How Can You Stay Safe With Hurricane Windows?
Hurricane windows are designed to withstand the extreme weather that some states see every hurricane season. They have been proven to protect homes from major damage. They’re made with safety glass with tempered glass layers and bonded together with a resin made from polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate. It makes them four times stronger than standard annealed glass and shatter into small granular chunks rather than spray sharp shards throughout your home.
Impact Resistant Glass
In hurricane-prone areas, impact-resistant windows are often required by building codes. These windows are built with thick, laminated glass and a polymer layer between the two panes. It prevents a window from shattering during a storm and debris from entering your home, potentially injuring people inside. These windows also provide better soundproofing and are less expensive than accordion or roll-down shutters. It’s important to note that impact-resistant windows can still break, especially if damaged or improperly installed. It is why it’s so important to choose a quality installer who strictly follows the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. If you live in an area where hurricanes are a threat, installing impact-rated windows may be the best decision for your safety and peace of mind. The extra protection is worth it!
Shatter Resistant Glass
When hurricanes hit, debris propelled by high winds can break windows, damage buildings, and cause serious injuries. The best way to prevent debris from entering a home is through impact-resistant glass. Today’s hurricane windows use laminated shatter-resistant glass similar to the windshields in your car. They have an inner polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer sandwiched between two sheets of glass. For new construction, hurricane windows are a relatively affordable option and may save you money through reduced homeowners insurance premiums. And when retrofitting an existing building, installing these advanced windows will add protection without requiring unsightly plywood sheets that will require reinstalling during each storm season. This investment can pay off for years to come.
Shatter Resistant Frames
Whether your home is in an area prone to hurricanes or you’re looking to upgrade your existing South Florida property, the right windows and doors will keep your family and your investment safe. The best impact-rated windows feature heavy-duty frames made from metals like aluminum or clad aluminum (wood wrapped in aluminum). They are also reinforced with shatter-resistant glass to withstand the strongest winds. When a window breaks during a storm, it can let in water and debris, leading to major structural damage. Even worse, shattered glass can cause injury to people or pets inside the home and is difficult to clean up. That’s why impact-rated windows are popular in the Southeast and often required by local building codes or Homeowner’s Association regulations. While sheets of plywood can protect your home in the short term, they’re time-consuming to install and take down before each storm season and require much maintenance. Hurricane window film is more cost-effective and easier to use.
Shatter Resistant Shutters
Many think putting plywood over their windows will protect them during a hurricane. However, this isn’t as effective as impact-resistant windows or shutters. It is because a broken window creates a point of wind entry, which can enter the home and increase pressure inside, which could cause structural damage and injuries to those in the building. Another option is to use fabric storm panels made of woven materials coated with plastic-like PVC. These can be purchased from hardware stores, and they can reduce the force of small objects hitting the windows. They can also be used to prevent water penetration from the outside. Additionally, a variety of tinted window films can help reduce the amount of sunlight entering the home while maintaining visibility. This product can also protect against burglars because it makes the windows much more difficult to break into. It is an effective and affordable solution for homeowners that can qualify them for homeowner’s insurance discounts.