
Hurricane windows offer the added benefit of energy efficiency. The layered construction of hurricane glass and low-e coatings reduce solar heat gain and increase insulation, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Impact windows evolved from safety glass technology by using multiple layers of PVB laminated glass. They also use tempered glass to prevent them from breaking into sharp projectiles during hurricane-force winds.
High Impact Glass
If you live in a hurricane-prone area like Florida, consider installing Hurricane Resistant Windows. Not only do they help protect your home from storm damage, but they can also save you money on utility bills each year.
These windows are made from impact glass, which consists of a solid laminated interlayer bonded between two panes of tempered, heat-strengthened or laminated glass. This type of glass is more energy-efficient than plain float glass, which breaks into large shards when impacted by a storm.
High-impact glass also has a much higher degree of sound dampening than regular annealed glass so that you can keep the noise outside your home during bad weather.
You can tell if your windows are impact resistant by looking for a label (if it’s not on the window) and checking to see if the glass has multiple reflections. The glass should also be thicker than ordinary float glass.
Low-E Coatings
Low-E coatings on windows make your home more energy efficient. These coatings allow natural light to enter your home while deflecting UV rays and infrared light.
A Low-E window can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 50% compared to standard single-pane glass, according to the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). They also protect your home and belongings from UV rays that can fade furniture, upholstery and flooring.
This is a big win for homeowners and their families because it helps preserve the value of their homes. In addition, the reflective properties of Low-E glass reduce glare in your home by up to 30% and increase privacy without compromising your view.
Low-E coatings are available in hard and soft coats and can be applied to the #2 or #3 surface of a window’s panes. Generally, low-e placement on the #3 surface is preferred for climates where you want to block heat loss but allow beneficial solar gain to enter your home.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of safety glass used for windows in hurricane homes. It consists of two pieces of glass reinforced with a solid yet flexible polymer layer in between them.
The polymer layer prevents the glass from shattering into a spray of tiny glass shards that can be dangerous for those in the home when it breaks. Instead, the glass will break into large chunks that can be safely held together by the interlayer.
The glass also reduces noise pollution by preventing sound waves from entering the home. These features make laminated glass an excellent choice for both security and aesthetics.
Reinforced Frames
The frame is one of the most important factors for hurricane windows to be energy efficient. Reinforced structures will allow your windows to keep heat out of your home, which can help you save money on your energy bills.
In addition to being more energy efficient, these frames also offer a higher level of security for your home. They are designed to protect occupants from dangerous flying debris.
Typically, hurricane windows have a high-impact glass with a polymer chemical that keeps the glass intact even when it shatters into shards. This makes it much safer to use than older single-pane or non-tempered glass.
The frame needs to be constructed with a reinforced concrete mix to achieve these benefits. This type of construction allows for a quicker and easier erection, saving you time and money during the project.