Hurricane Vs Impact Windows
Are Hurricane Windows The Same As Impact Windows
You might think that these terms are interchangeable but you might be surprised to find out that there are distinctions between the two and the terms are not the same. To be considered a hurricane window, the window just needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance. To be considered an impact window, these windows offer wind resistance as well as protection from projectiles and impacts to the glass.
Impact resistant windows can withstand even Category 5 wind conditions and some projectiles in the storm. There are benefits to these two types of windows as well such as noise reduction, energy efficiency and aesthetics that both offer. Both offer superior protection against wind conditions and should help you in a storm but again, these two terms are not the same and they do have clear distinctions.
Depending on what you’re looking for in a window or door, USA Windows and Doors offer a huge selection of both in our showroom and our experts can show you the right window or door for your home.
If you are looking for a superior product and experts to teach you about our selection, feel free to contact us and we would be happy to help in your selection process.
Impact Door Types
Impact Door Types
Hurricane impact windows and doors come in a range of types available to consumers. Each is designed to be energy efficient, save you money and to enhance the beauty of your home. The impact windows and doors that we offer at USA Windows and Doors are engineered and installed with safety and protection of your family and home at the top of our priority list. We live in South Florida so we want to make sure that you are protected to the best of our ability during a storm or severe weather event. We sleep well at night knowing that we’re installing the highest quality products in your home.
We have a full suite of products designed to enhance your home from French Doors, Sliding Glass Doors, Impact Doors, Balcony or Patio Doors and Cabana Doors. No matter which door you pick for your home, we offer the best quality and will make sure our experts on staff are the ones who will do the installation without subcontracting the work out. Our expertise and ability to come to your home locally and do the job right is what you can depend on when you’re looking to do business with us. We are licensed, insured and ready to service your home or business no matter how large the project. Windows and doors are our specialty and we want to make sure you are informed about all of the options, know the characteristics of each, feel safe in the design and protection it will provide your home, and most of all we want you to be happy with this upgrade to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are high impact windows?
Impact-resistant windows and doors are made with a combination of heavy-duty frames with impact-resistant laminated glass, a polymer layer between the two glass sheets, and a special silicone glazing process to keep the glass from breaking away from its frame.
What are the most popular impact window brands?
In South Florida, there are two main manufacturers who are most popular, and which both are based in the local area. We generally recommend PGT and CGI as the best brands to choose from when selecting hurricane proof products but there are many other brands to choose from.
What category hurricane can impact windows withstand?
Most hurricane-resistant windows are capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour – or category five winds. If flying debris do hit a window or glass door, the added protection will keep the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces.
Are hurricane impact windows worth it?
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?
As an average, a hurricane impact door size 60×80 inches can cost about $1,900 while a sliding window 72×80 inches is around $1950. An average single-hung window costs between $500 and $600, materials only.
Can impact windows withstand Category Five?
According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) association, a national U.S. trade association representing the non-union construction industry, “Windows are impact-resistant, not impact-proof. The strongest building code in the world is not going to totally protect us from a natural power, a category 5 hurricane, which is super strong,” he said.
Is there a difference between hurricane windows and impact windows?
Hurricane windows offer the greatest protection against storm damage. Impact windows also offer other benefits, including noise reduction and better resistance against intruders. With hurricane windows, your home will remain intact, even if a window is hit with a flying piece of wood.
Can hurricane impact windows break?
Simply put, yes, it is possible because they are impact-resistant and not impact-proof. Impact glass is designed to resist heavy impacts, but they are still vulnerable to an extent depending on their pressure rating and water penetration PSF.
Can hurricane impact windows stop a bullet?
Many hurricane impact windows are made from laminated glass with a polymer layer between the two glass sheets. When comparing the two, the thickness of the windows must be considered as a major factor in their ability to stop a bullet. Usually, bullet-resistant glass windows are thicker than a typical impact window.
What is better, shutters or impact windows?
Your insurance premiums are reduced more by having hurricane impact windows; they are always protecting the home whereas shutters must be installed or closed by the homeowner. Additionally, having impact strength hurricane windows reduce your air conditioning energy consumption while shutters do not.
Are impact windows worth the investment?
The abundance of long-term benefits including energy savings, lower insurance premiums, safety, and decreased frequency of repair and/or replacement needs make impact windows worth the investment.
Are there different types or styles of impact windows?
There are three main types of for impact windows: Aluminum, vinyl, and wood. The windows are almost always manufactured based on measurements at the home and can be custom made in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles as they are made to order.
How long does it take to get impact windows installed?
Since most hurricane windows and doors are made to order, it can take as many as eight weeks to custom build them. A representative generally takes measurements at your home or office which allows you to choose from different shapes, sizes, ratings, and strengths, and then puts those windows and/or doors into production.
Do impact windows reduce insurance?
When you choose to replace your old windows with high-impact, hurricane resistant windows your savings will include reduced insurance premiums, lowered energy bills, and increased resale value of your home.
Are impact windows burglar proof?
Rather than shattering like a traditional pane of glass, impact resistant windows will splinter, but not break through. Although impact resistant windows are not completely burglar proof, breaking through them can prove to be significantly more work and more time consuming than most burglars are willing to endure.
Do impact windows increase home value?
Not only do hurricane impact windows and doors increase the value of your home, they pay back in many other ways. Installation of hurricane proof windows can give you an excellent return on your investment if you plan to sell or even refinance your home soon.
How much more do impact resistant windows cost?
Hurricane windows typically cost $2,400 and $12,000, or $6,000 on average. Each window is about $100 to $450 and takes about two hours to install at $85 per hour. You may pay more if you have custom storm windows installed.
How thick should impact windows be?
Impact windows use thick laminated glass and sturdy framing materials, which result in a decrease in noise by as much as 50%. Their overall thickness ranges from 7/16” to 9/16”, as compared to typical single pane glass measuring an average of 1/8”.
Are double pane windows hurricane proof?
Double pane windows include two pieces of glass with an air gap in between. Advantages include better insulation, noise reduction, and UV control. However, double pane windows are not designed to withstand windborne debris and should be protected just like single pane glass when a hurricane is threatening.
What wind speed are impact windows rated for?
Most of our windows are rated for Category 5 hurricanes. Wind speeds range from Category 1: 74-95 mph. Category 2: 96-110 mph. Category 3: 111-129 mph. Category 4: 130-156 mph. Category 5 (considered a major hurricane): 157 mph or higher.
Is hurricane proof glass bullet proof?
Hurricane proof windows can be advanced to a bullet proof window. For people who live in a high crime area, they can also use hurricane windows to offers protection although bulletproof windows are more reinforced to offers proper resistance against a bullet.
Can you break hurricane glass with a hammer?
Hurricane impact windows are made to resist breaking no matter if the source is a piece of wood blown by a storm or a burglar trying to break it with a hammer. While not indestructible, the heavy glass and layered design help withstand breaking, but yes, it is possible to break them with a hammer; the glass will break, but not shatter into pieces.
Do impact windows save energy?
Impact glass is ideal for reducing your energy bills by reflecting outside heat and regulating your home’s temperature. Additionally, having impact glass windows and doors in your home could qualify you for an Energy Star rating for tax credits.
How much do hurricane windows save on insurance?
Installing impact-resistant windows can save you between a few hundred dollars a month, or as much as $8,000 per year, depending on your area and your insurance provider. On top of that, these types of changes will keep your home more protected against costly repairs from hurricane damage.
Which is better vinyl or aluminum impact windows?
In general, vinyl windows insulate better than aluminum. Vinyl windows excel when it comes to insulation and improving energy efficiency because the vinyl material minimizes heat transfer. Aluminum windows tend to conduct all temperatures and, therefore, are less energy efficient.
What are storm proof windows?
Stormproof windows are the same as hurricane proof and impact windows; they are just referred to differently and as being storm proof as descriptive of a hurricane or high impact windstorm hence the name stormproof.
How do I know if my windows are impact resistant?
Impact resistant glass from hurricane windows does not necessarily have a single identifier which would differentiate them from a standard window. You can look on the glass in one of its corners for an etching which might outline the thickness, the brand, and manufacture date. This label will sometimes indicate if it is a hurricane window or not.
What is the warranty on impact windows?
All our hurricane resistant impact windows and doors come with a warranty, but different manufacturers offer different terms. Most quality brands will warranty, to the original owner, that all products will remain free of material defects in manufacturing for ten years. We also offer a warranty on all labor of installation for up to fifteen years.
How Much Energy Impact Windows Can Help You Save?
Do leaky windows drive up household energy costs? The answer to that question is a resounding yes.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “ Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%-30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.” That means that every day you’re paying for hours of climate control that’s literally going out the window.
RELATED: LEARN MORE ABOUT PGT GLASS
Some of the biggest causes of drafty windows are poor installation, deteriorating seals, single-pane construction, and worn frames. For many, the best solution to these very common issues is upgrading to energy efficient impact windows. The Department of Energy estimates that switching from single-paned windows to ENERGY STAR® – certified double-paned, clear-glass windows can bring annual savings between $126-$465 nationally, depending on the region.
RELATED: VIEW PGT ENERGYVUE® PRODUCTS
However, finding the right energy efficient window for your home can really depend on where you live. For example, certain frame types, glazing’s, and insulation options might work better for some homes than others. There are also a few other things to look for and consider to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck.
ENERGY STAR® Rating
This symbol indicates that your windows either meet strict energy efficiency standards and exceed local energy-code requirements. ENERGY STAR® products are independently tested and certified.
National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Rating
NFRC ratings allow you to compare energy efficient impact windows and doors by providing multiple energy performance ratings. This includes how well a product prevents heat from escaping a room, resists unwanted heat gain from the exterior, and effectively lights your home with natural daylight. It also rates how much air will leak into and out of a room.
High-performance Low-E
Low-emissivity glass is an option for energy efficient impact windows. Its benefit is that it minimizes the amount of ultraviolet light allowed through the glass and reflects heat to keep it outside your home.
Glass Tints
Tints can mitigate the amount of heat coming into your home. They often come in a variety of hues, from bronze to blue.
Argon Gas
Filling energy efficient windows with gas provides effective insulation. This feature is often paired with Low-E coatings.
Are your hurricane windows truly built to withstand it all?
There are several types of materials available for hurricane windows – some more secure than others.
Here’s a quick guide to the options available, and we’ll show you firsthand what kind of impact a truly hurricane-proof window can handle.
Tempered Glass
What is it?
Tempered glass is heated to approximately 1300 degrees and cooled rapidly, creating a glass that is more resistant to impact and temperature variations than standard glass. When broken, tempered glass shatters into tiny cube-shaped pieces, making it far safer than standard, annealed glass – which breaks into large, dangerous shards.
How Strong is it?
Tempered glass is approximately 4 to 5 times stronger than standard, annealed glass and is known as “Safety Glass” due to its special, tiny cube breakage pattern. While this glass is stronger than standard annealed glass, it is not technically a “hurricane resistant glass” and will need protecting with some type of hurricane shutter.
Laminated Glass
What is it?
Laminated glass is composed of three layers; two layers of glass with a super strong, clear polyvinyl butyral (a type of plastic) interlayer bonded with heat and pressure. This high-strength interlayer keeps the layers of glass “stuck” in place even when broken. The thickness of each layer varies depending on the application of the window.
How Strong is it?
Storm Solutions carries PGT windows, the company with the most NOAs (Notice of Acceptance by Miami-Dade County, the highest standard of impact resistance in the country) of any impact-resistant window manufacturer.
PGT’s laminated windows are designed to withstand repeated impacts from a 9lb 2×4 flying at 34 miles per hour— they are sure to protect you and your family in the event of a serious storm.
Laminated Insulated Glass
What is It?
Laminated insulated glass consists of two layers – an outer layer of laminated glass and an inner layer of standard glass, usually filled with Argon gas for insulation. These windows not only provide exceptional protection from impacts like their single-paneled counterparts, they also offer sound and temperature control. If you are interested in both hurricane protection and energy efficiency, a laminated insulated window may be right for you.
How Strong is it?
Laminated insulated glass has generally the same wind and impact resistance properties as laminated glass alone. As we said earlier, that means the glass can handle repeated impacts of a 9lb 2×4 beam traveling at 34 miles per hour!
High-Impact Acrylic and Polycarbonate
What is It?
Optical-grade Acrylic or polycarbonate are ideal alternatives to glass windows. Acrylic and polycarbonate sheeting is lightweight, high-strength, and generally lower cost than standard glass or laminated glass. These glass alternatives offer safety benefits much like laminated or tempered glass in that it does not break easily, and when it does, it holds together rather than breaking into dangerous shards.
How Strong is It?
Acrylic sheet can withstand 17 times the impact of traditional glass, whereas polycarbonate can withstand an impressive 250 times the impact of glass.
Are your home or business windows impact resistant? If you aren’t sure or are looking into making upgrades to your windows, contact Storm Solutions to learn more and to get a free quote today!
