Guide to Different Types of Impact Windows

In the Miami-Dade area, building codes require that openings in commercial and residential buildings be protected from wind-borne debris caused by hurricanes. While some homeowners rely on shutters to protect their windows, others install impact windows because they also provide protection from intruders. Impact windows are also an attractive feature to home buyers, which makes them even more valuable than shutters.

Options to Consider When Choosing Impact Windows

As you think about purchasing impact windows for your home, it’s important to consider the different types of impact windows. Knowing what’s available can help you decide whether impact windows are the right option for you at this time.

1. Glass

The type of glass you select for your windows will affect your home’s energy efficiency and your windows’ performance.

1. Laminated: Laminated glass is made from two panes of glass bonded to polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in the middle. Laminated glass is designed to be far stronger than traditional glass.
2. Insulated laminated: Insulated laminated glass consists of two sheets of laminated glass with a hermetically sealed space in the middle. Insulated laminated glass can improve your home’s energy efficiency at times of year when the temperature outside is very warm.
3. Low-e glass: Low-e glass allows visible light to pass through the glass while blocking ultraviolet rays. This prevents heat from escaping or entering the home, which improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Your local professional can help you decide which type of glass and features are right for your home based on your location and other factors.

2. Frame Materials

The type of material you choose for your windows will affect your window’s maintenance, durability, and longevity.

At FAS Exteriors, we offer high-quality impact windows designed to provide superior protection for homes in hurricane-prone areas. Our impact resistant windows come with either aluminum or steel frames, each offering unique benefits to help withstand high winds and severe weather conditions. Choosing the right frame material is essential to ensure your windows deliver the durability and security your home needs.

Aluminum frames are a popular choice for hurricane windows due to their lightweight yet sturdy construction. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for Florida’s humid and coastal environments. These frames provide excellent structural support while allowing for sleek, modern designs that complement any home style. Aluminum-framed impact resistant windows are engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris, offering reliable protection without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

Steel frames, on the other hand, are known for their exceptional strength and durability. Steel-framed impact windows provide an extra layer of security, making them one of the toughest options available for homes in hurricane prone areas. Their sturdy construction ensures that your windows can endure the most extreme weather conditions, including powerful storms and high winds. While steel frames may be heavier than aluminum, they offer superior resistance to impact and are highly valued for their long-lasting performance.

Both aluminum and steel-framed impact resistant windows from FAS Exteriors are designed to keep your home safe and secure while enhancing energy efficiency and curb appeal. Whether you prefer the lightweight versatility of aluminum or the unmatched strength of steel, our impact windows provide peace of mind and protection against Florida’s unpredictable weather. Trust FAS Exteriors to help you choose the best hurricane windows to safeguard your home for years to come.

3. Styles

When impact windows first came about, they were available in limited styles. Today, these windows are available in as many styles as traditional windows, so you can choose the type that best fits your home.

Single Hung/Double Hung

Single-hung impact windows have a movable lower sash and a stationary upper sash. Double-hung windows have two moveable sashes. These windows are a traditional window style that can be found in homes around the country. Single and double-hung windows are incredibly common, which makes them tried and true in the world of windows.

Picture

Impact picture windows do not open. The glass on impact picture windows remains stationary. They serve the function of allowing natural light into the home while putting on display beautiful objects within, but they’re not designed for airflow. Picture windows are most often found in living rooms and foyers.

Casement

Casement impact windows open and close outward with the turn of a hand crank. The advantage of casement windows over other types of windows is that they allow maximum airflow into the home because the entire window opens at once. Whereas single hung and double hung windows are always at least half blocked even – when the windows are fully opened – casement windows are very different.

Sliding

Sliding windows are built like miniature sliding glass doors. One or both horizontal sashes can be operable. Sliding windows are especially easy to open and shut because they require no lifting (unlike single and double hung windows). Because they have no pulleys or internal springs, these windows are also very durable and low maintenance.

4 Benefits of Impact Windows – No Matter What Type

Regardless of the type of impact windows you purchase for your home, you should be aware of the many benefits of impact windows, including:

1. Security: Impact windows are hard to break, which makes them extra secure against break-ins and intruders.
2. Noise reduction: These windows can help insulate your home from sound. No window is completely soundproof but laminate adds a buffer between your home and outside noises.
3. UV protection: Windows with low-e coating is designed to filter the harmful UV rays that can warm your house and cause your furniture and flooring to fade.
4. Durability: Impact windows are designed to withstand exposure to extreme weather.

Enjoy Both Energy Efficiency and Impact Resistance From Your New Windows

Impact windows not only provide superior protection against storms but also offer significant energy savings, making them an excellent choice for South Florida homeowners. Our high impact windows are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they meet strict energy efficiency standards that help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. In a region like South Florida, where cooling costs can be high due to the warm climate, installing energy-efficient impact windows can make a noticeable difference in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature year-round.

These windows are designed with advanced materials and technologies that minimize heat transfer, keeping your home cooler during hot summer months and reducing the strain on your air conditioning system. By improving your home’s insulation, high impact windows help prevent unwanted heat gain and loss, leading to more consistent indoor temperatures and increased comfort. 

Choosing ENERGY STAR certified impact windows from FAS Exteriors means you’re investing in products that not only protect your home from severe weather but also contribute to long-term energy savings. Experience the dual benefits of enhanced security and improved energy efficiency with our expertly installed impact windows tailored for South Florida’s unique climate.

Ready to Install Impact Windows in Your Home? Contact FAS Exteriors

Impact windows can help improve your home’s value and keep your home protected from some of the most severe storms. FAS Exteriors offers safe and reliable hurricane impact windows designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. 

We proudly carry top-quality impact windows and doors from trusted brands like PGT and Simonton, known for their durability, energy efficiency, and superior performance. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect solutions to protect and enhance your home. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at your home, where we’ll assess your needs and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your property. Let FAS Exteriors deliver the highest quality products and professional installation you can trust for lasting security and comfort.To get started with your window installation, call FAS Exteriors.