What Impact-Resistant Windows Do For Your Home

Live in a hurricane-prone area or have an older home with weak windows. Impact windows might be worth considering—today’s impact glass sandwiches an inner layer of polyvinyl butyral between two sheets of glass. They also insulate well, reducing the workload on your air conditioner during the summer months. These features make them an excellent choice for new construction and can help you recover costs through lower homeowners insurance premiums small bathroom ideas.

Strength

Unlike standard glass, impact windows have a thick inner layer made from durable vinyl materials like ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). They’re far less likely to shatter and fly around the home, even if something as large as a tree branch is thrown against it.

The strength of impact windows is tested using a “Design Pressure” rating, and some State requires that impact-rated windows meet strict standards. It means that the windows can hold up against high winds and flying debris during hurricanes, significantly reducing potential damage to the home.

Besides storm protection, impact-resistant windows also help prevent break-ins from flying debris. Since they’re far more challenging to break than standard windows, burglars are much less likely to try entering a home by kicking doors or breaking windows. It makes impact resistant windows a valuable security investment that many homeowners recover by lowering their insurance premiums over time. It is a cost worth the peace of mind, safety, and energy savings they provide.

Durability

The outer layer of PET laminated glass protects your home from debris flung during a severe storm, reducing damage and property loss. In addition, if the window is broken, the inner PVB membrane holds the pieces of glass together instead of shattering them into sharp shards.

It reduces the risk of injury to people inside your home or commercial building, as well as causing further damage to the structure. The PVB inner membrane also prevents break-ins by making it more difficult for thieves to enter your home. Moreover, it blocks out harmful UV rays that can fade furnishings and other items in your home and cause skin problems for you and your family.

The durable nature of impact windows makes them a good choice for homes in hurricane-prone areas, where local building codes often require them to protect against severe weather events. However, they can be an excellent investment for any homeowner who wants to increase the safety and security of their property.

Security

In addition to protecting your home from the destructive forces of Mother Nature, impact windows also provide a line of defense against burglars. It takes much more than a glancing blow from a crowbar to break these windows. Burglars usually look for easy targets and will likely pass by a home with impact-resistant windows and move on to a less-protected house.

The Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) layer that sits compressed between the glass panes of impact-resistant windows prevents shattering even when subject to severe force. As a result, they are a great option for areas vulnerable to hurricanes since they assist homeowners in avoiding expensive property damage in the case of a storm. These windows also block harmful UV rays that cause wood, carpeting, and furnishings to fade over time.

This extra level of protection makes impact-resistant windows a wise investment for any homeowner. They may cost more than regular windows and doors, but the increased security can pay for itself over time through lower home insurance premiums.

Noise Reduction

Impact windows keep the home safe and secure. They protect against flying debris and provide a stronger barrier than standard glass. The thicker inner layer of laminated polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in impact windows makes them shatter-resistant. It prevents the shards of glass from becoming a projectile during a storm and allows the window to remain intact, protecting the house’s structure.

These windows also protect against harsh sun rays, reducing the amount of UV rays penetrating the house. The protective coating blocks 99% of UVB and UVA radiation, helping to preserve wallpaper or paint, furniture, carpeting, and artwork.

Although these windows are best for homes near coastal areas, they can be installed in any house to add security and durability. They can help reduce energy costs and are often eligible for homeowners insurance discounts. The upfront cost of these windows can be offset by savings on utility bills and increased property value during resale.