Impact Windows & Doors
Advantages
Hurricane protection. Impact windows and doors can prevent glass from shattering into dangerous shards, giving you peace of mind if a major storm appears in the forecast.
Energy efficiency. Impact-resistant windows and doors are stronger and better insulated than standard, non-impact windows and doors, so you can expect to see a significant savings on utility costs.
Reduced light and sound transmission. Standard windows and doors do not provide as much noise and UV light reduction as impact windows and doors. The laminated glass used in impact windows and doors can block 98 percent of UV light that normally enters your home.
Impact Windows & Doors
Vinyl impact windows are virtually maintenance-free and provide good insulation. Aluminum impact windows are strong, extremely resistant to impact, and less susceptible to warping from temperature variations than wood and vinyl. Wood impact windows can be stained or painted to match your house, but wood does require regular maintenance.
Wood impact doors suppress outside noise well and can be trimmed to fit an existing door frame. For the best performance from this type of door, choose a solid-wood or solid-core door. Aluminum impact doors are low maintenance and come in a wide variety of styles and finishes. Steel impact doors are easy to maintain and great at restricting heat. Fiberglass impact doors come in many different designs and are easy to paint or stain. Some fiberglass impact doors are manufactured with an internal steel plate for extra strength and protection.
Impact Glass Options
Laminated glass. Impact windows are made from laminated glass for safety and energy efficiency. Laminated glass is composed of two panes of glass with a middle layer of polyvinyl butyral, a strong, clear plastic. This middle layer strengthens the glass and causes it to crack in a spiderweb shape instead of shattering and falling out of the frame.
Insulated laminated glass. Insulated impact windows use an additional pane of glass to create an insulating vacuum, which is filled with either air or an inert gas. Insulated impact windows can be costly, but the energy savings over time help offset the initial investment.
Special coatings. Special coatings can be applied to the glass pane during manufacturing to further reduce the amount of heat transferred through the glass. Low-E glass is designed to reflect infrared heat, keeping heat out in the summer and in during the winter.
Tinted and reflective windows. Tints, films, and reflective coatings also increase the energy efficiency of your windows by reducing heat and light transfer.