Besides hurricane protection, impact-resistant windows are great for energy efficiency, security, and curb appeal. They also reduce outside noise and help protect your belongings from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
In testing, manufacturers fling bricks and crowbars at impact windows to simulate debris that could be sent flying during a hurricane. These items don’t break the windows but stick to an adhesive center in the glass that snugs against another sheet of glass.
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Strength
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, investing in impact resistant windows is a good idea. While they may be more expensive than your standard windows, you will likely recover the cost in a few years when you receive reduced homeowners insurance premiums.
Impact-resistant windows and doors are made with specially treated glass to prevent them from shattering into sharp shards or pieces when it is hit hard enough. Instead, it is designed to crumble into tiny pebble-like chunks less likely to cause lacerations.
It makes them a lot harder to break into than traditional windows. The extra difficulty can also deter home invaders and give you peace of mind knowing your family is safe and secure.
High-quality impact windows are crafted with a special interlayer bonded to the glass and then welded to the frame. It creates a robust and durable interlayer that helps hold the window together even when a storm hurls a heavy piece of debris.
Energy Efficiency
If you’re a homeowner, investing in impact windows can be an investment that pays off in the long run. They provide protection, prevent storm damage, and increase the value of your home.
Unlike single-pane glass, impact-resistant windows are built to resist the force of hurricanes and flying debris. They feature a sturdier frame and a laminated layer of polyvinyl butyral, or PVB.
The PVB is sandwiched between two sheets of glass to make the window more resistant to wind, flying debris, and repeated impact from would-be intruders. In addition, these windows are designed to stop 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays from entering the home.
These energy-efficient windows also reduce the amount of air leakage through them, reducing heating and cooling costs. They are rated by the national fenestration rating council (NFRC) and offer a range of energy performance ratings that measure how well the window allows natural light into a room and how much air leakage occurs.
Durability
Impact windows are a wise investment for homeowners who want to increase their home’s value and curb appeal. Not only do they offer powerful protection against hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards, but they also provide peace of mind and improve energy efficiency.
The frames used for these windows are constructed with heavier-duty materials designed to resist warping, weakening over time, and heavy impact. Brackets can be made of aluminum, vinyl, or wood.
The window panes are bonded using a clear interlayer, giving them the strength they need to survive an impact. However, this does not mean the glass will never break. Instead, it will splinter into small pieces instead of shattering into large, sharp shards. This design helps prevent injury and deters would-be burglars.
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Security
Impact-resistant windows offer a wide variety of benefits for homeowners. From storm protection to UV protection and increased energy efficiency, they can make a big difference in the overall value of your home.
These windows also offer additional security against burglars and other would-be intruders. The window’s thick glass and strong laminations make it much harder for a break-in attempt to succeed.
Additionally, they can help to reduce outside noise and increase the comfort level of your home by blocking out distracting sounds such as traffic or barking dogs. It is advantageous if you live near many noisy neighbors or a busy road.