The Florida Building Code (FBC) 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. With the improvements in window technologies, it is now possible to buy impact-resistant and/or energy-efficient windows for your home.

How much value do impact windows add?

Hurricane Impact Windows Make an Impact on Your Home Value Installation of hurricane proof windows can actually give you an excellent return on your investment – between 75-85% – if you plan to sell or even refinance your home in the near future.

Are impact windows burglar proof?

Rather than shattering like a traditional pane of glass, impact resistant windows will splinter, but not break through. Although impact resistant windows are not completely burglar proof, breaking through them can prove to be significantly more work and more time consuming than most burglars are willing to endure.

Do impact windows reduce insurance?

You Can Save On Insurance Coverage With Impact-Rated Windows. Because impact windows and doors reduce the risk of property damage, water damage, and other such issues when high winds and hurricanes threaten your home, many insurance companies are willing to offer discounts for installing hurricane windows and doors.

What year did impact windows become mandatory in Florida?

2001
The Basic Requirements of the Florida Building Code for Windows. In 2001, after the devastating damage caused by Hurricane Andrew, the Florida Building Code (FBC) Association established stronger requirements for wind and debris resistant housing.

Are impact windows required in Pinellas County?

Pinellas County All homes need impact windows or storm shutters installed.

Why are impact windows so expensive?

For most, this is pretty self-explanatory. The larger the window or door, the thicker and stronger the glass needs to be to perform when tested for impact resistance. Think of it as a beam. Those homes with high ceilings and large openings will see their average window cost be higher due to this.

Can impact windows withstand Category 5?

While impact windows are designed to handle an incredible amount of damage – up to winds of 140 mph – the exact conditions outside during a Category 5 hurricane are impossible to predict.

How hard is it to break impact windows?

While impact windows are not necessarily impossible to break, they require much more time and noise to do so. Breaking through them usually proves to be significantly more work and effort than most criminals are willing to endure.

Is laminated glass burglar proof?

This type of strengthened glass is commonly called laminated glass. You can also get burglar-proof laminating sheets for your regular windows or glass doors. Simply stick them on and they increase the shatter resistance of the glass. Cheaper than double glazing, they’ll still increase your home’s safety.

Are there hurricane impact windows and doors required in Florida?

The question of whether hurricane windows and doors are required in Florida is not a simple answer. The reason is that local building codes determine the requirements as to whether impact windows and doors are required in a certain application.

Are there impact rated windows in Palm Beach County?

Specializing in impact window and door replacement for Palm Beach County since 2000. Featuring exclusively Marvin Signature® Coastline. Upgrading to impact-rated windows and doors, specifically designed to protect you and your property, is one of the most effective ways to prepare your home well in advance of an approaching storm.

How much does it cost to replace a hurricane impact window?

On a more technical level you should choose your impact hurricane windows and doors based on your needs for the product itself and the design pressure of the building. The average cost for window replacement with hurricane impact windows varies on the size of the windows.

Is the impact window company in the right place?

We are a impact window company that has a great relationship with the top manufacturers in the business. If you are a homeowner or a contractor that is looking to purchase impact windows, you are definitely in the right place. What determines the pricing for impact windows? Type of opening – stucco, cbs, drywall, etc.