Many homeowners and businesses in hurricane-prone areas must cover their windows with plywood or install storm shutters before a storm hits. But what if there was another option? While anyone can benefit from these upgraded windows.
Cost
Hurricane windows help homeowners save money in the long run by keeping them safe from expensive damages caused by severe weather. They’re available in various sizes and shapes and are designed to protect a home from flying debris and winds up to 200 mph. They can even help reduce homeowners insurance costs in some areas. Impact-resistant windows are constructed from two tempered glass panes joined by a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) instead of regular glass, which can shatter into deadly fragments. The PVB sits compressed between the two glass panes and acts as an adhesive, binding the glass in case it breaks. Some impact windows also feature stabilizer bars to increase the strength of a window and add durability. Stabilizer bars can be added to a hurricane window for an additional cost and vary in price depending on the window type.
Energy Efficiency
Aside from protecting your home from severe damage during a storm, hurricane resistant windows will help you save money on energy costs. They are better insulated than standard windows, keeping cool air inside your house during the summer and hot indoor air in winter. It means that your energy bills will be much lower – saving you money in the long run and helping protect our planet by using fewer fossil fuels. Many homeowners in hurricane-prone areas see a return on investment of 75 percent to 85 percent when they install hurricane-impact windows and doors. They can also help you qualify for reduced homeowners insurance rates.
Durability
Hurricane windows have laminated glass and a strong frame to resist bending or cracking during a storm. This durability is important because it reduces the chances of debris slamming against your home and potentially breaking the windows or causing other damage. Most manufacturers that produce hurricane-resistant windows offer a long warranty on their products. It is an excellent sign that the company stands behind its product and believes it can help homeowners protect their homes during a hurricane. Hurricane-proof windows have a protective layer of polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate that keeps the glass from breaking into massive, sharp shards. This type of glass is similar to the windshields in cars, shattering in a spiderweb pattern instead of into large pieces that can pose a danger to those inside the house. This feature can save lives, as well as reduce the amount of debris that enters a home.
Maintenance
Hurricane windows are made with two pieces of heat-treated glass bonded with a thin plastic membrane. The membrane helps to hold the glass in place even if it breaks. This layer also keeps the glass from flying around during a storm and injuring people inside a building. Unlike plywood, which leaves unsightly screw or nail holes in your exterior and must be stored when unused, these windows remain intact and provide a clear view during a hurricane. In hurricane-prone areas, state or local laws often require homeowners to install impact-rated windows and doors. These windows withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour and protect the structure from damage from debris and other elements. In addition, they help to reduce the cost of homeowners insurance premiums. For these reasons, many homeowners install hurricane windows in their homes. However, they come at a higher price than traditional window options.
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.