Impact windows can literally be a lifesaver if you live in a storm zone. When a tornado or hurricane comes through, everything in your home is in danger. Quality products can help to protect your loved ones and your belongings when storms hit. Most hurricane or impact windows are vinyl or uPVC windows.
Basics Of Impact Windows
True impact windows are designed specifically for areas that are prone to severe storms. Although more expensive than standard windows, when you consider the additional cost of storm shutters then the price is similar. They have stronger window frames and hardware to keep them intact when struck by flying debris. The panes are laminated glass, which is simply thin layers of glass bonded to a plastic inner layer. The glass isn’t less likely to break than other panes, but the flexible inner layer will stay whole. The home remains closed off and water and debris prevented from entering.
Impact Windows Prices
Range: $1500 to $2500 installed
Impact windows are certainly more expensive than normal ones and on average about $650 more than non impact windows that have a storm panel. The reason for the added costs is the much better replacement window ratings that protect homes from hurricanes and other destructive storms. Discover on what impact windows cost.
Types of Impact Windows Glass
Polyvinyl Butyral
PVB is the same material as car windshields. This is one of the best and most commonly used materials for impact windows. Tough and hard to tear, it stretches to absorb the blow from whatever hits it. It does very well at warding off even the heaviest debris and keeping rain out of the home. Sometimes PVB is hybridized with a layer of PET film. These are less common, mainly because they are more difficult to make.
Sentry Glass Plus
SGB is much harder and stiffer than PVB and does well preventing debris from penetrating. Additionally, the glass is bullet-proof and bomb-resistant. Therefore, PVB is arguably the best material on the market, but is also quite expensive. Some might consider it a little extreme for a residential home. Window manufacturers use it more often on wooden windows that vinyl but it can be found on stronger vinyl sometimes. Less expensive vinyl windows are often not strong enough to withstand the impact to the frame even if the glass is able to stay whole.
Resin Laminates
Manufacturers pour resin in between the two glass panes to create resin laminates. These are less expensive than most other options, being much cheaper to manufacture. They are often made by smaller companies or used for custom windows. For a lower cost product it performs reasonably well. Homes in a dangerous area, where storms hit every year, will probably be better served by a higher quality.
Manufacturers of Impact Windows
PGT
PGT produces a good laminated glass impact window. Most of theirs are aluminum window frames, which perform well in hurricane-prone coastal areas. The largest such manufacturer in the southeast United States is PGT.
Andersen Coastal
Andersen Windows makes a line of impact windows called Stormwatch. They have strengthened frames and hardware to withstand severe storms along with glass that can keep debris from entering your home.
Custom Window Systems
CWS sells a number of different windows and doors, including the Aria, 600 series, 8100 and 8200, StormStrong, and the Windpact series. Additionally, CWS manufactures a quality impact window at a price point that (should) be slightly less than PGT.
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