Do you currently live in an area that is prone to hurricanes with high winds, and you want to take some additional steps to secure your home? One of the weakest points is going to be the windows, which can be protected with hurricane shutters or windows that are impact resistant. Here is what to know about both of these options so that you can make an informed decision.
Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are going to be the most affordable option for protecting your home. That is because hurricane shutters can be retrofitted on any home, and there are a variety of different options to pick from.
If you are on a budget, you can get a basic shutter that flips over your window and provides a solid surface for protection against impact damage. The downside to standard shutters is that they must be manually closed, which is not always possible. You may not be around your home when the time comes to close the shutters, or not physically be able to close the shutters on your own.
The types of hurricane shutters can get as advanced as rolling shutters, which look very much like a mini garage door that goes over your windows. Rolling shutters are more expensive, but they can be activated with the push of a button to roll them down and protect your home. The downside to rolling shutters is that they are going to blackout the inside of your home, which may be problematic if they lose power.
Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows will require replacing all of your old windows with this alternative window made out of stronger material. They are designed with impacts in mind, which means reinforced glass and frames that can withstand things like tree branches and debris that hits a window during a storm.
The main advantage of hurricane windows is that they do not require any additional work to provide protection. This makes it great for a summer home where you are not always there or someone who can't manually close a shutter. The windows are also going to provide natural light in your home rather than completely black out the space.
Keep in mind that the purpose of hurricane windows is to prevent debris from completely shattering the glass and letting the wind get inside. If you do have impact damage, it is very possible that the glass will be broken and require repair. It will then be more expensive to replace the broken glass than a broken shutter.
Contact a supplier to learn more about impact resistant windows.
Share28 November 2022
When was the last time you really looked at your home windows and thought about their condition? Although they can be easy to ignore, older windows or versions that have insulation troubles won't protect your home from steep temperature changes, pest infestations, or harsh UV sunlight. I decided to upgrade my own windows a few years ago, which is why I made this blog. Here, I have collected loads of information about window types, features, and styles, so that you don't have to guess when it comes to your brand new window installation. By using this information, your home can look better than ever.
