Why Investing in Hurricane Impact Windows is a Smart Long-Term Decision
Whether you live in an area at risk for hurricane damage or want to protect your home, impact windows can be worth the investment. In addition to providing value-added security, these durable windows can save you money on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
They can also offer other benefits, including decreased noise pollution and UV protection for furniture and flooring.
Reduced Home Insurance Premiums
Aside from securing your property and protecting your family, investing in hurricane impact windows can also provide other financial benefits. For starters, they help you qualify for tax credits that can save you money. In addition, they can help you cut down on energy costs, which leads to more savings.
Depending on your area and insurance type, most homeowners can get discounts on their premiums when they install impact windows.
The thick inner layer of EVA or PVB in impact windows helps them withstand winds much stronger than normal windows. They can resist Category 1 storms that reach 74-95 MPH and protect your home from the more destructive Category 2 and Category 3 storms, which hit at 96-113 MPH. If you live in a hurricane-prone region, your local building codes may require you to have impact windows for safety and security reasons.
Increased Resale Value
Whether or not you plan to move shortly, it’s always worth considering your home’s resale value when making significant upgrades. If you are in an area prone to extreme weather events, hurricane windows can offer valuable protection for your property and increase your resale value.
Homebuyers are more likely to pay for a house with extra storm protection measures, and impact windows are an effective way of preventing expensive damage from debris generated by high winds during severe storms and hurricanes. This increased resale value can easily cover the cost of the windows and doors or even surpass them.
Other than protecting your home from storms and hurricanes, impact windows can also help you reduce noise pollution. If you live in a busy urban area, you may be frustrated by the constant barrage of outside voices, vehicular traffic, and blaring stereos. The added PVB layer and insulation on your impact windows will provide a barrier against the noise, and you can enjoy a quieter home.
Reduced Noise Pollution
While most homeowners purchase hurricane impact windows to protect their homes from damage during a hurricane, they also have other benefits that can help save them money. These include reduced noise pollution, energy efficiency, and a higher resale value.
Noise pollution can be a significant problem for many homeowners living in urban areas. It can be hard to relax in your home when the neighborhood constantly buzzes with traffic, teenagers playing deafening music, or lawn care crews working at 6 AM.
When you invest in impact windows, the inner layer of laminated ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) helps to block out outside noise. This feature can make your home a quiet oasis where you and your family can relax when it is time to unwind. This benefit also reduces the stress on your cooling system during the summer, leading to potential energy savings. Impact windows increase safety and prevent furniture, flooring, and artwork fading by blocking harmful UV rays.
Increased Energy Efficiency
One of the most essential benefits that impact windows and doors offer is improved energy efficiency. Leaky, single-pane windows are a significant source of energy loss in homes. This leads to higher electric bills and less comfortable living conditions.
Hurricane-resistant windows and doors provide better insulation, reducing energy costs by minimizing heat and cold airflow in your home. Additionally, impact windows are often designed with tinted glass that helps to block harmful UV rays from penetrating your home. This can help prevent fading of window treatments, furniture, art, flooring, and skin damage.
Many homeowners install hurricane windows for security but they can also increase home value and appeal to buyers. These include reduced insurance premiums, improved energy efficiency, and more significant security measures against forced entries. In addition, installing impact-rated windows can help you avoid fines and legal liabilities when selling your property.