Most older homes have windows that do not latch, close, or operate properly which can be a nuisance and could also be dangerous in hurricanes; even with hurricane shutters on. With impact hurricane windows and doors you do not need hurricane shutters.
The basic answer is no. You do not need hurricane shutters if you have impact windows. The impact windows will protect your home and family from hurricane winds and flying debris.
Hurricane shutters don't offer the best protection against debris and high winds. So if you are looking for the ultimate in storm protection, you can't go wrong with hurricane impact resisting windows which will give your home the perfect protection against flying debris, strong winds, and other perils.
Windows and doors reinforced with impact glass can help protect your property and your family from the devastating effects of hurricane-force winds.
Hurricane Windows & Impact Windows Are Not the Same
To be considered a hurricane window, a product simply needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance. An impact window, on the other hand, will offer wind resistance as well as protection from impacts.
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.
Benefits of hurricane shutters
They provide a number of benefits for homeowners. First, hurricane shutters are a much more affordable option than installing impact resistant windows.
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.
Having hurricane rated impact windows installed can actually save you money over time, which can significantly defray the upfront costs. Because your home will be better protected against severe weather, you may enjoy significant discounts on your homeowners' insurance premiums.
Hurricane-force winds can lead to a tremendous amount of pressure against your windows. Without hurricane shutters or impact-resistant glass, your windows may shatter as a result of this pressure, bringing in rain and debris that can cause significant damage to your home.
It also means you really should have some form of hurricane protection for your home in order to protect your windows, doors, lanais and even your interior. Hurricane shutters are a great way to protect your home. And because there are so many types of storm shutters there is a shutter option for every home and budget.
Shutters should be avoided on double-mulled windows, picture windows, bay windows, and most dormer windows. Can't afford to replace the shutters? Simply adding shutter hardware is a little detail that goes a long way. A home with properly sized shutters.
Do all houses need shutters? Absolutely not, and many, many houses would look much better without shutters, rather than with “today's” shutters. What do we mean by that? For starters, many shutters today serve no purpose, other than to add an accent color, and to fill in space around windows.
Remember – homeowners or businesses; any Florida area where the basic wind velocity is 120 mph or above is subject to the hurricane shutter code. All the areas within one mile of the coast, with wind speed above 110 mph, also come under the same category.
There are many benefits to having impact glass (also called hurricane resistant glass, or hurricane resistant windows) installed in your home or business.
Many impact windows are rated to function properly from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand and materials.
The answer is a tricky one. Impact glass, also known as hurricane glass windows, is not required across the entire state of Florida. Still, they ARE required in some coastal regions, with some counties being more strict than others.
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 multi-layered meaning that even when the outside glass is damaged, the window may crack but it does not shatter. This makes breaking into a home through an impact window far more time-consuming and far more difficult.
While no window, lock, light or security system is 100% burglar proof, impact resistant windows and doors make it much more difficult for intruders to gain entry into your home.
So if you plan on putting hurricane shutters on your home, know that once it's installed call a state mitigation company and have your home inspected. Your insurance discount may not be as large as 33% but it may let you keep a little more money in your pocket.
The materials are so well constructed that they will protect your windows from flying debris and strong wind damage. Do hurricane shutters increase home value? Yes, they save you money on your homeowners insurance policy and are attractive to future buyers.
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.