Your Guide to Hurricane Resistant Windows

Article Summary: 

• Hurricane resistant windows, or impact windows, are essential to homes located in places like Florida and South Carolina due to their strength, energy efficiency, and protection.
• The interlayer is what makes a hurricane resistant window unique. Located between the two panes of glass, the interlayer protects your window from shattering should anything hit the glass during a storm.
• Impact windows undergo intensive testing to meet strict building code requirements. 
• While they are typically pricier than your average window, the long-term savings outweigh the upfront cost, especially if your homeowner's insurance company provides a discount for installing these windows.

If you live along the Southern Coast or Gulf of Mexico Region, you're lucky enough to enjoy warmer weather for most of the year. The flip side is living through a six-month hurricane season and wondering if you'll need to pack up and evacuate.

Whether you live in Charleston, South Carolina or Jacksonville, Florida, you've likely had to board up your home with plywood or cumbersome metal barriers to protect your home during a hurricane. But what if there was an easier way to defend your home from storms?

That's why hurricane-resistant windows exist! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore all you need to know, from key features to benefits to maintenance.

What Are Hurricane Resistant Windows?

Hurricane proof windows, also known as impact windows, are different from your average window in the way the glass is placed within the frame. The manufacturing process, called laminated glass construction, allows these windows to withstand 157 mph winds and flying debris from Category 5 hurricanes.

How does it work?

Typically, there is a third layer of either clear, synthetic resin or plastic between the two layers of heavy-duty glass, which protect the glass from shattering, flying into your home, and causing injury, should any debris hit your window during an extreme storm. This third layer is adhered to the window frame, which is typically made of aluminum, vinyl, or reinforced wood, to keep any broken glass in place. Additionally, it also helps to prevent intense winds from breaching the window and pulling your home apart.

What Are the Key Benefits of Hurricane Proof Windows?

The best hurricane resistant windows have a few key features that enhance safety, ensure protection, and provide long-lasting performance. When considering impact windows, your sales representative will review and answer any questions about the following benefits: 

1. Storm Protection: Impact windows offer passive 24/7 protection for Jacksonville and Charleston homes during hurricanes and severe storms. Unlike plywood or storm shutters, they don't need to be installed each time a storm approaches, saving you the time and effort of preparing your windows. Shutters and plywood may have a lower upfront cost, but they require storage and hands-on setup before a storm. Impact windows cost more initially, but they're always in place and still let natural light into your home, which can feel reassuring if the power goes out.
2. Increased Privacy and Security: Reduce the risk of unwanted break-ins with advanced laminated glass technology. If the glass can't be broken by hurricane debris, intruders certainly don't stand a chance either.
3. Noise Reduction:  Whether you live near a busy intersection, airport, or close to other homes, you will immediately notice a difference in what outdoor noises you hear thanks to your hurricane resistant windows. Multiple layers of glass create a quieter, more peaceful home.
4. Increased Energy Efficiency: Improve your year-round comfort with energy-efficient insulation that helps regulate indoor temperatures and keep humidity outside. The heavy-duty frames, tightly sealed construction, and laminated glass act as an exceptional thermal barrier, allowing you to feel comfortable year-round and enjoy lower monthly energy bills. 
5. Limit UV Exposure:  Hurricane resistant windows can also help block up to 99% of harmful UV rays that fade furniture, flooring, artwork, and other belongings.

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Impact Window? 

With all replacement window projects, you can choose from a variety of styles, number of glass panes, and glass and frame options. Window Nation offers two impact window series for Jacksonville and Charleston homeowners: the NewSouth Solutions series and the ARMORVUE Window and Door series. Ask your sales representative for more information on which one best fits your needs and budget!

Deciding on the Advanced Interlayer Technology Material

One of the main differentiators between impact window options is the type of material used for the interlayer. This ultimately determines the window's strength, so it's best to consider your home's location and likelihood of being frequently impacted by a hurricane or extreme storm. Typically, you will choose between the following options:

• Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB): PVB is the most commonly used material used in the interlayer of residential impact windows. It's highly effective at absorbing impact, offers crystal clear views, and reduces outside noise and UV filtration. 
• SentryGlas Plus (SGP): SGP is a more advanced option, providing five times the strength of PVB. It's also 100 times stiffer, which makes it a better option for areas constantly under hurricane threats, commercial buildings, or oversized, custom architectural windows.

Choosing Between Different Window Styles

Depending on which hurricane window manufacturer you work with, you'll be able to choose from a variety of styles. Most homeowners opt for single or double hung styles as they're more cost-effective, have fewer moving parts, and provide superior ventilation. However, you may also consider picture, casement, sliding, or other styles depending on your home's unique architecture. Your Window Nation sales representative can review all available options for your city and home during your in-home consultation. 

Determining Your Frame Material

Typically, you have the choice of aluminum or vinyl frames for impact windows. Aluminum frames are lightweight, super strong, and long-lasting. Vinyl frames provide excellent insulation and minimal maintenance. 

The right choice depends on your priorities, but frame material alone does not determine storm performance. The complete window assembly — including the glass, frame, and installation — must meet the applicable approval and building-code requirements for your home.

A Quick Word on Building Code Compliance

After the devastation of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, authorities in Florida created strict building code requirements, which are now considered the hold standard for hurricane protection across the country. 

To meet these requirements, impact windows must pass rigorous testing, including a large missile impact test where a 9-pound 2×4 piece of lumber is fired out of a cannon at 34 mph directly at the glass.

For impact resistant windows to perform as tested, the glass, sash, frame, anchoring, and installation must match the approved assembly for your home. Improper anchoring or installation can undermine the window's rating, even when the glass itself has been tested.

Additionally, each local county may have additional requirements and regulations. Your sales representative will know this information, so be sure to ask to ensure your replacement window project is compliant.

A Look at DP Ratings

You'll also want to look at the design pressure (DP) rating if you're considering impact windows for your Charleston or Jacksonville home. The DP rating measures the amount of wind pressure (both positive pushing inward and negative pulling outward) a window can withstand without failing. The higher the rating, the stronger the window is. 

The required rating depends on factors such as your home's location, local building codes, and the window's size and configuration. If your home is located directly on water, you'll likely be required to have a higher rating than a home further inland. 

How Do You Take Care of Hurricane Proof Windows? 

If you live close to the coast, you'll want to clean your hurricane proof windows regularly to avoid corrosion, which can occur from contact with salt air. Use a mild dish soap, water, and a towel to wipe the glass and frames. Avoid abrasive chemical cleaners and scrubbing pads since they can scratch the glass and ruin the UV coating. Additionally, clean and lightly lubricate the tracks and rollers with a silicone-based spray to ensure your windows continue to open and close properly. 

Most importantly, take time before and after hurricane season - especially if a storm went through your area - to inspect your windows for any glass damage, frame warping, or cracking weatherstripping or caulk. 

What Is the Cost of Hurricane Resistant Windows?

Due to their materials, hurricane resistant windows typically cost more than your standard window. That said, you'll benefit from your investment in the long run since these windows help reduce the risk of wind and water damage, which can add up quickly. 

Hurricane shutters generally cost less upfront than replacing your windows with hurricane windows, but prices vary based on your home and project. Shutters also need to be stored and put in place before a storm, while impact windows provide built-in protection year-round and can offer added benefits such as noise reduction and improved energy efficiency.

Additionally, by installing code-compliant impact windows, you could be eligible for discounts on your homeowners' insurance depending on your insurance company and location. And that's in addition to the lower energy bills you'll be likely to receive after installation! 

Hurricane Resistant Windows by Window Nation

Ultimately, by upgrading to impact windows, you're investing in improving your home's energy efficiency, privacy, and protection during extreme storms. When you work with a Window Nation sales representative, they'll help you choose between two impact window series based on your budget and needs. 

Whether you go with the NewSouth Solutions series or the ARMORVUE Window and Door series, both come backed by Window Nation's lifetime transferrable warranty. Get peace of mind all year long, for years to come, with Window Nation. Reach out today to learn more our impact windows!

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