If you have begun looking for ways to protect your home from storms and extreme weather, upgrading your windows is probably near the top of your agenda. Two terms you may have come across in your research are impact windows and storm windows: but what is the difference between them?
Both options offer varying levels of protection from high wind pressures and flying debris, but while they may serve similar functions, they are not the same thing. Picking the right option for your home can make a big difference in the case of an emergency, and that is why you need to pick the best solution for your home. If you are unsure of which one to choose, here are a few of their characteristics to help you pick the right option for your needs.
Not The Same
The two terms, storm windows and impact windows, are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. While both options protect homes from extreme weather and violent storms, storm windows primarily function to resist wind damage. By contrast, impact windows offer better protection from flying debris and projectiles, as well as offer more insulation and soundproofing than storm windows.
If you live in a hurricane-prone area and there is a real risk of impact damage to your home, impact windows will likely be the best solution for your needs. Otherwise, storm windows will offer protection from violent winds during the storm season.
Not All Laminated Glass Are Impact Rated
When shopping around for protective windows for your home, you will likely see both storm windows and impact windows labeled as “laminated.” In short, laminated glass is made by bonding two panes of glass together with a flexible polymer layer that will act as a shatterproof membrane to catch any broken glass. While many windows may be laminated glass systems, not all of them are impact rated—or tested to ensure they can withstand varying degrees of impact damage.
That is why you need to carefully look through the manufacturer’s marking details etched onto their windows to ensure they are impact resistant if that is a feature you are looking for. If impact resistance is near the top of your list of characteristics, consider buying from a reputable merchant offering appropriately certified impact glass.
Impact Glass Requires Strong Window Frames
If you are leaning towards upgrading your home with impact windows, another thing to keep in mind is that they require stronger window frames to install. Rather than trying to retrofit the new impact glass into your existing system, you are better off replacing the entire window system and frame. Impact windows will not work properly without being secured in an equally durable and resistant window frame, so be sure to keep that in mind if you are considering adding impact windows to your home.
Installation Costs
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing between the two options is that impact windows typically cost more to install. This is due to the increased amount of materials typically used to make each window pane. Additionally, because they often require the entire window frame to be replaced alongside the window, installing impact windows has a higher overall installation cost than storm windows.
Which Should You Choose?
In the end, whether storm windows are enough or if you think impact windows are necessary is entirely up to your needs and where you live. If you are wary of impact damage or live in an area regularly at risk of flying debris during a storm, impact windows may be worth the investment. Otherwise, if you are only looking to bolster your home against strong winds, storm windows may offer adequate protection for your needs.
Protect Your Home With Quality Glass
Panorama Windows & Doors serves the South Florida community with quality hurricane and impact windows to protect your home from flying debris and high wind pressures. If you live in a hurricane-prone area and would like to reinforce your home, contact us today!