While impact windows aren't indestructible, they are very hard to break. To get through, a burglar would create a ruckus and likely be caught. Breaking through impact windows typically proves to be considerable work and energy, forcing burglars to move on.
Impact Resistant Windows Help Prevent Break-Ins
Although impact resistant windows and doors are not 100% burglar proof, they make breaking into a home or business through a window or door too difficult, noisy and time-consuming.
In the general sense, impact-resistant windows are not a 100% deterrent to crime. However, they are far harder to break and can make gaining entry to your home far more difficult for burglars. The reason for this is due to the unique design impact windows use.
Hurricane windows are treated with a laminate that prevents the glass from breaking but does not stop a bullet from passing through them. These windows are designed to protect against flying debris caused by hurricane winds. So, to answer your question, no, hurricane or impact windows aren't bulletproof.
The biggest drawback of impact windows is their cost, which is why they are typically only used in high-risk areas. However, it is beneficial in the long run because they last much longer than other types of glass.
There is a common misconception that hurricane windows and doors are “impact-proof”, but that is not true. They are called impact windows because they are impact-resistant, not impact-proof. The glass may crack when it's hit, but it will not break into pieces, or break away from the frame.
On average, a hurricane window can last between 10 and 25 years. However, the life span of a hurricane window heavily depends on the brand responsible for building the windows and the materials they choose to use.
Impact Windows Are Just for Looks
Knowing that your home has permanent protection against hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms at any given time also provides peace of mind. Ultimately, hurricane-resistant windows are capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour.
Impact resistant windows, also known as hurricane windows, are designed and made to withstand high winds (up to 170 mph) and resist shattering when struck.
Category 4 Hurricane
These winds can destroy a home's roof structure and exterior walls, topple most trees and power lines, and cause damage that will last for months. Category 4 hurricanes cause extreme harm to glass windows and doors for homes and businesses.
Impact windows are able to withstand all wind-blown debris, forced entry attempts, and wind speeds of up to 175 mph. This is the equivalent wind speed of a Category 5 hurricane.
A Category 4 hurricane will blow out most windows on high-rise buildings, uproot most trees and will likely down many power lines. Power outages can last for weeks or even months after storms of this level.
Hurricane impact windows, while stronger and more water resistant than ordinary windows, will still let wind driven rain intrude. Resistance to water leakage is one of the performance standards hurricane windows are tested for to ensure they meet national standard requirements.
Because impact windows can help protect your home from high winds and flying debris, your insurance company may give you a discount on your premium. In some cases, the discount can be as much as 20 to 30 percent. That can add up to significant savings over the life of your policy.
Impact windows are oftentimes worth the money. Though they're typically more costly than standard windows, the impact options can reduce the price of your home insurance and help prevent costly home damages caused by storms.
Many impact windows are rated to function properly from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand and materials.
Installing these windows significantly lowers your chances of major damage to your home. Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it. So next time a hurricane hits your neighborhood, don't be caught unprotected.
Impact windows protect your home from flying debris and wind, while hurricane windows take it one step further. Hurricane windows are often constructed to meet specific building codes and local requirements.
Installation of hurricane-proof windows can actually give you an excellent return on your investment – between 75-85% – if you plan to sell or even refinance your home in the near future.
A standard hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds, but it will shatter if struck by airborne debris.
According to Ocean Impact Windows, standard residential windows typically can be expected to sustain winds up to 77 mph before shattering. More advance windows are able to sustain winds up to 173 mph!
And impact-windows are a great place to start to protect against tornadoes. Impact-resistant windows protect against impact from debris at high speeds because of their special design. So, whether it is a hurricane or a tornado, your home stands its best chance of survival if you have impact windows installed.
The average cost of hurricane-impact windows for an entire home is $1,908 to $10,707, with a national average of $5,332. The average price for each individual hurricane window ranges from $100 to $500, including installation.
They can help increase the value of your home while simultaneously decreasing your energy costs and minimize the risk of damage from storms. In addition, when you install impact-resistant windows, you may also qualify for certain tax credits or homeowners' insurance benefits.
Protection and peace of mind
This reality alone makes storm protection, such as impact windows worth their cost. Impact windows, and other storm protection products, can protect you during severe storms. Impact windows should meet the most current FL building codes.