Everything You Need To Know About Hurricane Windows

Hurricane windows are an essential line of defense for safeguarding your home against the devastating impact of hurricanes. These specially engineered windows can withstand extreme wind forces and flying debris, protecting your home’s structural integrity and ensuring your loved ones’ safety. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense storms, investing in hurricane windows is increasingly becoming a crucial consideration for homeowners in hurricane-prone regions. Check out our guide and learn everything you need to know about hurricane windows.

What Are Hurricane Windows?

Hurricane windows can withstand the severe conditions associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. These windows have multiple layers of glass and interlayers, typically consisting of a material called polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which holds the glass together even if it breaks. This construction prevents the glass from shattering into sharp pieces that can cause injury or allow wind and water to enter a building. The strength and durability of hurricane windows are a result of their rigorous testing against high-pressure winds and impact from debris.

Benefits and Advantages of Quality Hurricane Windows

In addition to safety, hurricane windows offer added benefits such as energy efficiency and noise reduction. The materials and construction methods used to create these windows also improve insulation, thus maintaining your home’s internal temperature. Therefore, during hot and cold months, your heating and cooling systems will work more efficiently, potentially leading to reduced energy bills. Furthermore, their robust design provides excellent soundproofing, minimizing the intrusion of external noises such as traffic, construction, or the sounds of an approaching storm, thus creating a more comfortable living environment.

Hurricane windows also contribute to increased property value and potential insurance savings. Homes equipped with certified hurricane windows are often more appealing to potential buyers searching for hurricane-prone properties due to their enhanced safety features. Installing these windows can lead to higher property values and a competitive advantage in the real estate market. Additionally, many insurance companies recognize the reduced risk associated with these windows and may offer premium discounts for houses that have them installed.

Types of Hurricane Windows

Of everything you need to know about hurricane windows, understanding the different types available is important to suit your specific needs. Several options are available, each with its own set of features, benefits, and price points. Knowing the differences between these types can help you make an informed decision for the best protection and value for your home.

Laminated Glass Windows

Laminated glass windows are a popular choice in hurricane protection due to their superior strength and durability. These windows consist of two or more layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, usually made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This interlayer acts as a barrier that holds the layers of glass together even when shattered, preventing dangerous glass shards from scattering. This crucial feature enhances safety during storms and provides additional security against break-ins, as they are difficult to penetrate. Laminated glass windows also offer exceptional UV protection, reducing the harmful effects of sunlight exposure on your furnishings and flooring over time. Overall, they are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking comprehensive protection from natural and artificial threats.

High-Performance Coated Glass Windows

High-performance coated glass windows are another robust option for hurricane protection, offering a combination of strength, energy efficiency, and enhanced visibility. These windows have a special coating on their surfaces, often known as a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating, which reduces the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light that passes through the glass without compromising the amount of visible light. Therefore, you can enjoy natural daylight in your home while minimizing heat transfer and maintaining cooler interior temperatures, which is particularly beneficial in warm climates.

The coatings also protect interior furnishings from fading due to UV exposure and support better insulation, leading to potential energy savings. Additionally, high-performance coated glass windows meet strict impact resistance standards, ensuring they can withstand the severe conditions of hurricanes and serve as an effective barrier against flying debris. This blend of benefits makes them an attractive choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners seeking superior performance and protection.

Understanding the Installation Process

We highly recommend that you hire a certified professional with experience installing these specialized windows to ensure a proper fit and seal, preventing any gaps that could compromise their protective capabilities. The process typically begins with an assessment of the existing window frames and sills to determine if any modifications are necessary. The installers take careful measurements to ensure a perfect fit before securely installing the windows with strong anchors and sealants designed to withstand high winds and prevent water infiltration. Proper installation is essential for maximizing these windows’ performance, as even the most advanced designs can underperform if incorrectly installed.

Homeowners should clear the area around the windows of any obstacles or furniture before the installation day to facilitate easy access for the installation team. Once they install the windows, conducting a thorough inspection is crucial to ensure everything is watertight and secure. This inspection may include testing how the windows operate and confirming that they open and close smoothly. Additionally, the installation team should inform homeowners about the post-installation maintenance requirements to preserve the windows’ functionality over time. Homeowners can feel confident in their investment by ensuring a proper installation and maintaining the windows regularly.

Find Quality Hurricane Windows at Reece Builders!

Hurricane windows are an invaluable investment for homeowners in regions vulnerable to powerful storms and hurricanes. Their ability to resist high winds and flying debris preserves your home’s structure and protects your loved ones from potential harm. With the added benefits of energy efficiency, noise reduction, increased property value, and possible insurance savings, these windows prove to be a multifunctional solution for safeguarding your home.

Reece Builders is committed to helping you find the perfect hurricane windows tailored to your needs. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist you through every step of the process, ensuring quality and satisfaction in your home improvement projects. We offer an extensive range of windows along with comprehensive home remodeling services in Winston-Salem. We invite you to explore our selection and discover how our solutions can provide peace of mind and value for your home.