Hurricanes have become more intense and destructive over the past few years. This has forced local governments in vulnerable parts of the country to make major changes in the building code. Now the government has come out with instructions on how to build and install these doors and windows. With the government code aside, installing strong and sturdy doors and windows is also important from a safety perspective.

We should know how to reduce the damage caused by droughts, hurricanes, and floods and ourselves. Like any other natural disaster, the damage caused by hurricanes cannot be predicted. People, who live in areas that are prone to hurricanes, must secure their dwelling before the hurricanes strike. Understanding the damage hurricanes can cause and preparing for them can reduce the damage caused by these natural disasters. One of the best ways of protecting your home or office from a storm is by installing good quality impact windows.

Impact Windows

Impact windows are stronger and sturdier than your regular windows. To achieve the high impact rating, these impact glasses are put through several toughness and safety tests. Most hurricane resistant windows in the market have a sign that looks like a missile. These missiles are of two types, the small missile, and the big missile. These missiles denote the toughness of the tests carried out on the glass. The test on these glasses is carried out by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The small missile denotes that 30 pieces of gravel and roofing material is fired on the glass at the speed of 80 feet per second to check the toughness of the glass. Impact glasses that have a big missile sign on them have been tested using a 6-foot lumber that is fired from a cannon. Apart from these tests, there are several other tests conducted by ASTM to check the strength of the glass.

There are several reasons why installing impact resistant windows should be your next home improvement project. Some important reasons are:

Protection from Hurricanes

Installing hurricane resistant windows will protect your home from strong winds and flying debris. If gusty winds and projectiles damage your window, strong air will enter your home and expand rapidly. This will increase the air pressure inside your home, which can damage your doors, windows, roof, and even the walls. If preventive steps are not taken, your dwelling will become extremely vulnerable and the condition of your home will quickly deteriorate with every passing minute. Installing storm proof windows will protect your home from these natural disasters. However, make sure the impact glass you buy can withstand Category 5 wind conditions.

Security

Installing impact windows will improve security and reduce the risk of burglary. The design of the glass provides strong resistance to the attempts of forced entry. Also, these glasses will protect you and your loved ones from the abusive blows of items like bricks, hammer, and even bats.

Energy Efficiency

These storm windows have high levels of insulation, which reduces energy cost. When you buy cheap quality glass, you have to spend on your energy bills because of increase of heat flow from outside. Impact glass has a low E coats which reduces related heat transfer, this helps in reducing energy bills during summers. During winters, these glasses help in retaining heat inside the house, which will reduce energy consumption. So, if you plan to take up a home improvement project to reduce energy consumption, installing impact windows must be your first priority.

Protection from Harmful UV rays

When home furnishing, carpets, and wood is exposed to sunlight that comes from ordinary windows, it can make them look faded and old. When you install storm resistant windows, it offers up to 99 percent protection from harmful UV rays.

Reduce Insurance Premium

Since these windows protect your home from natural disasters, most insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who install hurricane resistant doors and windows. Some insurance companies offer discounts of up to 40 percent on the insurance premium. In some states, there is statute that all insurance providers must give discount on premiums if the home is protected against windstorm.

Noise Reduction

Home is the place where you would want to relax, but annoying noises from the neighborhood can destroy the tranquility. Installing impact resistant windows and doors will prevent these sounds from entering your home. In fact, these windows can reduce exterior noise by more than 50 percent.

Bottom Line

Considering the benefits that impact windows have to offer, installing these windows should be your next home improvement project. Low energy bills and discounts on insurance premium should further motivate you to install these impact glasses.