There are several options available for protecting your home against hurricanes. But which is best for you? Impact windows and shutters are two of the most popular options. They both provide strong protection against hurricane-strength winds, but they come with their pros and cons.
Shatter Resistant Shutters
Shatter-resistant shutters are a great way to add style and security to your home. They come in various styles and colors that can complement your home’s exterior design.
They are available in aluminum, steel, and polycarbonate materials. All have great strength and a variety of designs that can fit the style and budget of your home.
Unlike impact windows, Hurricane Windows Shutters can be removed and replaced easily during storms. They also offer added protection against intruders and noise during other times of the year.
Hurricane shutters are a good option for homeowners who don’t want to deal with impact windows but are still concerned about severe weather damage.
Impact Resistant Glass
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, impact-resistant windows are an excellent investment. They protect your home from windborne debris and water damage, reduce noise and increase security.
They are also more energy efficient than standard windows. They reduce the number of ultraviolet rays that enter your home, which can fade carpeting and furniture.
The glass in hurricane windows can be either tempered or laminated. Tempered glass is four times stronger than annealed (standard) glass, breaking into tiny shards less likely to cause injury.
Laminated glass typically consists of two panes of glass that are sealed together with an interlayer of polymer. It is more expensive than tempered glass, but it is very durable.
High-performing hurricane-resistant doors and impact windows near Hollywood, FL (or elsewhere more relevant) typically contain a layer of impact glass and an inner frame made from a strong-binding, challenging, and flexible vinyl material. These parts can range in thickness, but the thicker the glass and the more resilient the structure, the better the impact resistance of the window.
Impact Resistant Shutters
Impact-resistant shutters, also called hurricane windows, are manufactured with impact-resistant glass that withstands flying objects during a hurricane. It is an excellent solution for South Florida homeowners, as it provides peace of mind while also protecting your home and family from the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms.
In addition to offering protection against hurricanes, these shutters also protect against windborne debris such as trees, branches, and other items that can cause severe damage or injury to your property and loved ones. The hurricane-rated design of these windows can save you a lot of money on annual insurance premiums, as it helps reduce your homeowners’ policy rates.
Shutters come in various styles, sizes, and wind and impact ratings. They offer a specific finished look to your home, adding character and charm. They can be manually unfolded accordion-style and locked into place, or they can roll up vertically, providing uninterrupted views when fully open.
Impact Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows are designed to withstand the rigors of hurricanes, typhoons, and bomb cyclones in coastal areas and tornadoes. They are typically made with a laminate interlayer between two glass pieces that absorb impacts.
This type of glass is also very energy efficient and helps keep your home cool in summer and winter, reducing heating and cooling costs. Plus, they are UV protected.
They are also highly secure and can deter burglars from breaking the window to access your home. However, these windows are more challenging to break than standard glass, so intruders will likely give up and move on to the next home or business if they see them.
The best thing about impact-resistant windows is that they are easy to install and offer all the benefits of shutters without the hassle. As a result, they are a good choice for homes that need 24/7 storm protection but want to avoid dealing with the installation process on an ongoing basis.
