Ultimate Guide to Impact Windows for Your Home
Guide to Impact Windows for Broward County Homeowners
Living in Broward County means enjoying year-round sunshine, but it also comes with the challenge of preparing for hurricane season. The importance of protecting your home cannot be overstated, especially with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. For many homeowners, impact windows are the ultimate solution—not only offering storm protection but also improving home security, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.
At Broward Impact, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners make their homes safer and more comfortable with high-quality impact windows. This guide covers everything you need to know, from how impact windows work to why they’re a smart investment for your home in Broward County.
What Makes Impact Windows Different?
Impact windows are specially engineered to withstand the most severe weather conditions. Unlike regular glass, which shatters into dangerous shards upon impact, impact windows consist of multiple layers:
-Laminated Glass: Two or more glass layers are bonded together with a durable interlayer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
-Reinforced Frames: Made from materials like aluminum, vinyl, or composite, these frames are designed to stay intact under extreme pressure.
This combination ensures that even if the glass cracks under force, it remains intact, preventing debris and wind from entering your home.
Why Homeowners in Broward County Need Impact Windows
Florida’s unique climate makes impact windows essential for homeowners. Here’s why they’re a must-have in Broward County:
-Hurricane Protection: Impact windows meet stringent Florida building codes, providing peace of mind during hurricane season. They can withstand winds of up to 200 mph and prevent damage from flying debris.
-Heat and Humidity: Florida’s heat and humidity can strain your home’s cooling system. Impact windows reduce heat transfer, keeping your home cooler and lowering energy bills.
-24/7 Protection: Unlike hurricane shutters, which need to be installed and removed seasonally, impact windows offer year-round protection. They also guard against break-ins and accidental impacts.
Broward County’s exposure to tropical storms and hurricanes makes impact windows more than a luxury—they’re a necessity.
What Are the Benefits of Impact Windows?
Beyond hurricane protection, impact windows offer a range of benefits that make them a worthwhile investment for your home.
-Hurricane Defense You Can Count On: Impact windows are tested under rigorous conditions to ensure they can withstand the harshest elements. Their ability to stay intact during high-wind events protects your home from catastrophic structural damage.
-Enhanced Security: Impact windows are made to resist forced entry, making them an effective deterrent for burglars. Their laminated glass and reinforced frames are far stronger than standard windows, giving you added peace of mind.
-Energy Efficiency: South Florida’s heat can lead to high energy bills, but impact windows help regulate indoor temperatures. Their insulating properties reduce heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Over time, this can lead to significant savings on energy costs.
-Noise Reduction: If you live near busy roads, airports, or commercial areas, you’ll appreciate the noise-reducing qualities of impact windows. The laminated glass dampens outdoor sounds, creating a quieter and more relaxing indoor environment.
-UV Protection: Florida’s sunshine is beautiful but can be harmful to your furniture, flooring, and décor. Impact windows block harmful UV rays, protecting your home’s interior and preserving its value.
-Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies in Florida offer premium discounts for homes with impact windows. By reducing the risk of storm damage, these windows can lower your annual insurance costs significantly.
-Increased Property Value: Adding impact windows to your home is a smart investment. Not only do they improve your home’s safety and efficiency, but they also boost its resale value. Potential buyers in Broward County are often willing to pay more for homes equipped with hurricane protection features.
What Are The Types of Impact Windows?
Broward Impact offers a variety of impact window styles to suit any architectural design. Each option combines functionality and aesthetics, allowing you to choose windows that match your home’s style while providing unmatched protection.
-Single-Hung Windows: A classic and versatile option, single-hung windows feature a fixed top sash and a movable bottom sash. They are easy to operate and provide excellent ventilation.
-Horizontal Sliding Windows: These windows glide horizontally, making them ideal for wide openings. They offer unobstructed views and are a popular choice for modern homes.
-Casement Windows: Hinged on the side, casement windows open outward with a crank, offering maximum airflow and clear sightlines. They are also highly secure and energy-efficient.
-Picture Windows: Picture windows are non-operable and designed to let in natural light while showcasing outdoor views. They’re an elegant addition to living rooms, entryways, and other areas where ventilation isn’t a priority.
-Custom Shapes: For homeowners with unique design needs, Broward Impact offers custom-shaped windows to fit unconventional spaces and create architectural interest.
What Is the Installation Process Like For Impact Windows?
At Broward Impact, we’ve refined the installation process to ensure it’s as seamless and stress-free as possible for homeowners.
Step 1: Free Consultation: Our team begins with a free consultation to assess your needs and recommend the best impact windows for your home. We’ll provide an estimate and discuss financing options.
Step 2: Measurements and Customization: Precise measurements are taken to ensure a perfect fit. You can also choose from various frame materials, colors, and finishes to match your home’s design.
Step 3: Professional Installation: On installation day, our licensed and insured technicians remove your old windows and install the new ones with precision. We ensure each window is properly sealed and secured.
Step 4: Final Walkthrough: After installation, we inspect every window and review the finished project with you to ensure your satisfaction.
How Do Impact Windows Differ from Regular Windows?
The most significant difference between impact windows and regular windows lies in their construction. Impact windows are made with two or more layers of laminated glass bonded to an interlayer of durable material, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). These layers are reinforced by sturdy frames made from materials like aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass.
In contrast, regular windows use standard glass, which shatters into dangerous shards upon impact. This shattering increases the risk of injury and leaves your home exposed to wind and debris. Impact windows, on the other hand, hold together even when cracked, keeping your home protected.
Additionally, impact windows are rigorously tested to withstand high-velocity winds and debris impacts, meeting stringent building codes. Regular windows cannot meet these performance standards.
When Should I Make the Switch From Regular Windows?
If your home still has traditional windows, it’s essential to consider upgrading to impact windows before hurricane season begins. Here are some signs it’s time to make the switch:
-Your Current Windows Are Aging: Older windows with cracks, fogging, or weakened seals are especially vulnerable to storms.
-You Use Temporary Hurricane Protection: If you’re relying on shutters or plywood, switching to impact windows can eliminate the hassle of seasonal preparation.
-Energy Costs Are High: Impact windows improve energy efficiency, reducing cooling costs during Florida’s hot summers.
-Home Security Concerns: Impact windows offer superior resistance against forced entry, unlike standard glass.
The best time to upgrade is during the off-season for hurricanes when installation schedules are more flexible, and you can prepare your home proactively.
Do Impact Windows Actually Stop Hurricanes?
While impact windows won’t stop a hurricane from occurring, they are designed to minimize the damage hurricanes can cause to your home. Impact windows prevent high winds, flying debris, and pressure changes from breaching your home’s envelope.
If a hurricane breaks a regular window, it can allow strong winds and rain to enter, causing catastrophic structural damage. Impact windows withstand winds up to 200 mph and resist debris impacts, keeping your home’s interior secure and reducing the risk of roof or wall collapse.
By installing impact windows, you’re effectively preventing hurricane-related vulnerabilities that could escalate into major damage.
Are Impact Windows Compliant With Broward County Building Codes?
Yes, impact windows are fully compliant with Broward County’s stringent building codes, which are among the toughest in the nation. Broward County is part of Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), requiring homes to meet enhanced wind resistance standards.
Impact windows must undergo rigorous testing to be certified for use in Broward County. This includes:
- Withstanding wind speeds of up to 200 mph.
- Passing missile impact tests, where objects are launched at the glass to simulate debris.
- Demonstrating water resistance under heavy rainfall conditions.
At Broward Impact, all our products meet or exceed these requirements, ensuring your home complies with local regulations.
What Else Do Impact Windows Stop?
Impact windows are incredibly versatile, offering protection beyond hurricanes:
-Intrusions: Their durable construction makes them nearly impossible to break through, providing excellent home security.
-Noise Pollution: Impact windows significantly reduce outside noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.
-UV Rays: Laminated glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, preventing furniture and flooring from fading over time.
-Temperature Extremes: Impact windows regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer, making them energy-efficient year-round.
Can I Install Impact Windows Myself?
Unfortunately, installing impact windows is not a DIY project. Thankfully, Broward Impacts installation team has you covered!
-Building Code Compliance: Improper installation can result in non-compliance with Broward County’s building codes, leaving your home unprotected during storms and vulnerable to penalties.
-Technical Expertise: Impact windows require precise measurements and specialized tools to ensure a proper fit and seal. Misalignment can compromise their performance.
-Safety Risks: Handling heavy glass and reinforcing frames can be dangerous without the right training and equipment.
-Manufacturer’s Warranty: Many manufacturers void warranties if the windows aren’t installed by a certified professional.
Trusting experts like Broward Impact ensures your windows perform as intended and meet all safety standards.
How Can I Tell If I Have Impact Windows Installed?
If you’re unsure whether your home has impact windows, look for these signs:
-Labeling: Impact windows often have a permanent etched label in the corner of the glass, indicating compliance with safety standards like ASTM E1996 or Miami-Dade certification.
-Glass Thickness: Impact windows are thicker than standard glass due to their laminated construction.
-Testing with Reflection: Hold a flame or light up to the glass. If you see multiple reflections, it’s likely impact-resistant laminated glass.
-Professional Inspection: If in doubt, contact Broward Impact. Our experts can assess your windows and confirm whether they’re impact-rated.
How Long Do Impact Windows Last Compared to Regular Windows?
Impact windows are built to last much longer than regular windows. With proper maintenance, they can remain effective for 20-30 years or more.
Regular windows, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan, typically 10-15 years, depending on exposure to the elements. The laminated glass and reinforced frames of impact windows are engineered to withstand Florida’s harsh climate, including prolonged sun exposure, humidity, and salt air.
My Windows Were Installed When the Home Was Built in the 90s. Should I Replace Them?
If your windows date back to the 1990s, it’s highly likely they’re no longer providing the level of protection, energy efficiency, and security your home needs today. While they may have been adequate when installed, advances in technology and stricter building codes make modern impact windows far superior.
Do Impact Windows Actually Raise My Property Value?
Yes, impact windows can increase your property value. Homebuyers in hurricane-prone areas like Broward County are often willing to pay more for homes equipped with storm protection features.
Key ways impact windows add value:
-Improved Curb Appeal: Modern designs enhance your home’s appearance.
-Lower Insurance Costs: Many buyers recognize the long-term savings from reduced homeowners insurance premiums.
-Increased Demand: Impact windows make your home stand out in a competitive market.
Think of impact windows as an investment that pays off in both safety and financial returns.
Are Hurricane Shutters Better Than Impact Windows?
While hurricane shutters provide some level of protection, they fall short compared to impact windows in several ways:
-Year-Round Protection: Impact windows provide constant protection against storms, intrusions, and UV rays, while shutters must be deployed manually before each storm.
-Aesthetic Appeal: Impact windows enhance your home’s appearance, while shutters can look bulky or out of place.
-Convenience: There’s no need to store or install impact windows seasonally, unlike shutters.
-Noise and Energy Benefits: Shutters don’t offer the noise reduction or energy efficiency that impact windows provide.
For a seamless blend of protection, efficiency, and style, impact windows are the superior choice.
FAQs About Impact Windows
Are impact windows required in Broward County?
While not mandatory, impact windows are highly recommended due to the county’s susceptibility to hurricanes. They meet Florida building code requirements and offer superior protection compared to traditional windows.
How much do impact windows cost?
The cost depends on the size, style, and customization options. While the upfront cost may be higher than standard windows, the long-term savings on energy bills and insurance premiums make them a valuable investment.
Do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?
No. Impact windows eliminate the need for hurricane shutters, as they are designed to withstand the same level of impact and wind pressure.
Why Choose Broward Impact?
Broward Impact is committed to providing homeowners with the highest quality products and services. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for impact windows in Broward County:
Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, we know what it takes to protect Florida homes.
Premium Products: Our windows meet or exceed all Florida building codes.
Customer Service: We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service from start to finish.
Financing Options: Flexible financing through 2025 to makes it easier to upgrade your windows without financial strain.
Take the Next Step Today
Impact windows are a vital investment in your home’s safety, efficiency, and value. At Broward Impact, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to upgrade your windows? Contact us at 954.922.0606 to schedule your free consultation and start protecting your home today.
