For potential homebuyers, especially those in areas prone to severe weather, the choice of windows in a home is about more than just aesthetics. Impact glass, commonly known as hurricane or storm windows, is an increasingly popular feature that offers numerous benefits, from enhanced safety to energy efficiency. This article delves into what impact glass is and how it can be a pivotal factor in your decision to buy or build a home.
What is Impact Glass?
Impact glass windows are specially designed for strength and durability. Constructed with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) sandwiched between two panes of glass, these windows are built to withstand extreme conditions. The heavy-duty frames and laminated glass ensure that even if the window cracks under pressure, the shards remain adhered to the plastic layer, significantly reducing the risk of injury from flying glass.
Key Benefits of Impact Glass
Enhanced Safety and Protection: In regions prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, impact glass is crucial for protecting your home against high winds and flying debris. By preventing window breakage, these windows maintain the structural integrity of your home during storms.
Energy Efficiency: Impact windows offer excellent insulation, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This translates into lower heating and cooling costs, and with their UV-blocking properties, they protect your furniture and fabrics from sun damage.
Noise Reduction: The sturdy construction of impact glass significantly cuts down outside noise, which is a boon if your home is near a busy street or airport.
Improved Security: Due to their durability, impact windows provide an added layer of security against break-ins, making them a wise choice for all homeowners, regardless of location.
Building Code Compliance: In hurricane-prone areas, many building codes now require impact windows. By choosing a home with these features, or installing them in your new build, you’re not only ensuring compliance but also future-proofing your home.
Insurance Premium Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance premiums for houses equipped with impact glass, acknowledging their protective value.
Costs and Long-Term Investment
While the initial cost of impact windows is higher than standard windows, they should be viewed as a long-term investment. The safety benefits, energy savings, and potential insurance reductions often offset the initial expense over time. Furthermore, impact windows can increase the resale value of your home, making them a financially savvy addition.
For those considering buying or building a new home, particularly in areas susceptible to severe weather, impact glass windows are an investment worth considering. They offer a blend of safety, efficiency, and peace of mind that goes beyond the basic function of a window. In today’s real estate market, homes equipped with impact glass stand out, offering tangible benefits that extend well beyond their initial cost. As you make the significant decision of purchasing or building your home, consider the lasting advantages of impact glass – it’s a choice that safeguards not just your property, but also the well-being of you and your loved ones.
Putting the Customer First
Conquest Builders has a partnership with PGT Impact windows. We exclusively use PGT Impact windows for their safety ratings and quality reputation. In very rare cases, we might have to substitute a window or slider for another brand due to the aesthetics of a build and the custom shape of some glass. Conquest Builders recognizes the importance of impact windows in Southwest Florida and builds only with the highest quality brands. We want our customers to sleep well in their new home knowing that they are safe, saving money, and living in the quietest home possible.
Check out PGT’s website here- Home- PGT Impact Resistant Hurricane Windows and Doors (pgtwindows.com)
-Andrew
