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.
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.
Glass Options
The type of glass you select for your windows will affect your home’s energy efficiency and your windows’ performance.
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.
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.
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.
Materials Types of Impact Windows
The type of material you choose for your windows will affect your window’s maintenance, durability, and longevity.
Vinyl
Vinyl windows are very common and tend to be the best option for Florida homeowners. This relatively low-cost material is easy to clean and easy to maintain. Vinyl is relatively lower in cost and lasts longer than wood products. Vinyl is also highly durable and easy to clear and maintain.
Wood Clad
Wood clad windows have an exterior frame made from a weather-resistant, low-maintenance vinyl or aluminum material. Inside, the window frame is clad in wood. Wood clad windows have a more natural aesthetic without the ongoing maintenance on the exterior. Cladding also offers hundreds of different color options.
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.
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:
Security: Impact windows are hard to break, which makes them extra secure against break-ins and intruders.
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.
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.
Durability: Impact windows are designed to withstand exposure to extreme weather.
Ready to Install Impact Windows In Your Home? Contact FAS Windows and Doors
Impact windows can help improve your home’s value and keep your home protected from some of the most severe storms. FAS Windows and Doors offers safe and reliable hurricane impact windows designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. To get started with your window installation, call FAS Windows and Doors today.