Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows: Which Is Right for Your Home?

If you live near the coast or a storm-prone area, you know firsthand the anxiety of surviving an active hurricane season. Places like Miami, Key West, and New Orleans have been particularly vulnerable to these powerful cyclones, which have contributed to millions of dollars in structural and water damage.

So, which options do you have to protect your home, particularly your windows? Well, you can either get impact windows or hurricane shutters. As with everything, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Impact Windows

During tropical storms and hurricanes, extremely strong winds often exceeding 74 mph generate dangerous flying debris like tree branches, roof tiles, gravel, and unsecured objects. Glazed openings in windows and doors are more likely to shatter due to their increased vulnerability.

To address this, impact-resistant windows have been developed with two or more panes of glass bonded together using a clear plastic interlayer. This laminated glass configuration makes the windows more resilient against direct impacts from flying debris. Meanwhile, they are designed to shatter without generating dangerous shards.

When properly installed within a reinforced frame, impact windows can provide reliable protection against Category 5 hurricanes or tornadoes with sustained winds exceeding 158 mph. The best part is that they look no different from normal windows, so they offer continuous protection without requiring any additional effort from the homeowner.

Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters create a sturdy barrier and protect your windows and doors. Typically, they are made from tough materials like aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate. And you’ve got a few different options to choose from:

• Accordion shutters: Mounted on tracks secured directly to the wall and have hinges that allow the shutter to fold open and shut.
• Roll-down shutters: Mounted above your windows and can be lowered either manually or with a motor.
• Panel shutters: Removable and can be stored away when not in use, which makes them a good option if you don’t want shutters on your home year-round.

You’ll need to manually deploy or secure shutters before a hurricane makes landfall. So, while they provide great protection, it’s more of a temporary solution that requires manual effort on your part.

Comparison Criteria

There is a lot to consider before making a final choice of the right protection for your home:

Cost

You’ll be spending more on impact windows at $25 to $55 per square foot compared to hurricane shutters at $10 and $30 per square foot. But while you’ll be paying more for impact-resistant glass, you could enjoy lower insurance premiums and improved home value. It can offset some of the initial expenses.

Verdict: Hurricane impact windows cost more, but provide long-term savings and increase home value more effectively.

Installation

Getting impact windows or hurricane shutters installed requires a lot of skill and expertise. For impact windows, the right installation prevents air leaks and safeguards the window’s structural integrity. Similarly, hurricane shutters must be securely fastened to the home’s exterior to prevent them from becoming detached.

Verdict: You need professional installation for both impact windows and hurricane shutters. None is easier to install resulting in a tie.

Aesthetics

If you’re looking for storm protection that augments your home’s curb appeal, you can consider hurricane impact windows. They are more difficult to distinguish from non-impact windows.

Aluminum or steel hurricane shutters will have a more noticeable presence on your home’s exterior. Another possible option, wooden shutters, may be harder to maintain. Additionally, shutters block out the view and natural light. So, it will be difficult to see what’s happening outside.

Verdict: Impact windows are esthetically pleasing and maintain your home’s appearance and architectural style.

Ease of Use

Storm protection should not be an added pain, and this is where you might see a big difference. Hurricane windows stay in place, providing constant protection without any intervention.

With shutters, you need to manually deploy and secure them before a storm hits. Some shutters even require the help of two people and it can take up to an hour to secure several windows.

Maintenance-wise, impact windows require little upkeep and can maintain their appearance and functionality over time. Hurricane shutters are more prone to rust and need regular painting and lubrication to maintain their appearance and effectiveness.

Verdict: Impact windows offer greater ease of use and require less maintenance.

Storm Protection Effectiveness

The final goal of either impact windows or shutters is to ultimately protect your home. How does each option fair against raging winds and flying projectiles? Well, impact windows can withstand winds of up to 200 mph. They undergo several tests involving flying projectiles and drastic changes in pressure.

Hurricane shutters may not provide as much protection against static pressure changes caused by high winds. If shutters are not properly installed and maintained, they can potentially detach from the home and become dangerous projectiles themselves. Failing to lubricate the rolling mechanisms can also cause them to get stuck during deployment.

Verdict: Impact windows offer more comprehensive protection against high winds, flying debris, and pressure changes.

Advantages of Impact Windows

Impact windows have not only superior storm protection capabilities, they also possess several other benefits:

• Continuous protection: Always in place and provide 24/7 defense against severe storms and intruders.
• Improved energy efficiency: Made of laminated glass and a tightly sealed frame, impact windows help reduce air leaks, so the costs of heating and cooling also decrease.
• Noise reduction: Multiple layers of thick glass help keep out the noise.
• UV protection: With features such as Low-E coating, you can effectively block up to 99% of harmful UV rays that would otherwise damage your furniture, floors, and artwork.
• Increased property value: Savvy buyers are on the lookout for homes with storm protection. This extra feature can improve your home’s resale value and demand in hurricane-prone areas.

Do You Need Hurricane Shutters If You Have Impact Windows?

No. If you have installed impact windows, there is no need for hurricane shutters for added protection. You already have comprehensive protection against high-pressure winds and flying projectiles. That said, there are a few scenarios where choosing both options can offer extra peace of mind:

• Hurricane-prone wind-borne debris regions: If you live in an extremely hurricane-prone area, especially within one mile of the coast where wind speeds are highest, the dual protection of hurricane-resistant windows and shutters offers maximum defense against a hurricane or tropical storm.
• Unoccupied homes: For vacation homes or rental properties that are often unoccupied during hurricane season, the combination of impact windows and shutters provides an additional safeguard.
• Improved security: If you often have to lock up the house for long periods when you’re away, combining both options can offer more resilience against potential intruders or looters.

Situational Considerations

Here’s a table showing scenarios where one option may be more suitable than the other:

• Scenario
• Limited budget
• High-risk hurricane zone
• Rental property
• Homeowner values aesthetics
• Frequent travel during hurricane season
• Enhanced security

• Recommended Option
• Hurricane shutters
• Impact windows
• Hurricane shutters
• Impact windows
• Impact windows
• Impact windows + hurricane shutters

Conclusion

To summarize the raging debate on impact windows vs hurricane shutters, you’re better off installing impact windows because of their top-notch protection and never having to worry about putting them up or taking them down. They look nice and offer other benefits like blocking noise and UV rays. The only downside is that you’ll pay more upfront

Hurricane shutters save on costs. They’ll get the job done, but there is the extra hassle of manually putting them in place before the storm hits. Plus, they are not exactly easy on the eyes.

At the end of the day, you have to weigh what’s most important to you – cost, convenience, looks, etc. It’s a good idea to speak with local window and hurricane protection pros.

Are you looking for a reliable window replacement company? Look no further than FHIA Remodeling. We offer top-quality windows and professional installation services to upgrade your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.

Florida Building Code: Its Impact on Window and Door Requirements

The Sunshine State surely lives up to its name, but every paradise experiences its fair share of storms. Rather than living in fear of the next disaster, it is better to proactively safeguard your home from those aptly named tropical cyclones.

You don’t have to guess about the level of protection you need. The Florida Building Code helps promote safe practices to make residential and commercial structures more resilient to extreme weather conditions. One of the most critical aspects of the code’s development is its window and door requirements, specifically promoting the need for impact-resistant windows.

Understanding Impact Windows

Impact windows, an improvement of hurricane windows, are products specially designed to withstand not only high winds but also impacts from flying debris. Their design mostly consists of two layers of shatter-resistant glass bonded to a durable PVB or SGP plastic interlayer. This solid construction allows the impact window to absorb shocks and remain intact even when struck by objects. In the unfortunate instance of breakages, the laminated glass doesn’t blow into your house.

The Florida Building Code Overview

The Florida Building Code was established in 2002 and became effective in 2005, out of the need for better safeguards after the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which destroyed over 125,000 homes.

The code’s primary goal is to set forth stringent building standards that prioritize the safety and structural integrity of buildings throughout the state and more so in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones. As part of these standards, the code addresses the need for impact-resistant glazing on windows, sliding glass doors, and exterior doors.
With more active hurricane seasons over the years, the FBC has evolved to incorporate lessons learned from past hurricanes and natural disasters. For instance, several changes were made to the 2020 edition following the impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017.

Florida Building Code requirements are also updated every three years to ensure that they remain current with the latest advancements in building technology and materials. The newest version, known as the Florida Building Code 2023 (FBC 2023) or the 8th edition, went into effect on December 31, 2023.

Key Requirements for Windows

According to the FBC, all glazed openings (on windows and doors) in wind-borne debris regions should be impact-resistant or protected by an approved impact-resistant covering, such as hurricane shutters.

The requirement now applies to all new construction and renovations in designated wind-borne debris regions with greater exposure to high winds and nearer to the coast.

Wind-borne debris regions are hurricane-prone regions located:

Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high water line where the ultimate design wind speed is 130 mph or greater (Wind Zone 3).

In areas where the ultimate design wind speed is 140 mph or greater. (Wind Zone 4).

*To clear things up, homes in Window Zone 1 and Window Zone 2 areas don’t exactly need impact windows as standard. Specific window zone maps are available for each county.

High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ)

Are you living in a high-velocity hurricane zone? These are counties with an elevated risk of high winds and flying debris during hurricanes, including Miami-Dade and Broward counties, extending to parts of Palm Beach County and the Florida Keys.

Impact windows used in HVHZ regions have even more stringent requirements to stand up to higher pressures than other parts. They must:

• Undergo more rigorous testing, including projectile impact tests, uniform static pressure, and cyclic wind pressure loading tests.
• Receive a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the local building department after adhering to Miami-Dade protocols. (Note required in other areas.)
  Withstand higher wind speeds of 170-200 mph.
• Each product sold should have a permanent label identifying the manufacturer, product approval number, design pressures, and testing information demonstrating compliance with HVHZ protocols.

Benefits of Impact Windows

You don’t have to be living right on the waterfront to reap the benefits of impact windows. Beyond adhering to building codes designed to protect you, there are many other benefits:

• Upgraded safety: Impact glass offers protection against wind-borne debris that includes both large and small objects from everyday items like mailboxes that can turn deadly during storms.
• Energy efficiency: With a laminated plastic core and features such as low-E coatings, impact glass can regulate temperature fluctuations removing the load from your HVAC system.
• Noise reduction: Leaving close to a busy street? With 3/16 to 1/2 inch glass, you’ll significantly reduce noise infiltration, creating a more calming living environment.
• Insurance discounts: The Florida Department of Financial Services, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and many others offer discounts for homes with impact windows and other features that resist strong winds and projectiles
• UV ray-filtering: The construction of impact windows offers solid filtering capabilities against UV rays that can dull carpets and furnishings.
• Improved home security: While they are not indestructible, it takes more time and energy to break through them. Plus, it will cause quite a ruckus, drawing attention.

Alternatives to Impact Windows

While impact windows are the most comprehensive solution for providing all-around hurricane protection, there are alternatives available, such as hurricane shutters and storm panels.

Let’s briefly compare how impact windows fair compared to hurricane shutters, the most utilized alternative:

• Ease of use: Shutters and panels require manual installation before a storm hits, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
• Added benefits: You miss out on the energy-saving, noise-reduction, and UV filtering capabilities of impact windows when you get shutters.
• Costs: Hurricane shutters can be significantly less expensive in the short term. However, impact windows boost your home’s value more in the long term.

Conclusion

Impact windows offer continuous protection in hurricane seasons that come with a lot of uncertainty. You may need them to adhere to Florida window code requirements and to access their other added benefits such as lower energy bills, a quiet space, improved security, and lower premiums.

If you’re living in a wind-borne debris region and don’t have the right level of protection, consider installing impact replacement windows or opt for other protections.

Looking for a reliable replacement partner? FHIA Remodeling offers some of the best replacement windows in Florida. We are proud of the feedback we receive from our customers.

We carefully choose options that don’t break the budget but still provide the level of protection based on your wind load requirements. Our Energy Stormsaver windows are made in the USA and come with a transferable warranty. Get started with a free consultation!

Energy-efficient windows are a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their home. They come with features that aim to address several goals at once: cut down on energy use, save money, decrease your carbon footprint, and even add value to your property.

In this article, we’ll talk numbers and explore how these windows actually work, how much you can save, and the investment required to enjoy a comfortable home year-round. 

What Are Energy-Efficient Windows? 

Energy-efficient windows are a big step forward in home improvement technology. They do much beyond the usual job that regular alternatives do, coming packed with energy-efficient features that make your home cozier and help cut down on energy use and, thus, bills.

• First, this can be achieved thanks to their multi-pane design. Unlike regular, single-pane windows, energy-efficient ones have two or three glass panes. The gaps between them are filled with krypton or argon gas, making heat tough to get through.
• What else makes these windows good at energy efficiency is their low-emissivity (low-E) coating. It’s an invisible layer that acts like a filter for different kinds of light. The low-E glass coating lets visible light pass through while reflecting infrared light, managing heat transfer.
• The window frames also play a role in energy efficiency. These solutions are typically made from vinyl, fiberglass, or specially treated wood. Unlike heat-conducting aluminum, these window frame materials ensure better insulation.

Plus, when you choose energy-efficient replacement windows, you’ll often see that they have fusion-welded frames. Basically, the corners of these frames are melted together. This means you get a strong piece with no gaps or weak points. Since there are no seams or joints, these frames keep out air and water more effectively.

Types of Energy-Efficient Windows

When talking about types of energy-efficient windows, we’re usually referring to their operational styles. The way a window opens and closes can impact how well it works. For example, double-hung options have two movable sashes that slide up and down in the frame. You can open both the top and bottom parts, which gives you several options for ventilation. 

• Single-hung windows are similar to double-hung models, but only the bottom part moves. Because they have fewer moving parts, they can be a bit better for home’s energy efficiency than double-hung windows.
• Another option is casement windows — they’re like doors that swing open from one side. When they’re closed, they press tightly against the frame, ensuring an excellent seal. That’s why casement types are considered one of the most energy-efficient.
• Sliding types have sashes that glide side to side on a track. They’re handy, but they might not be as good at energy efficiency. The sliding parts can wear out over time, leading to tiny gaps that let in air. However, many of today’s energy-efficient sliding options include advanced weatherstripping and multiple locks to boost their sealing power.

Finally, picture designs are also some of the best energy-efficient window options. Since they don’t have any moving parts, they create a tight seal that cuts down on heat loss and stops air from leaking in. Plus, their big, uninterrupted glass sections let in a lot of natural light, which can help you use less artificial lighting during the day.

How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Cost?

The price of energy-efficient windows differs based on several factors. Even though they usually cost more than regular ones, it’s also necessary to take into account their lasting value and the energy bill savings you could have over time (we’ll discuss this further in the article).

First of all, the level of energy efficiency affects window price. Double-pane windows are cheaper than triple-pane ones, but triple-pane windows offer better insulation. Also, products that come with features like low-E coatings or gas fills usually come with a higher price tag. Plus, popular brands that offer solid warranties might have higher prices, but they usually provide better long-term value.

When it comes to window installation, the cost depends on the project’s complexity, how many windows you need, and whether you require any extra work done, like reframing. But the good news is that some window replacement companies offer discounts to make installation more affordable. 

To make the initial costs easier to handle, companies also provide flexible payment plans. One well-liked option is the “No Interest, No Payments” deal. It lets homeowners get energy-efficient windows installed right away and start enjoying energy savings without having to make payments for a certain period of time.

So, if you want to buy energy-efficient windows with an Energy Star rating, expect to pay somewhere between $320 and $2,000. This rating indicates that the windows are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and follow the strict guidelines from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How Much Do Energy-Efficient Windows Save?

These high-tech windows can be game-changers in Florida’s hot and humid climate. Our customers say they’re saving up to 15% on their monthly energy bills after installing energy-efficient windows. Over the course of a year, you’ll have enough budget for an extra weekend trip or a couple of nice dinners out.

And here’s a little something for those living by the coast: a lot of these energy-efficient windows are built to handle strong winds and flying debris. So, not only are you lowering energy costs, but you’re also getting some extra hurricane protection. What’s more, energy-efficient models can block up to 98% of harmful UV rays, so your furniture, floors, carpets, and artwork won’t fade as fast. 

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Windows

To conclude, let’s go through all the benefits you can receive when you choose energy-efficient windows. While you won’t have to use your HVAC system as often, which lets you save money on utility bills, the perks don’t end here.

Energy-saving solutions keep the temperature in your home even, so you won’t have those chilly spots and drafts by the windows. Noise reduction is another advantage. The multiple panes help dampen outside noise. This is especially useful if you’re living in a busy urban area or close to a highway.

And if you’ve ever thought about selling your property, you’ll benefit from energy-saving windows here, too. Buyers nowadays care about energy efficiency, and these windows can make your house a lot more appealing when you’re trying to sell it.

All it takes is finding a reliable windows contractor who installs quality products. The installation itself plays a significant role in the performance of your new windows. You could choose fancy models for $3,000 per unit, but there won’t be much sense in this investment if your window installers lack professionalism.

FAQ

Who makes the most energy-efficient windows?

FHIA Remodeling, the most recommended energy-efficient windows contractor in Florida, partners with some of the leading window manufacturers, like CWS, ETI, and PGT, based in the USA. ETI Eurotech Industries creates windows that are tough enough for areas near the coast. They’re recognized for products that can handle Florida’s sun’s heat while also offering protection during storms. 

PGT (PGT Innovations) is another top US manufacturer. Their products are loved by homeowners living in places with rough weather. You could also consider CWS (Custom Window Systems), as they offer numerous energy-saving options that are perfect for Florida’s special weather.

What type of windows are the most energy-efficient?

The most energy-efficient windows feature a double-pane or triple-pane glass type that comes with low-E (low-emissivity) coatings and gas fills in between the panes. Double-pane models offer solid insulation, but triple-pane ones give you even better thermal performance, though they do come with a steeper price tag. Low-E coatings work to reflect heat, so they keep your place cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Casement types are often seen as the most energy-efficient because they seal up tightly when they’re closed. Still, the efficiency of a window depends on the frame material. For example, energy-efficient vinyl windows are the best picks for insulation. The options that save the most energy usually are Energy Star-certified windows, which means they pass strict energy performance tests.

How much do energy-efficient windows save?

On average, you can save about 12%–33% annually after installing energy-efficient doors and windows. Plus, energy-efficient windows increase home value — future buyers usually see it as a big plus.

Which are more energy-efficient, single-hung or double-hung windows? 

Single-hung windows are usually a bit more energy-efficient compared to double-hung ones. That’s mostly because single-hung styles have just one moving part (typically the bottom one), unlike double-hung alternatives that have two moving parts. The less moving mechanism means there are fewer chances for air leakage.

How do I know if my windows are energy-efficient?

If you want to see if your windows are saving energy, start by checking for the Energy Star label. If you notice any drafts or cold spots near the windows, that’s a sign that the insulation isn’t very good. Also, take a look at your energy bills; if they seem high, your windows might be part of the problem when it comes to energy loss.