For homeowners in hurricane-prone areas like Broward County, deciding between traditional windows and impact windows isn’t just about cost—it’s about whether the investment truly adds value. Impact windows provide protection from extreme weather, increase home security, and offer a variety of cost-saving benefits, making them not just a practical choice, but also a sound investment for your property. Let’s explore the differences between traditional windows and impact windows and why they are considered a good investment.
Hurricane Protection: Impact Windows vs. Traditional Windows
The key factor that sets impact windows apart from traditional windows is their ability to protect your home during hurricanes. Traditional windows are prone to shattering even during a Category 1 hurricane with winds ranging from 74 to 95 mph. This leaves your home vulnerable to water damage, structural damage, and potentially catastrophic internal damage when the wind enters and increases pressure.
By contrast, impact windows are built with laminated glass and reinforced frames that are engineered to resist flying debris and withstand wind speeds of up to 150 mph—more than enough to handle Category 4 or 5 hurricanes. Unlike traditional windows, which can fail during storms, impact windows provide continuous protection without the need for additional coverings like hurricane shutters.
- Real-Life Example: During Hurricane Irma in 2017, homes with impact windows experienced far less damage compared to homes with traditional windows. Flying debris that shattered traditional glass was no match for impact-rated windows, which remained intact and protected the home’s interior from wind and water damage.
Flying Debris Resistance
Flying debris during hurricanes is one of the biggest threats to a home’s safety. Traditional windows can easily shatter when struck by objects like tree branches or roof tiles during a storm. This not only leads to extensive property damage but also creates a major safety hazard for residents.
Impact windows, however, are designed and tested to withstand impacts from large missile debris, such as a 9-pound 2×4 traveling at over 34 mph. Even if the glass cracks, the laminated layers prevent it from breaking into dangerous shards, maintaining the integrity of your home and preventing further damage.
A Good Investment: Long-Term Savings
The initial cost of installing impact windows is undoubtedly higher than traditional windows, but when you consider the long-term savings and the overall benefits, impact windows prove to be a wise investment.
- Insurance Premium Savings: Homeowners who install impact windows can often qualify for discounts on their insurance premiums, as insurers recognize that homes with impact-rated features are less likely to sustain major damage. These discounts can be as much as 10-20% off your premium, leading to substantial savings year after year. These insurance discounts help offset the initial investment in impact windows, making them a financially smart decision.
- Energy Efficiency: Another significant advantage of impact windows is their contribution to energy savings. Many impact windows are built with Low-E coatings or insulating glass, which minimizes heat transfer and reduces the strain on your heating and cooling systems. Traditional windows, especially single-pane models, lack these features and allow more heat to pass through, resulting in higher energy bills. By reducing cooling and heating costs, impact windows can lower your energy expenses by up to 15% annually, creating long-term savings that add to their value.
Increased Property Value
Installing impact windows also enhances your home’s market value. Buyers in hurricane-prone areas understand the value of built-in storm protection and prefer homes that are already equipped with impact windows, eliminating the need for expensive upgrades later. Homes with impact windows typically attract more interest and sell at higher prices compared to homes with traditional windows that require additional hurricane protection measures.
- Real Estate Value: A home equipped with impact windows stands out in the market because it represents safety, security, and efficiency—qualities that buyers are willing to pay extra for. This makes impact windows not only a safety upgrade but a financial asset that increases your home’s resale value.
Protection Beyond Hurricanes
Impact windows also offer benefits beyond hurricane protection, adding value year-round:
- Home Security: The strength of impact windows makes them much more difficult to break, serving as a deterrent to intruders and enhancing your home’s security. Unlike traditional windows, which can be easily shattered, impact windows remain intact even under significant force.
- Noise Reduction: Impact windows are constructed with laminated glass, which acts as a sound barrier, reducing the amount of external noise that enters your home. This is especially valuable if you live in a noisy neighborhood or near a busy road. Traditional windows do not provide the same level of noise reduction, making impact windows the better choice for a quieter and more comfortable living environment.
- UV Protection: The laminated glass in impact windows also blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, preventing your furnishings, flooring, and artwork from fading. This added protection keeps your home looking newer for longer, reducing the need for costly replacements or repairs.
Eliminating the Need for Shutters
Unlike traditional windows that need hurricane shutters for protection during a storm, impact windows are always ready to defend your home. Shutters require installation and removal every hurricane season, which can be time-consuming and stressful. Impact windows, however, provide continuous, hassle-free protection—an investment in peace of mind.
Conclusion: Are Impact Windows a Good Investment?
For homeowners in areas vulnerable to severe weather, impact windows are an undeniably good investment. Compared to traditional windows, impact windows provide unmatched protection from hurricanes, flying debris, and extreme winds. Beyond safety, impact windows also offer energy savings, insurance premium reductions, increased home value, and continuous year-round protection. The combined long-term cost savings and the significant improvement in safety and comfort make impact windows a wise financial decision.
If you’re ready to invest in the protection and value of your home, contact Sofli Windows & Doors at 954-636-1122 or visit sofliwindows.com to schedule your free consultation. We offer 0% financing and cash-back incentives of up to $5000 to make impact windows more accessible for every homeowner.