What Offers Better Protection, Impact Resistant Windows or Hurricane Shutters?
When it comes time to prep your windows for hurricane season, you have many options available to you. And you might be feeling added pressure with this decision because protecting your windows during a hurricane is extremely important. If one or more windows break during the storm, flying shards of glass can injure people inside or outside the home, and air pressure can even cause your house to collapse.
Hurricane windows (also known as impact resistant windows) or hurricane shutters are two popular options, but you might have questions about which one is the right option for you. The team at USA Home Improvement can give you an in-depth analysis of what makes sense for your home. This quick guide can get you started on learning the differences between the two options.
The Best Option is Hurricane Windows
When it comes to protecting their homes during hurricane season, many homeowners see hurricane windows as their best option. Also called impact-resistant windows, hurricane windows are excellent at protecting the inside of a home during a severe storm. Their extreme strength helps protect against the damaging effects of wind and rain. And similar to auto safety glass, they don't shatter on impact, helping them stay in one piece if they're hit by debris during the storm. They consist of two panels of glass that are stuck together using an extremely strong, resin-based middle layer. This construction means they're tough enough to stand up to the debris tossed around in a category five hurricane.
People like hurricane windows because they provide year-round protection from all types of damage. They're also great at helping filter out noise from the street. Some people use them in their anti-theft protection setups because they're very difficult to break.
One thing to keep in mind is that hurricane windows are expensive. They can't work with your existing windows, so getting them installed means removing what you currently have in place. Stronger window frames are part of the installation package as well. In spite of the cost, they're an extremely worthwhile investment if you've put a lot of work and money into your home.
Another Option is Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are another great option if you're looking to find and affordable hurricane protection for your windows. There are several different types of hurricane shutters, including panel shutters, roll-down shutters, and Bahama shutters.
The great thing about hurricane shutters is that two people can install them relatively quickly. With that said, during a hurricane, it can be tough to find help! You can choose to have some shutters installed on your windows year-round, or you can take them off when the worst of the season is over. They're also more affordable, especially when compared to hurricane windows. They usually net out at about $8 per square foot for the most basic designs and as high as $25 per square foot for luxury models like plantation shutters.
While the installation process for hurricane shutters is not that complicated, they can be a bit unwieldy when you're fastening them to your building. You'll need to attach them using lag bolts or Barrel bolts, and the shutters themselves can be extremely heavy, depending on the type you've chosen. In these cases, it's often best to go with professional installation.
Choosing between high-impact windows and hurricane shutters is a big decision. Ultimately, your choice will boil down to the type of property you have and how much money you have to spend. If you're still undecided, contact USA Home Improvement at 844-468-7244. They'll be able to take a look at your home and help you figure out the best choice for your circumstances.
