The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Hurricane Windows for Your Home
The right hurricane windows can protect your home against Mother Nature’s ill temper. These windows are designed to withstand the high winds and debris thrown by hurricane-force wind speeds.
They also reduce noise and lower energy bills year-round as they prevent heat and UV rays from entering the home.
Durability
Hurricanes, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and other extreme weather events can wreak havoc on homes and buildings. Weak windows can allow debris and projectiles to pierce through and cause further damage to the property inside. This can include shattered glass, higher insurance premiums, lower resale value, less UV protection for furniture and other possessions, higher noise levels, and more.
Hurricane-rated windows can withstand severe weather conditions using shatter-resistant laminated glass similar to the one found in car windshields. The difference is that hurricane windows have a stronger frame to keep the window glazing intact during an impact. These types of windows are often used in high-rise apartments and condominiums. These windows have a traditional appearance and operate like conventional windows when opening and closing. The frames are made with aluminum to add strength and durability. The glass and frame are rated to meet the Florida building codes for hurricane resistance. The rating is known as the design pressure (DP). This number reflects how much force a window can withstand before breaking.
Aesthetics
When purchasing hurricane windows for your home, it’s essential to consider all the factors involved. Not only do you need to choose a style that complements your home’s architecture and design preferences, but you also need to ensure the windows provide notable protection features during a storm.
Look for windows with a high DP rating to withstand strong winds, flying debris, and other elements typically present during a hurricane. Also, be sure to choose a company that offers a variety of window styles and configurations, including sliding, casement, and awning.
Finally, work with a professional installer, as improper installation can void manufacturer warranties. In addition, working with a trusted professional can help to ensure the windows are installed correctly and efficiently to protect your home from damage caused by wind and rain. Ultimately, ensuring your home is protected by hurricane-impact windows is worth the investment.
Noise Reduction
As a homeowner, you want your time at home to be quiet and relaxing. But the noise of outside irritants like lawnmowers, airplanes, and traffic can be an irritating annoyance that prevents you from enjoying your precious free time.
Hurricane windows help you enjoy your home’s privacy and reduce outside noise by providing a barrier between the world and your living space. In addition, most insurance companies offer reduced homeowners’ premiums for homes with impact-resistant windows.
Many providers offer hurricane windows in a variety of styles to complement your existing window frame configurations. Look for options with decorative grids available in various colors to meet your aesthetic preferences. Be sure to select an energy-efficient provider like insulated glass. These features will lower your summer utility bills and increase your return on investment.
Security
The worst thing that can happen to your home during a hurricane is to have its windows break. The strong winds, airborne debris, and rain can cause severe damage to both your roof and home.
Many people choose to board their standard windows with plywood during a storm, but that can be an expensive and labor-intensive solution. For a more effective and less expensive solution, consider hurricane screens.
These translucent window coverings absorb the impact of flying debris, distributing it to the entire screen and mounting points. They also reduce the wind, debris, and rain entering your home, protecting your furniture and other belongings from severe damage.
Many also ask if hurricane windows are better at resisting burglary attempts, which is another excellent reason to invest in them. Unlike standard windows, which can be easily broken through with the right crowbar or hammer tap, impact windows are built to meet stringent regulations and codes and have a reinforced structure that can deter intruders.
