Do I Need Impact Windows If I Have Hurricane Shutters?
The home you live in is important to you for many reasons. It’s the place where you relax and sleep each day, as well as an important investment you want to protect. Living in South Florida, one of the biggest threats to your home is serious storms known as hurricanes. Hurricanes are massive storms that bring seriously rain and winds with them.
When it comes to preparing for hurricanes, the two most popular options for hurricane home protection come in the form of hurricane shutters and hurricane windows, also known as impact windows. While hurricane shutters have been around for some time, hurricane windows are a relatively new form of hurricane protection.
If you currently have hurricane shutters, you may be wondering if you need impact windows at all. The Window Guys want to help answer that question and show you why impact windows are the best option compared to hurricane shutters and other forms of hurricane defense.
What are Impact Windows?
First, you need to understand what impact windows are and why they are considered to be the best form of hurricane protection for your home. Impact windows are made from durable glass that protects your home from strong winds and the flying debris caused by those winds. These windows were designed to withstand high-intensity impacts from even a category 5 hurricane.
These windows also provide the additional benefits of noise reduction, additional value to your home, and a clear picture of what’s happening outside, even during a hurricane.
Should I Buy Impact Windows If I Have Hurricane Shutters?
Hurricane shutters are considered to be an effective way of defending your home against a storm, but they aren’t perfect. Shutters will require manual closing and opening each time a storm is announced, which can be difficult to do when hurricane warnings are given only 36 hours in advance. Impact windows will provide passive protection all year long, regardless of the weather outside. Hurricane shutters can also be broken by flying debris. If a piece of debris hits the lock that holds the shutters together, it can fly open and leave your window exposed. So while they are effective, they aren’t going to provide 100% protection.
There’s no reason why you can’t combine both impact windows and hurricane shutters to create the ultimate form of hurricane defense, but it makes the most sense to go with one method.
Hurricane shutters can do an alright job of keeping you protected, but if serious storms roll in, there’s a chance that debris can cause them to break if a severe impact were to occur. When this happens, there is nothing keeping the hurricane from breaking the exposed window.
Hurricane windows on the other hand are designed to withstand severe impacts and hold strong. The Window Guys test all of our impact window products to ensure they won’t fail you when it matters the most. On top of that, they’re a passive form of protection which means once they are installed, you never have to worry about manually setting up hurricane protection ever again.
Putting hurricane shutters over impact windows won’t make them lose their passive protection, but it will remove the natural light and ability to view the storm as it’s hitting. Installing both hurricane shutters and impact windows will ensure you have the highest level of protection, but it will be costly and mostly unnecessary since impact windows can handle the task alone.
While both methods provide hurricane protection, impact windows are the best way to ensure you’re safe during a hurricane.
Stay Safe From Hurricanes With Impact Windows
Impact windows are the ultimate way to protect your home and family when a serious storm strikes. While shutters will still do an ok job when they break there is nothing protecting you from the storm outside. If you want to ensure you’ll stay safe, contact the Window Guys today. We have a large inventory of hurricane-proof impact windows and doors that will keep you safe when the weather outside becomes unpredictable.
One of the major questions about impact windows and doors is how much do they cost. The reality is that the answer depends on a variety of factors, including the number required, size and brand of window or door, the materials used, installation, and so much more.
Occasionally we will have a customer that just wants to purchase material only. We are a impact window company that has a great relationship with the top manufacturers in the business. If you are a homeowner or a contractor that is looking to purchase impact windows, you are definitely in the right place.
In general, impact windows and doors cost more than your standard builder’s windows, but they offer a number of benefits that more than make them worth the investment. Impact windows and doors can help to improve the energy efficiency of your home, reduce noise pollution, and protect your property from severe weather conditions. To discern the cost of your impact windows, you first have to be aware of each of the following factors:
What determines the pricing for impact windows?
Manufacturer
Type of Window
Type of Frame – Aluminum or Vinyl
Type of Glass – Tinted, Lo-e, or privacy
Size
Type of opening – stucco, cbs, drywall, etc.
Design pressures required per building code
City or County Codes for energy efficiency
Permitting
Types of Windows
Single Hung Window
Double Hung Window
Casement Window
Architectural Window
Picture Window
Horizontal Roller Window
Awning Window
Storefront Window – Commercial
Window Sizes
There are commodity sizes which are designated by two numbers or two numbers and a letter. For the most part those sizes would be considered the normal sized windows. When actually measuring openings, windows have to be adjusted to custom size. The bigger the window, the higher the square footage becomes, in return more framing material is needed which reflects the cost of the window.
Choosing new or replacement windows can be very overwhelming. After careful thought and consideration, you’ve decided to buy Hurricane Impact Windows. So, what comes next?
Now you need to determine whether you want vinyl or aluminum frames. But again, with so many options, advantages and disadvantages, how do you know what type of frame you really need for your home?
Impact Window & Impact Door Frames
Equally important as the window or door itself, the frame makes a tremendous difference in protecting your home against heavy storms, intruders, and more. Some of the most common materials include wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Both aluminum and vinyl are far less likely to crack, splinter, or rust as compared to traditional wood frames, and as such will cost more.
How aluminum impact window costs compare to vinyl
Aluminum is usually the go to choice for impact window framing because it is more affordable and usually has higher design pressures, the pricing ranges depending on the size and style per opening. Vinyl Frames are tailored for greater energy efficiency, they come standard with laminated insulated glass depending on the manufacturer you have the option of argon gas or air in the thermal break. Vinyl frames are more expensive and again depends on the size and styleper opening.
Your windows will have a major effect on the energy efficiency of your household. When you are shopping for new hurricane impact windows, you will need to consider which types of windows will offer you the best energy efficiency. Typically, vinyl windows are slightly more efficient than their aluminum counterparts. With new vinyl windows, you can save on your monthly heating and cooling bills.
Impact resistance is another key factor to consider when you are shopping for replacement windows. In order to remain intact under the pressure of hurricane force winds, your windows will need to be incredibly strong and durable. Overall, aluminum impact windows offer better impact resistance than vinyl windows. You can also ask your window installers to provide you with more information about the impact resistant qualities of each type of window.
Both vinyl and aluminum windows should be fairly easy for your window contractor to install. By choosing new impact windows that offer simple installation, you will be able to get your home up to hurricane code in no time. Whether you choose vinyl or aluminum windows for your property, you will want to make sure that you hire a reputable contractor for your installation. A trained window installation professional will make sure that your new windows are ready to withstand a major storm.
Here are 5 things you need to know about Hurricane Impact Windows: Vinyl vs Aluminum Frames:
Cost – Vinyl windows cost about 20-30% more than aluminum options. Cost is always a big consideration, but depending on your specific needs, the extra investment may be worthwhile.
Energy Efficiency – Vinyl windows are more energy efficient (thus the higher price tag), however both types of frames still provide much better insulation than a window that is not impact-resistant. Aluminum windows attract heat from the outside into the building, but for an added cost can be protected with thermal breaks to improve energy efficiency.
Curb Appeal – For the most part, vinyl windows are more appealing to the eye and are available in a wide variety of finishes. However, they cannot be painted, so exact color matches may not be possible. Due to their thicker frames, they also may not suit the style of the building they are needed for. Aluminum windows can be painted and therefore more color options are possible for exact matches. Their thinner frames also have a more modern appearance, which may be more suitable for bigger, commercial buildings.
Durability – Although both types of frames offer some resistance to scratches, marks and denting, vinyl windows are highly resistant. If they do become damaged, the exposed parts are the same color as the rest of the frame due to consistent use of one material throughout the frame. Comparatively, when there is damage to an aluminum window, the paint on the frame can be scratched off, revealing the metal underneath and making them less pleasing to the eye. The steel or zinc fasteners also have the potential to corrode over time. However, aluminum windows are stronger than vinyl.
Maintenance – Aluminum windows require more maintenance such as paint touch-ups and lubrication of their metal moving parts. Vinyl windows are relatively low-maintenance.
Majority of homeowner in West Palm Beach paid an average of $3,500-$8,000 in 2018. Does not include:
Any permits required for hurricane impact windows West Palm Beach projects.
Inspection and/or West Palm Beach building fees.
Materials and supply Palm Beach and Florida sales taxes.
Materials and supply West Palm Beach sales taxes.
Any general contractor fees, if used for the project. Such fees generally add another $223.44-$279.30 to the total.
How to choose what brand of window to buy?
1. All window companies or dealers represent one or more manufacturers of impact hurricane windows and doors.
It is similar to buying a stereo at Best Buy, you go to the store and ask the clerk what you are looking for and base your decision on what information is given to you, price, quality and warranty etc.
Best Buy carries a lot of different brands and manufacturers and it is the same way window companies operate.
However, unlike big department stores not all window companies carry the same windows and some dealers only carry 1 or 2 manufacturers and push those brands, because it is the only ones they sell.
All windows manufacturers have to go through Miami-Dade testing and/or State of Testing testing so that their products are approved so that they meet the Florida Building Code to be used for hurricane protection.
What this means is that a product can be Miami-Dade or Florida approved and meet code but not necessarily be the best fit for your building or project.
2. So how do you choose? Do your home work in first hiring the right contractor meeting criteria above.
Also that the company has plenty of choices in different window brands so that they cater to your needs, not theirs.
Any window company with prestige and a good reputation will have references, pictures of work and a showroom to compare products.
I always like to take my customers to existing jobs where my installers are working and show them the work in progress, work completed and the product we are proposing.
This also gives the potential customer to talk to the existing customer and get feedback about the work we are doing with them.
3. On a more technical level you should choose your impact hurricane windows and doors based on your needs for the product itself and the design pressure of the building.
How Much do Impact Windows Cost? – Factors That Determine Price
Window Type
The main factor that often defines the cost of installation for most windows is the window type. Typically, something such as rounded architectural window installation cost can turn out to be twice as high as for standard rectangular. And when it comes to protection, you’ll be paying the most for the price of hurricane windows
Window opening location
Hurricane impact windows cost can also be determined based on where the window is being installed. If the window is being installed on ground level in an area that’s fairly convenient and easy for installers to work in, then the cost will be likely within a cheap amount. If, however, installers need to work on a second floor or higher and are working on an area where flexibility and space is limited, then the average cost of impact windows offered to you may be on the higher end of the spectrum.
Opening materials
As simple as they are, the design and style of opening materials can also determine hurricane proof windows cost. The more complex they are in design, the more it will cost.
Size of window
storm window prices can soar depending on how big your new impact windows are. If you’re having standard, average-sized windows installed on your property, then you may either be offered the average cost of impact windows or a lower rate. However, if the window requires two people to install it, costs will likely be higher.
Window sill material
The strength of a window sill also contributes to the price of hurricane windows. Most who want impact windows typically choose stronger window sill material, leading to higher costs. But you can also opt-in having average strength window sill material installed as well.
Stucco patching/painting
Areas that often reside in hurricane zones usually have stucco siding – very common in Florida. Usually, the stucco that surrounds the window frame is damaged, even when replacement windows are being installed from inside the property. When the siding is damaged, a stucco specialist will need to be called in, further contributing to the increase in hurricane impact windows cost.
Lift Rental
For any windows that are being installed on the second floor or higher, a lift rental will be required. And with a lift rental, the average cost of impact windows tends to go up higher. Also, the duration for installing a second-story window tends to be fairly lengthy, further increasing cost estimates.
Time of Year
During hurricane season, the entire state of Florida will go into a frenzy just trying to get the necessary protection. So if you’re getting an installation during this time, hurricane proof windows cost will usually be above the average cost of impact windows. But during the off-season, you can definitely get it at a lowered price.
Installers are busier, so costs are higher, during hurricane season – and especially if a hurricane or tropical storm is brewing out at sea.
New vs. Replacement
Replacing your current windows can prove to be fairly costly. Installers will need to remove your current windows and implement the new impact windows, which will increase the average cost of impact windows. And this isn’t just due to the complexity of such a procedure, but also because it’s very time consuming. But if you’re property is currently undergoing construction and hurricane proof windows are installed to begin with, installation is much faster and less difficult to perform, making it more affordable to purchase.
Impact Window and Impact Door Installation
The last major component of impact window and door pricing is the installation. The typical installation process can take anywhere from one to three days, and this is ultimately determined by the number of windows and doors and the location of the windows and doors. While it can be DIY’d, we strongly recommend trusting in a highly-skilled impact window and door installation team. There are various nuances and technical skills required to ensure a flawless installation across an entire house, and an improper job can lead to the entire impact system failing.
As the largest dealer in impact windows within South Florida, we’re proud to also offer our in-house installation team. Experts for decades, our installers are able to minimize installation time while also ensuring an ideal execution for every single window and door. You can rest assured knowing that your new windows and doors will never fail you, even when a major hurricane is raging outside.
The average cost for window replacement with hurricane impact windows varies on the size of the windows.
When you are looking to replace your windows give us a call and we will provide you a free estimate.
In Conclusion, when you are prepared and ready to purchase hurricane impact windows, give us a call today at (561)598-6295 and schedule a free estimate or fill out our form.
One of our experts in the estimating department will speak to you and give you the best options.
The Window Guys provides top-notch impact window installation service in the following South Florida cities and towns:
If you and your family are suffering from outside noise penetrating your home, then you’re likely looking for any solution that will stop it instantly. Things like neighbors mowing their lawns, dogs barking, and traffic passing by can really damper your quality of life in your own home.
One solution that we get asked about all the time is impact windows for sound-proofing their home. The reality is: impact windows don’t cancel out noise completely from the outside world, but they do make a significant difference in the amount of ambient and distracting noise that tends to seep in.
Why Is So Much Noise Coming From Outside?
The main reason you’re likely hearing so much noise from outside is due to your windows. Older windows have a hard time deflecting sound pollution, allowing sounds to easily penetrate through and disrupt your day to day live.
While we would love to enjoy the benefits of noise-canceling windows, they simply don’t exist yet. Instead, all windows abide by a sound transmission class, or STC. STC measures the amount of noise that’s able to pass through a window. Standard windows typically have an STC of around 25-29. Impact windows have an STC of 45 or higher due to their construction.
STC and What Can Be Heard At Each Level
25: soft speech can be clearly heard and interpreted 30: normal speech can be clearly heard and interpreted 35: loud speech can be clearly heard and interpreted 40: loud speech can be heard but not interpreted 45: privacy threshold 50: loud sounds can be faintly heard 60+: true soundproofing
How Do Impact Windows Soundproof Your Home?
While standard windows are typically constructed from a wood frame and a single pane of glass, impact windows offer significant upgrades. The frame is usually constructed from either aluminum or vinyl which prevents cracking, splintering, or rusting. The outer layer of glass is tempered, providing a significant boost in energy efficiency, and the interior heat strengthened impact glass helps to dampen the noise outside and thus raises its STC dramatically.
In addition to its ability to lower ambient noise from outside, impact windows:
Improve HVAC efficiency
Reduces UV and heat entering home
Defends home against high winds, storm pressure, flying debris, and intruders
Insulates your home
What Noises Do Impact Windows Reduce?
When it comes to impact windows installed in your home, you can expect them to significantly reduce:
Street traffic
Car alarms
Construction
Planes
Trains
Loud music
Neighbors talking
Dogs barking
Enjoy Peace With The Window Guys
If you’re looking to enjoy some peace and quiet in your home, then the Window Guys have your back. To learn more about impact windows and receive a complimentary consultation with our experts, simply contact us online or give us a call at (561) 598-6295.
You’ve purchased your new impact windows and scheduled an appointment with The Window Guys, so you’re all set! Actually, that’s not the case. There are actually a few steps involved in ensuring that your home is prepared for our installation team during their visit. If your impact window installation appointment is coming up soon, you should consider the following steps to ensuring a perfect installation.
Trim Landscaping
Landscaping directly in front of your windows can be an immediate barrier to the window installation team getting your home’s impact windows placed. While you don’t have to fully remove them, you will need to clear space so that they can navigate through towards your window sill. Things like bushes, trees, and shrubs will need to be trimmed and cleared.
Clean Inside & Out
Anything directly inside and outside of the window space should be cleared out. Things like planters, wall art, exterior and interior furniture, tables, etc will need to be removed from the general area of your windows, as our team will be in and around the area very frequently. That way, you can rest assured knowing that our team won’t cause an accident with some of your belongings, as careful and experienced as they are.
Cover Furniture
Placing blankets or sheets over your furniture will keep them safe from any dust or debris that may be produced from the installation. Furniture should be about four-six feet away from your windows to ensure they’ll be safe.
Remove Window Covers
Window covers such as blinds and drapes will need to be momentarily removed, as they will also get in the way of the installation and will slow down the process. Cover Floors
Deactivate Alarms
Our installation teams will be in and out of your home, as well as constantly working on your existing windows. As such, leaving your alarms active will have them beeping nonstop. For the sake of the installation, please disable all alarms until our team’s work is complete.
Create Workspace
Our window installation team will need to work frequently on your windows, making adjustments as needed. If possible, setting up a small workspace for our team will be a tremendous help, as they’re able to set up their equipment and get to work in an efficient and organized manner.
Keep Kids and Pets Away
For the safety of everyone involved, including you and your loved ones we recommend that during an installation period access to work areas be restricted. If there is something specific needing attention while this process goes on then just let us know so it can get done right away for all parties involved!
With these steps in place, you’re ready for your impact window installation! Have a question about preparing for an impact window installation that you don’t see listed above? No problem! Contact the Window Guys online or give us a call at (561) 598-6295.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY Impact Resistant Glass Windows
Upgrading your windows to impact resistant glass is a great way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and defense. Your home shouldn’t have to suffer from subpar windows any longer. When purchasing impact resistant glass for your home, you’ve probably been considering if you can save and skip on the installation services provided by an impact windows supplier. While you certainly could DIY your impact windows, we strongly recommend against it. Even if you’re a highly experienced DIY-er, impact windows require significant technical know-how to install properly. Three of the main reasons why you should never DIY your impact resistant glass are:
You Can Only Size Them Once
Projects like building a wood deck for your backyard are great for both the emerging and seasoned DIY-er. If you make a mistake, you can drive over to your local hardware store, pick up the necessary supplies, make the necessary repairs/updates, and continue on. That’s not the case with impact windows. Despite its name, impact glass is still glass, and an improper measurement or cut could spell disaster. You’ll find yourself spending more on new pieces of impact glass than you would if you had just trusted in an experienced installation team.
Poor Installation Can Ruin Their Effectiveness
When you decided to upgrade to impact windows, you probably made the decision with the idea in mind that your current windows just weren’t cutting it. Whether your home was too hot/cold when it shouldn’t have been, or exterior noise was just constantly seeping in, you knew it was time to make a switch. An improper installation could lead to impact resistant glass that is just as underperforming as your current standard windows.
Incredibly Difficult And Dangerous For One Person
Make no mistake: impact windows are remarkably difficult to install, and can be very dangerous if installed incorrectly. Impact window installation is, at minimum, a two-person job. It’s practically impossible for even one highly skilled DIY-er to accomplish alone, and can lead to dangerous situations. When placing the impact window in its frame, if not sealed properly it can potentially fall out of its frame at any given time.
Impact window installation becomes even more difficult with multi-story homes, as you’ll likely have to have someone on the roof to help install it correctly.
Count On The Impact Window Installation Experts At The Window Guys
The expert installation team at The Window Guys has the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to provide you with a flawless installation. Improper installation can lead to your windows voiding warranty—our team makes sure that isn’t the case. Contact the Window Guys team today for a free quote and see how easy working with our installation team can be!
When a large storm makes its way for South Florida, there’s only so much you can do to properly defend your home as you hunker down. South Florida storms can be anything from a brief sun shower to the infamous category 5 hurricane. However make no mistake: every kind of storm can actually cause damage to your home. There’s a variety of ways a storm can affect your home, including:
Storm Damage Types
Rain Damage
One of the most common storm damage types that occurs to homes is, of course, rain damage. Constant heavy downpours can lead to rainwater seeping through cracks in your roof and walls. Rainwater that enters your home can become stagnant, pooling on certain parts of your ceilings. It will eventually form cracks allowing the rainwater to reach the ground, before bursting completely. Water that makes it inside your walls can damage the frame and rot the wood.
Wind Damage
Wind, depending on the strength of the storm, can be severely damaging. While mild gusts may knock over exterior furniture or decorations, hurricane force gales can uproot large trees, flip cars, and even rip your roof off completely.
Thrown Debris
As wind speeds pick up during a storm, loose debris, furniture, decorations, and more left outside can be picked up and thrown around. Flung tree branches can completely destroy standard windows, and cause tremendous damage to vehicles left outside in the driveway.
Hail Damage
While an uncommon occurrence, hail has been known to fall during storms in Florida from time to time. Large, baseball sized hail has been known to fall on occasion, causing major damage to your property. You could find things like your mailbox and car completely dented from an onslaught of hail, as well as damaged tiles on your roof.
Mold Formation
Mold formation can occur following rain damage from a heavy storm. That stagnant water creates damp, humid spots in your home that are ideal for mold formation. Mold will begin to grow exponentially, leading to potential health risks for your entire family.
Flood Damage
During heavy South Florida storms, there can be enough rainfall in a short enough period of time to cause flash floods. These fast moving, high rising waters are extremely dangerous, so it’s imperative you get to safety as soon as possible. Flash floods can rise so high that they enter your home, causing damage inside and out.
Fire Damage
An uncommon type of damage that occurs during storms, fire damage certainly is possible. Heavy storms can down power lines, causing sparks to fly. Nearby branches, trees, bushes, and grass can catch ablaze.
Additionally, lightning strikes can also cause fires to form, which can cause massive damage to the surrounding area as well.
Landscaping Damage
Landscaping and hardscaping done to your home can, unfortunately, be damaged during South Florida’s storms. Heavy rains and winds can rip trees and bushes right out of the ground, and damage tiles in your driveway and backyard patio.
Exterior Property Damage
During heavy south Florida storms such as tropical storms and hurricanes, it is highly recommended that you bring exterior furniture such as grills, patio sets, and your car inside to avoid being damaged or causing damage elsewhere to your home. Even so, heavy winds can completely destroy things like your backyard fence.
Window Damage
As major storms roll in they bring heavy pressure that puts major stress on your home. Standard windows can only bear so much before they completely shatter. This can be a major disaster, as your windows are the only barrier between your home’s interior and the outside world. When there’s a major storm raging outside, you need a home defense solution that can and will protect your family—that’s where the Window Guys come in. As the largest provider of high-quality impact windows, you can ensure your home’s interior is defended against whatever that storm may bring. Contact us to receive a free quote and ensure your home’s ready for hurricane season 2022 today!
