The Importance of Durable Windows

 Nine major storms have impacted Alabama and neighboring Gulf Coast states, including Florida, in the last 90 years, causing property damage, injuries, and deaths.

While natural disasters such as hurricanes are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to make your home hurricane-proof. One of the best ways to do this is to install durable windows that are hurricane-resistant in your home.

Difference between Standard and Durable Windows

Standard Windows

Standard windows have two sides and a middle insulating filer.

These windows have been tested and shown to be suitable to keep your property safe from security risks. They aren't, however, sturdy enough to resist hurricane-force winds. Winds and rain can produce cracks in wood and aluminum, putting the entire structure in jeopardy. They aren't durable enough to withstand extreme conditions.

The only benefit of installing a standard window instead of a strong one is that it is less expensive. If you don't have durable windows, though, you may end up paying more money on damages after a hurricane than you would have if you did.

Durable Windows

Unlike standard windows, durable windows, better known as impact-resistant windows, are made of sturdy materials appropriate for Florida's harsh weather. To ensure that these windows can withstand strong winds and heavy rain, they are put through comprehensive quality and durability testing.

These impact-resistant windows are made from high-quality fiberglass skins with a polyurethane core. Their hinges and frames are also composed of long-lasting materials that aren't commonly found on other windows or doors used indoors.

Benefits of Durable Windows

1. Hurricane Defense

Hurricane impact windows' most evident benefit is that they provide adequate storm protection. Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), used to enhance the durability of windows, protects the windows from shattering when impacted by debris.

These windows protect you and your family 24/7. They are put through extensive testing by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the North American Fenestration Standard to ensure that they can withstand adverse weather conditions.

To be designated as impact-resistant, windows must pass a series of tests. During the first test, ten projectiles are shot from cannon at multiple glass spots. The strength of the glass is then tested by hitting it with a nine-pound piece of lumber. In the second test, high-end machines blast forceful gusts on the glass.  

The glass is classified as impact-resistant if it passes the test with flying colors and is appropriate for use in residential windows to defend against storms and hurricanes. The rigorous testing ensures these windows are durable and provide maximum protection.

2.  Low-Energy Consumption

Another benefit of durable windows is that they help you save money on your energy bills. Summers in Florida can be burning hot, necessitating air conditioning to be comfortable.

Standard windows allow cold air to escape quickly, so you’d have to use your air conditioners for long periods, increasing your energy expenditure.

LoE-coated materials aid in the creation of energy-efficient hurricane impact windows. They will help you stay energy efficient throughout the year. They'll keep the cold air in your home for longer and ward off hot breezes and humid air out of your home.

3. Theft Prevention

Home burglaries are more common than most people think, whether they like it or not. The windows are one of the most easiest ways for criminals to access your home.

Durable and impact-resistant windows will keep your home secure because they are nearly impossible to break. Breaking windows without the residents noticing will be challenging for intruders. Impact-resistant windows will safeguard your home in various ways.

4. Protects Your Home from the Sun's Dangerous UV Rays

When the hot Florida sun shines down on your home, it's almost as bad as being outside! People frequently wonder how they got tanned inside after spending a few hours reading by the window. The truth is that regular glass does not protect the sun's dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Long-term exposure to UV light destroys your home's paint, photos, artwork, and fabrics, as well as causes sunburn. Impact windows shield your valuable interiors from fading and discoloration caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

This is especially important for you in Florida, where you receive direct sunlight throughout the year.

Durable doors will shield your home from the sun's harmful UV rays. These doors have impact-resistant glass, which reduces the UV rays that enter your home. In this manner, you can enjoy natural illumination without having to worry about UV rays harming your skin.

 

5. Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal

Durable windows come in a variety of styles to complement different house designs. They’re also incredibly practical and utilitarian. When installing hurricane shutters, you need to disengage or remove them after each storm.

When not in use, some permanently fastened shutters fold up neatly into a protective enclosure while others remain in place all year. With this comes the added responsibility of putting them on and taking them off before and after each storm.

Remember that when you use storm shutters, you're typically stuck sitting in the dark for the duration of the storm because all of your windows are covered. You might also lose power, which means you'll be fumbling around by candlelight.

Because durable and impact-resistant windows don't need to be covered, you can see outside during a hurricane and make use of the natural light when the power goes out. Furthermore, these windows have the same appearance as ordinary windows but offer enhanced protection against powerful and damaging winds.

If you wish to get hurricane-resistant windows installed in your house, contact EcoView Windows. They’re a leading provider of impact windows and energy-efficient windows in Pensacola, Daphne, and Alabama.

From door replacement solutions to manufacturing the best energy-efficient windows in FL, they offer a range of doors and windows that guarantee improved living for homeowners based in Alabama and Florida.

Contact them for more information.