Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters

If you live in Florida, you’re well aware of the threat that hurricanes and tropical storms can have on your home. It’s therefore important to ensure your home is properly protected against severe weather events so that you can keep yourself and your entire household safe during a storm.

One of the most important elements of your home to focus on is the windows, as they are typically the weakest part of your home’s exterior. Fortunately, there are numerous options available for Florida homeowners, including impact windows and hurricane shutters. Not sure which option is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about these options so that you can choose the right hurricane protection for your Florida home.

What Are Impact Windows?

Impact windows are designed to withstand extreme wind speeds and high-velocity projectiles without caving in. Standard windows may pull away from your home, and standard window glass will shatter when met with sudden impact. This leaves your home exposed to high winds and projectiles during a storm, which can result in significant damage to the entire home. Meanwhile, impact-resistant windows feature thicker glass, a sturdier frame, a laminated layer between the panes of glass, and heavy-duty hardware that secures the window in place and allows it to withstand these extreme conditions. To qualify as a hurricane-resistant impact window, the window must undergo stringent testing to ensure its performance.

What Are Hurricane Shutters?

Hurricane shutters are designed to cover your windows and provide a protective barrier during harsh weather conditions. These shutters come in a variety of designs, including removable panels that can be stored in the garage and options that are permanently installed above or around the window. When a storm is approaching, you’ll simply need to pull your hurricane shutters over your windows to keep your windows and the rest of your Florida home protected against high winds and projectiles.

Are Impact Windows Required in Florida?

Hurricane-resistant impact windows or approved impact-resistant coverings are currently required for coastal and high-risk areas of Florida. This means that if you live within one mile of the coast or in a high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) and are planning a new construction project or a window replacement project, you’ll need to have some form of protection for your windows. However, either impact windows or hurricane shutters can comply with these codes.

Do I Need Hurricane Shutters if I Have Impact Windows?

In most cases, either hurricane shutters or impact windows on their own are sufficient to protect your home against hurricanes and tropical storms. However, it never hurts to double up. If you live in a particularly vulnerable area of Florida or simply want the most peace of mind that your home is protected, impact windows and hurricane shutters together can provide even better protection for your home. It’s important to note that your impact windows or hurricane shutters can still be damaged during severe weather, and replacing or repairing a hurricane shutter will be more cost-effective than replacing or repairing an impact window.

Choosing Between Impact Windows & Hurricane Shutters

Choosing between impact windows and hurricane shutters will ultimately come down to your preferences. You’ll want to consider where in Florida you live and how vulnerable that area is to storms, what your budget is for your project, and your preferences for the aesthetics and performance of your home. At Majors Home Improvement, we proudly offer and install impact windows and hurricane shutters for Florida homeowners. You can rely on our professionals to help you weigh your options so that you can make the right choices for your home. Contact us today for more information.