Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows— Which is Better?

If you live in the coastal region of Florida, which is a hurricane-prone area, it's crucial to take measures to keep your home safe against storms and strong winds. For many Florida homeowners, the decision comes down to hurricane shutters and impact windows. However, there are several factors to consider, such as cost, strength, durability, maintenance, as well as aesthetic preferences.



Florida's building code requires residents and commercial property owners to install durable hurricane impact double-hung windows to protect their facilities from hurricane damage.

Additionally, installing impact windows increases your likelihood of getting insurance coverage for hurricane damage repair costs. Despite this, many people prefer hurricane shutters because of aesthetic preferences. Although conventional windows have a wide range of design and color options, installing impact windows doesn't mean you have to sacrifice appearance. You can easily customize impact windows to improve your curb appeal.

Before you decide between hurricane shutters and impact windows, consider the following factors to make an informed decision at the end:

Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows

Effectiveness

When it comes to effectiveness, impact windows and hurricane shutters provide homeowners with peace of mind. Both options are great for protecting your home against hurricane damage.

However, hurricane shutters can be hard to handle as they can't be installed immediately. If you're away on vacation and haven't installed your hurricane shutters, this can put your home in danger. Besides, taking heavy shutters up and down every year can be a big hassle. It requires a minimum of at least one hour to put the shutter up and take them down through the entire home.

With impact windows, you can be at peace knowing that the window's strong and insulated glass panes will always keep your home safe and secure.

Impact window glass remains intact even when a flying projectile strikes it. It is also designed to withstand high-impact forces and winds without breaking, keeping your home's valuables safe.

Comfort During Storm



Being stuck inside your home when there's a raging hurricane can be scary. Although hurricane shutters and impact windows can protect you from the strong winds and flying debris outside, hurricane shutters create complete darkness inside your home. A hurricane is almost always followed by a power outage which can be disconcerting, especially if you have young children.

On the other hand, impact windows offer natural light inside your home, even when there's a hurricane outside. During a power outage, they can bring comfort and normalcy.

Additionally, most impact windows are energy efficient and highly insulated. This will also help reduce the noise from the outside. The howling winds and rainwater during a hurricane can be minimized significantly by impact windows. They will keep your children calm and peaceful during hurricane-related chaos.

Convenience

Preparing for hurricane season can be extremely stressful and difficult. While readying your home for unpredictable weather conditions in Florida, hurricane shutters installation is always on top of the preparation list. However, if the shutters aren't fixed right, you can face a lot of damage. You'll also have to be present at home or at your business site to put the hurricane shutters in place.

In comparison, impact windows, once installed, are ready to face the hurricane. They don't require prepping for the hurricane; all you have to do is lock the windows and doors. Therefore, if you want to minimize delays and reduce the likelihood of injuries while panicking, we'd recommend installing impact windows.

Durability

Impact windows are designed especially to face hurricanes and other natural disasters. Even when flying projectiles and debris strike, the windows aren't easily affected.

Hurricane shutters can become debris if they're not installed right by the homeowner, putting their own and other homeowners' safety and security at risk. Additionally, hurricane shutters are made up of aluminum or steel that corrodes faster than impact windows, especially after coming in contact with rainwater.  

Cost

Both residential and commercial property hurricane shutters are cheap and easy to install. Many buyers opt for hurricane shutters because they cost less than impact windows that require a professional replacement home window provider to install them.

However, it's important to remember that impact windows will save you a lot of money. Impact windows are low maintenance, lower your energy bill, and reduce insurance premiums in the future. If the window glass is cracked due to a storm, the installation company's warranty can come in handy, saving you the repair costs.

If you're considering selling your home in the future, we recommend you opt for impact windows because they'll bring you 85 percent ROI on resale.

Everyday Benefits of Impact Windows

Most homeowners look for benefits beyond hurricane safety. Here are some everyday benefits of impact windows:

Sound Insulation

Another feature of impact windows that you can enjoy is the noise cancellation property. Whether you live near a traffic area or construction zone, impact windows can tremendously reduce disruptive noise.

Intrusion

Since impact windows are designed to withstand heavy rainfall, storm, and hurricanes, they can, without a doubt, deter burglars.

UV Rays Protection

You may have noticed that the furniture directly hit by sunlight fades with time, causing permanent discoloration. The damage to furniture is due to UV rays. UV rays are harmful to your skin and damage your home's content.

Impact windows can guard your home and your family members against UV rays.

Customization

Impact windows are also customizable. Many reputable companies in Florida and Alabama offer customization options for their clients so they can purchase impact windows with frames, materials, colors, and sizes that suit their needs.


 


EcoView Windows & Doors are window and door replacement service providers. They have established themselves as one of the leading replacement home windows providers among Florida and Alabama homeowners.

They go above and beyond to provide quality services to their customers and fulfill their home improvement requirements and needs.

You can visit their website to learn more about their services or contact them for more information.  

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