What is the difference between impact windows and regular windows?

Impact windows are a development of impact-resistant glass, a child of safety glass technology. While hurricane windows tend to use one or two layers of laminate PVB, impact windows feature a thicker overall pane using multiple layers of glass and laminate to make the windows more durable.

Are impact resistant windows worth the cost?

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.

What's the difference between impact and non impact windows?

The four main differences between impact windows and non-impact windows are cost, appearance, convenience and obligation of time. There are many differences between the two but the four main factors to look at when choosing between the two are cost, appearance, convenience and obligation of time.

Are impact windows good?

Laminated impact glass eliminates up to 99 percent of UV ray damage to the interior furnishings and decorations of a home or commercial building. Long term, hurricane impact windows help save money because these items will not have to be replaced as quickly. Better windows = better home envelope = better resale value.

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.

This shows the difference between a regular window and a hurricane impact window made by Simonton

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do you need to board up impact windows?

An impact hurricane window is rated for a high-wind zone, which means you don't technically have to board them up when a hurricane is in the forecast. Other benefits of impact windows include the following: Reduce your utility bills and energy usage. Protect your home or office from break-ins.

How much do impact windows typically cost?

Average Price Of Impact Windows

Impact Windows have an average cost of $1435, with 70% of prices falling between $800-$2445. Sliding glass doors have an average cost of $6140, with 70% of prices falling between $4200-$8230.

Do impact windows come with screens?

Do impact windows and doors come with screens? Most impact windows and sliding doors come with screens included in the price; however, this is not always the case.

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.

What is the average cost of hurricane impact windows?

Impact Hurricane Windows Cost – Itemized Window and Installation Costs. The average installed cost of hurricane windows is about $1,285 per window for the most popular size. Hurricane window cost starts at about $425 for small, fixed windows and exceeds $2,400 for large windows that open.

Are impact and hurricane windows the same?

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.

Will a golf ball break an impact window?

Impact windows. They won't break, even when a golf ball hits them. No more clean up and fixes for you. If you live on a street with a lot of kids, it's only a matter of time before a ball game breaks out in the street or in someone's yard.

Why do impact windows crack?

Put simply, yes, impact windows can break. That is because they are impact-resistant and not impact-proof. Impact glass is designed to resist heavy blows, hence it became popular as windshields for vehicles.

What should I look for when buying an impact window?

How long do impact windows take to install?

Once we have all of your impact windows and doors in our warehouse we will call you to schedule the installation at your convenience. Depending upon the size of your home or condo the installation of the windows and doors could take one to three days to complete.

Can you install your own impact windows?

While it's possible to install them yourself, this is one of those instances where it would be best to call the professionals. The eye of a major hurricane is not the place you want to be when you discover a mistake.

How do I know if I have impact glass?

Watermarks are etched into the glass and are a surefire way to tell if a window has impact glass. If you can't find the watermark, the window label should give you the info you need.

What are the different types of impact 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.