or even triple pane glass and as an added bonus, they are naturally energy-efficient.

Do you still need hurricane shutters with impact windows?

Most older homes have windows that do not latch, close, or operate properly which can be a nuisance and could also be dangerous in hurricanes; even with hurricane shutters on. With impact hurricane windows and doors you do not need hurricane shutters.

Is there a difference between impact windows and hurricane windows?

Hurricane Windows & Impact Windows Are Not the Same

To be considered a hurricane window, a product simply needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance. An impact window, on the other hand, will offer wind resistance as well as protection from impacts.

How long do impact windows last?

Like any product, windows have a life expectancy. Many impact windows are rated to function properly from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand and materials. At the 10-year mark, it starts to become more important to evaluate your windows, knowing that they are reaching an age where they may soon need to be replaced.

Which is better hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass?

Hurricane shutters don't offer the best protection against debris and high winds. So if you are looking for the ultimate in storm protection, you can't go wrong with hurricane impact resisting windows which will give your home the perfect protection against flying debris, strong winds, and other perils.

Can impact windows withstand Category 5?

Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it.

Do vinyl windows decrease home value?

Vinyl Windows

Yes, replacing worn out windows with vinyl ones does boost a home's value, as long as the window installation is done the right way. When they sell, homeowners can recover as much as 71 percent of the upfront remodeling cost of new windows.

Do hurricane windows add value?

Not only do hurricane impact windows and doors increase the value of your property, they pay back in many other ways. Installation of hurricane proof windows can actually give you an excellent return on your investment – between 75-85% – if you plan to sell or even refinance your home in the near future.

Can impact windows break?

And because impact windows are made from glass yes can break. That is because they are impact-resistant and not impact-proof. Impact glass is designed to resist heavy blows, and for this reason, it has become the mainstay in windshields for cars, trucks, and busses and more recently houses windows.

Do hurricane shutters increase home value?

Increasing Resale Value

Installing hurricane shutters can significantly increase the resale value of your property. Potential buyers recognize the investment and care taken to maintain safety and security.

Do impact windows have screens?

All of the other impact windows and doors all come with screens. Can someone break into my home after I have the impact windows installed? Impact windows are made with a special type of glass composed of two layers of glass with a tough, transparent plastic inner layer between the two sheets of glass.

Should I replace all windows at once?

Yes. If your windows are more than 20 years old it is probably time to start thinking about replacing the lot. Many professionals agree that if homeowners can afford it, they are better served by replacing all their windows in one order. The installation team can complete the full job in a couple of days.

What wind speed are impact windows rated for?

Category 1: 74-95 mph. Category 2: 96-110 mph. Category 3: 111-129 mph. Category 4: 130-156 mph.

What should I know about impact windows?

What should I look for when buying an impact window?

When choosing impact windows, look for high-performing features such as laminated insulating glass, heat-reducing glass tints, and hi-performance low-E selections. In addition to impact- resistance, these windows also offer the benefits of reduced energy bills and protect furnishings, draperies and artwork from fading.

How good are hurricane impact windows?

Impact Windows Are Just for Looks

Ultimately, hurricane-resistant windows are capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour. If flying debris does hit a window, the added protection will keep the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces.

Are accordion shutters cheaper than impact windows?

Upfront cost savings – Accordion shutters are less expensive to install than impact glass windows.

How thick should impact windows be?

Impact windows use thick laminated glass and sturdy framing materials, which result in a decrease in external noise by as much as 40%. Their overall thickness ranges from 7/16” to 9/16”, as compared to typical single pane glass measuring an average of 1/8”.

Are hurricane shutters cheaper than hurricane windows?

First, hurricane shutters are a much more affordable option than installing impact resistant windows. Hurricane shutters come in varying wind and impact ratings, depending on their size, shape, and more.