How Strong are Hurricane Impact Windows?

Hurricanes are among the most dreaded natural disasters. At least one passes through Florida each year, destroying property and rendering several families homeless.

If hurricanes are common in your area, you need to start preparing by making your building stormproof. One of the most cost-effective ways to accomplish this is by reinforcing your windows.

The Importance of Securing Your Windows Before a Hurricane

A regular glass window cannot withstand the heavy winds and flying debris from a hurricane. Once the window breaks, rainwater can enter your property and cause thousands of dollars of water damage. Also, strong winds ripping through your interior can destroy possessions and even collapse your building.

You can try installing hurricane or security film to stormproof your regular windows. However, if you do not reinforce the window frame, strong winds might dislodge it and leave your interior exposed to the elements.

To improve your home’s security, it is best to replace your current windows with hurricane impact windows.

Optimize Safety with Hurricane Impact Windows

How strong are hurricane impact windows? Simply put, they are very strong. Unlike regular windows, hurricane windows are a combination of two laminated glass panes sealed together with a highly durable resin.

Hurricane windows are so strong they can withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour without shattering. If flying debris strikes the window, it won’t fall apart like regular glass. The laminate over the glass will hold the pieces in place, ensuring that the window continues to provide protection.

The window frame encasing hurricane impact glass is just as tough. The aluminum flame can withstand strong winds without breaking. If the wind reaches very power speeds, it might bend the frame, but it won’t affect its performance, especially if it has weather-stripping around it. After the storm passes, you can bend the frame back into shape.

Another reason to choose hurricane impact windows over other types of storm protection is you don’t need to uninstall them after the storm passes. They can replace regular windows without ruining your building’s aesthetics and protect your interior against harsh UV rays. These windows can also improve energy-efficiency by insulating your home and keep noise pollution to a minimum.

Other Benefits of Installing Hurricane Impact Windows

Looting is common after a devastating hurricane. Because hurricane impact windows are tough to break, they are ideal for preventing home or business break-ins. Also, if you live in a hurricane-prone region, installing storm impact windows can save you up to $10,000 per year on homeowner’s insurance.