It’s hurricane season here on the East Coast. If you’ve been through one of our notorious weather events, you may be considering ways to safeguard your home when the inevitable storm makes landfall again.
In hurricane-prone Charleston, high-impact windows are a wise option.
It’s hurricane season here on the East Coast. If you’ve been through one of our notorious weather events, you may be considering ways to safeguard your home when the inevitable storm makes landfall again.
In hurricane-prone Charleston, high-impact windows are a wise option.
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What Makes Them ‘Hurricane-Resistant’
Impact windows are engineered to withstand windborne debris and are lab-tested under some pretty extreme conditions. For example, windows designed to satisfy ASTM standards must withstand the force of a 9-pound 2×4 striking the window end-on at 50 feet per second. So, yeah, they’re pretty tough.
What makes them stronger than your conventional window is superior glazing, plus a thin film of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) between two layers of glass. This membrane absorbs the impact when struck.
Impact windows won’t shatter. They’ll only crack in a spiderweb pattern, like your car windshield, and only if they’re struck by a missile-like object. It’s a safety feature that will go a long way towards protecting your property during a Category 5 hurricane with 200-mile-per-hour winds.
They’re Pricey, But Worth It
You can expect to pay between $40 and $55 per square foot, making them pricier than your average window. But the investment may be worth it for superior protection. Plus, impact windows count as “risk mitigation” and may reduce your homeowner’s insurance depending on your coverage. Generally, you need to install impact windows and doors on all openings to be eligible for a reduction. Ask your provider what is required to qualify for discounts.
You may also benefit from long-term savings. Impact windows are efficient, helping you save more on your electricity bill. Look for products that are rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council for energy-efficiency standards and have the Energy Star label.
If you’re interested in installing impact windows, Charleston Roofs + Windows can guide you through your options. Call today to schedule an appointment.