- Impact Windows, also known as Hurricane Windows, provide turnkey protection against major storms.
Hurricane or Impact Windows main function is to provide protection from wind, water and wind born debris in the event of a storm. Impact-resistant glazing, also known as hurricane windows, are windows that have been tested for wind loads and wind-borne debris. Broward, Coastal Palm Beach and Miami-Dade are located in a High Velocity Wind Zone and Impact Windows must meet the most stringent testing requirements. Impact windows are laminated glass consisting of two or more clear panes of glass bonded together with a clear plastic-like film (usually polyvinyl butyral) sandwich between the two panes. If cracked or broken the glass fragments will adhere to the plastic interlayer preventing water, wind or debris from entering the home. Impact windows generally have heavier frames than regular residential windows. If a storm does threaten, your home is hurricane ready with no worry about hanging up plywood or putting up hurricane shutters.
2. Impact Windows provide a tremendous return on investment.
Are impact windows and doors worth the cost? In South Florida there is no doubt you will instantly receive a nice return on your investment. When it comes time to sell your home having new impact windows will return on average 70 to 77 percent of the cost. Replacing older windows is always listed in the top 10 for the best ROI by real estate and remodeling websites.
3. You may save money on your homeowners insurance
South Florida has the highest homeowners insurance rates in the state. Windstorm coverage is a special type of property-casualty insurance that protects policyholders from property damage caused by hurricanes and tornados. Adding impact windows and impact doors, along with an impact garage door can provide a substantial discount on the wind mitigation portion of your policy.
4. Adding impact windows will be a great selling point when you decide to leave your home.
A common real estate adage says “kitchens sell houses”, however a mid-range kitchen remodel will have an ROI of only 59 percent. In hurricane prone South Florida, outdated windows and doors that require you to hang up shutters when a storm approaches will often deter buyers who are looking for safety and security. Buyers will most certainly request a credit for new windows. Moreover, before you sell your home you will get to enjoy turnkey storm protection, energy efficiency, better sound proofing and tremendous curb appeal. Having impact windows is a great selling point and can help you get top dollar when it comes time to sell your home.
5. Additional security.
Not only do you get protection from storms, but thieves know that it is virtually impossible to break through hurricane windows. Breaking and entering through a window is one of the primary ways thieves gain entrance to your home. Once a thief sees that you have impact widows they will often move on to find a home that is an easier target.
6. Adding Impact Windows will give your home amazing curb appeal.
Windows making up on average 35 percent of the exterior of any home. Replacing your tired looking and non-functioning windows with new impact windows will give your home an updated and fresh look.
7. There are special financing options that can make replacement impact widows an affordable option.
GM – Doors, Window and Screen offers financing options to qualified property owners to make energy efficiency and wind resistance improvement and repairs through Ygrene’s Property Accessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program. Here is how it works – property owners can get up to 100% financing based upon available home equity, ability to pay, along with other factors. The funding is repaid through an assessment included on the annual property tax bill. Wind resistant improvements include wind-rated / hurricane resistant windows, doors and storm shutters. The PACE program is not based upon credit score, pays the contractor directly, stretches payments out over terms up to 30 years and is at a fixed interest rate.
8. New Impact Windows will help reduce your energy bills.
Old windows often leak air causing your air conditioner to continuously run driving up your energy costs. New impact windows will keep your home air tight. Radiant energy from the sun is another way windows transfer heat. You can opt for tinted windows that will provide greater energy efficiency by reducing radiant heat.
9. Adding a tint to new impact windows will reduce Ultra Violet (UV) light that causes items in your home to fade.
The inner filling of new impact windows can be ordered in various color tints to help reduce UV damage. UV light from the sun over time does plenty of damage to the contents of your home – including artwork, furniture, wood floors, carpets and home furnishing.
10. Impact windows significantly reduce outside noise.
Because of their thickness Impact Windows provide insulation from the amount of outside sounds coming into the home. You will immediately notice the peace and quiet provided by new impact windows.
GM – Door, Window & Screen is a family owned and operated business operating since 1968 that specializes in impact replacement windows and doors. With our own in-house installation team we provide the finest products and will work within your budget. Give us a call for a free estimate at (954) 797-0797.
