What Should I Look for When Buying an Impact Window?

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What should I look for in a hurricane impact window?

When choosing impact windows, look for high-performing features such as laminated insulating glass, heat-reducing glass tints, and hi-performance low-E selections. In addition to impact- resistance, these windows also offer the benefits of reduced energy bills and protect furnishings, draperies and artwork from fading.

Are there different grades of impact windows?

There are a few different types of impact windows, which we will discuss later in this article, but it's important to know that the main differences come in style, size, material and degree of protection. A number of standard tests are utilized in order to determine the level of impact resistance they provide.

What is the best thickness for impact windows?

Impact windows use thick laminated glass and sturdy framing materials, which result in a decrease in external noise by as much as 40%. Their overall thickness ranges from 7/16” to 9/16”, as compared to typical single pane glass measuring an average of 1/8”.

Which impact window is best?

Top Rated and Best Rated Hurricane Impact Windows

• Pella: Hurricane Shield.
• PGT: WinGuard Hurricane Windows & Doors.
• Simonton: StormBreaker Plus.
• Weather Shield: Premium Coastal Windows & Doors.
• Marvin: Coastal Solutions.
• Jeld-Wen ImpactGard Protection for Windows.
• MI Windows and Doors: StormArmor Impact-Resistant Package.

How To Buy The Right Impact Windows | TOP TIPS

What is the difference between CGI and PGT windows?

We have heard that CGI laminated windows with annealed glass are pretty much distortion free. PGT laminated windows use heat-strengthened glass that are stronger, but tend to cause some distortion. Since we will still use hurricane shutters, we prefer to go with distortion-free CGI windows.

What is the average cost of impact windows?

Average Cost to Install an Impact Window

But on average, expect to pay an average of $8,000 for installation. The range is quite expensive based on the service, material and professional you choose, but it can be between $2,600 and $14,000.

What is the difference in impact windows?

A standard hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds, but it will shatter if struck by airborne debris. Impact windows are constructed with a durable laminate between the glass panes.

Can impact windows withstand Category 5?

Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it.

What is PSF on impact windows?

The design pressure is a performance specification for how active the window is express in how many pounds per second foot (psf) of force the window can withstand. The design pressure can fluctuate based on factors such as geographic location, a height of the building, site of the window structure, etc.

Are impact windows worth the money?

Impact windows do cost more than traditional windows, but they very well may pay for themselves by preventing extensive and expensive damage to your home. They are also more efficient, saving on energy costs, and can help significantly increase the value of your home and reduce your homeowners' insurance costs.

What wind speed are impact windows rated for?

The higher the design pressure rating, the greater resistance a window can endure. For instance, a window with a DP rating of 50 has passed structural load testing of 75 pounds per square feet, or 200 mph winds. Whereas a window with a DP rating of 35 can only withstand 50 pounds per square feet, or 125 mph winds.

How long do impact windows last?

Like any product, windows have a life expectancy. Many impact windows are rated to function properly from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand and materials. At the 10-year mark, it starts to become more important to evaluate your windows, knowing that they are reaching an age where they may soon need to be replaced.

Are all PGT windows impact resistant?

All PGT WinGuard® windows and doors are rated for Impact Zone 3 and Impact Zone 4 ratings and are tested to withstand winds over 150 miles per hour in accordance with the ASCE Wind Zone Map.

What are high impact windows?

Impact-resistant windows (also sometimes called impact windows, hurricane windows, or laminated glass) are windows specifically designed to withstand the stresses of hurricanes, including high winds and projectiles moving at high speeds.

Do you need to board up hurricane impact windows?

An impact hurricane window is rated for a high-wind zone, which means you don't technically have to board them up when a hurricane is in the forecast. Other benefits of impact windows include the following: Reduce your utility bills and energy usage. Protect your home or office from break-ins.

Can Impact windows crack?

Put simply, yes, impact windows can break. That is because they are impact-resistant and not impact-proof. Impact glass is designed to resist heavy blows, hence it became popular as windshields for vehicles. Like a car's windshield, however, it can break when struck by excessive forces.

How do I know if my windows are hurricane proof?

-Check for Labels

Impact resistant glass from hurricane windows does not often have a permanent mark of this kind. You can also check for a temporary label on the glass that might outline the thickness, the manufacturing date, and the place of creation. This label will tell you if it's a hurricane window or not.

Is impact glass hurricane rated?

People may call impact windows "hurricane-rated impact windows" or "storm windows" but they generally mean the same thing.

Do you need hurricane shutters if you have impact glass?

Hurricane Window Shutters

Although hurricane shutters can be used over any standard window glass as well, it's better to install them over the impact windows, to ensure 100% protection from hurricanes and storm debris.

Do impact windows have screens?

All of the other impact windows and doors all come with screens. Can someone break into my home after I have the impact windows installed? Impact windows are made with a special type of glass composed of two layers of glass with a tough, transparent plastic inner layer between the two sheets of glass.

What is high impact glass?

In order to withstand wind-borne debris or break-ins, high impact windows are made with heavy-duty frames and safety glass which are carefully sealed to keep the glass from breaking away from the frame. Safety glazing is designed to reduce or minimize the likelihood of injury to humans when the glass is broken.

Which is better hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass?

Hurricane shutters don't offer the best protection against debris and high winds. So if you are looking for the ultimate in storm protection, you can't go wrong with hurricane impact resisting windows which will give your home the perfect protection against flying debris, strong winds, and other perils.

Do impact windows reduce insurance?

Saving Money With Impact Windows

Impact windows lower homeowner's insurance because they are designed to resist breaking when struck by wind driven debris. They are typically made with double or even triple pane glass and as an added bonus, they are naturally energy-efficient.

How much value does impact windows add?

ENERGY STAR estimates that if you are replacing single-pane windows with double-pane high impact windows, you could see savings between $126 to $465 per year in energy costs. If you are upgrading your existing double-pane windows to a high impact product, the savings are still estimated to be $27 to $111 per year.