Impact Windows
Why Hurricane Impact Windows?
- Hurricane and Storm Prevention
- Windows are easily your most valuable asset during hurricane season. There’s more than just broken glass on the line, windows that break during hurricanes allow the wind to flow through your home, putting the entire structure in jeopardy. Impact windows are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, pressure and corrosion. Not only is the glass impact resistant, but the window frame itself is also reinforced to withstand the pressure that a hurricane can cause. These stand-alone units do not require any additional coverings or adjustments when a storm is headed in your direction.
- Improved Security
- A broken window is the most common form of unauthorized entry for an intruder. But Impact Windows will not shatter, due to their construction. Our impact windows consist of several layers of glass (or other synthetic materials) that make shattering and penetration difficult. This protects your home night and day from burglars attempting to break in.
- Reduced Energy Costs
- Utility bills can easily add up fast, especially during hot Florida summers. Multi-layer laminated impact glass will insulate your home, maintain internal temperature and reduce cooling and heating costs. Additionally, ES Windows offers a complete line of energy efficient glass to meet today’s demanding energy requirements.
- Reduced Insurance Costs
- Many insurance companies recognize impact windows and doors as effective windstorm protective systems. Check with your homeowner’s insurance carrier to see what kind of discount is available. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website, impact-resistant glazing and shutter protection for windows which both reduce wind damage are listed as incentives for insurance discounts.
- UV Ray Reduction
- Ultraviolet light can cause damage to fabrics, artwork, photographs and paint. Our Impact Windows filter out 99% of UV rays to not only reduce solar heat gain, but also protect your valuable interiors from fading and discoloration after repeated exposure to direct sunlight.
- Increased Home Resale Value
- Installation of hurricane proof windows can give your home an excellent return on investment. Old windows and doors can put a damper on the appearance of your home. Zillow.com research on home improvements and the impact it has on resale value coupled with energy efficiency savings found that you will be able to recoup nearly 80% of the cost of new impact windows when you go to sell your home in the market.
- Sound Reduction
- If you live near a busy intersection or highway, you know how disrupting and distracting outside noise can be. Our laminated glass and pliable interlayers absorb sound and are an easy way to significantly reduce ambient noise.
Hurricane Impact Window Safety
Types of Hurricane Windows
- Casement windows
- Casement windows are fitted with hinges typically located on the far sides of the panels. This creates a fixture that swings outwards, like a door. These windows can be fitted with a crank for manual opening.
- Single Hung windows
- The single hung, also known as single-sash window is a more traditional style consisting of one pane of glass, or “sash” which has the ability to slide up and down. These windows are co
- Bow and Bay
- Bow and Bay window styles are similar in nature. There are a few minute distinctions between the two, but they are often lumped together for all intents and purposes when designing a window fixture. The term “bay window” refers to any window fixture that protrudes outward from the structure it is affixed to. A bow window is simply a curved bay window. They allow for an added pocket of space and an expanded outward view due to its polygonal form.
- Awning
- Typically, an awning refers to an overhanging ancillary covering for the exterior of a building. Although awnings are commonly made from canvas, aluminum or acrylics, awnings can also be made of glass, because windows can be awnings, too. A window awning is really just a casement window flipped sideways. The hinge is located at the top to allow the window to swing outward, like an awning.
- Gliding
- Gliding windows can also be referred to as a horizontal sliding sash. This is because these window fixtures consist of two sashes that overlap to a slight degree. Like the name implies, the panes of glass can slide over one another within the frame.
- Picture
- A picture window is noticeably large and fixed directly into the wall of a room, thus creating a wide “picture” for the onlooker. Picture windows are unimpeded by any perfunctory or glazing bars near the edges of the frame, providing the room with a large, unobstructed view.
AAW Impact Hurricane Windows Sales & Installation Process
Once impact windows have been installed, there’s nothing else you need to do. Hurricane shutters need to be put up every time there’s a hurricane, but impact windows provide continuous protection from the moment they’re installed. In addition to our stellar products, we take pride in providing the best customer service in the industry. Our knowledgeable sales professionals, expert installation teams and friendly customer service staff will assist you from start to finish.
Florida Residential Hurricane Impact Window Requirements & Law
The Florida Building Code requires windows to be impact-resistant or protected if located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 110 mph or greater. Exterior windows and glass doors installed in wall systems are required to pass laboratory testing.
Testing standards set forth by the American Society for Testing & Materials applies for Miami-Dade and Broward County that are located in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone where every exterior opening (residential or commercial) must be provided with protection by shutters or impact-resistant windows. Of course, even if your home is not located in these areas, this may be a good idea for any Florida windows.