Do I Need Impact-Resistant Windows?

If you’re planning to replace your home’s windows, you may be wondering whether you need to have impact-resistant windows installed. The answer to this question depends in large part on where your home is located, since certain areas have enacted rules pertaining to this issue. The Florida Building Code, for instance, states that windows have to either be impact-resistant or be otherwise protected (such as with shutters) if the structure is located within one mile of the coast, where the wind speed can be at least 110 miles per hour. And in certain areas of the state, local building departments require that impact windows be installed even if the structure isn’t within that one-mile radius. You may want to check local building regulations to determine whether you’re legally required to have impact windows installed on your home.

Even if you don’t have this type of legal obligation, it’s still a smart idea to have impact-resistant windows installed if you live in an area that’s prone to severe storms and strong winds. If your windows aren’t engineered to resist impacts and they’re hit by flying debris, there’s a good chance that they’ll shatter. Once this happens, glass, debris, and water can enter your home through the opening, posing a risk to your loved ones and possibly damaging your possessions. What’s more, because barometric pressure tends to shift during a storm, winds that enter your home through the opening could cause extensive damage and potentially blow the roof off.

How Do Impact-Resistant Windows Work?

It’s true that impact-resistant windows are less likely to break when hit with flying debris. But the key difference between the two types of windows lies in what happens when the windows do break. In the event than an impact window breaks, the pieces of glass will remain intact and attached to the frame rather than shattering, thus preventing the type of damage listed above from occurring.

Impact-Resistant Windows for Homes in Tampa, Orlando & Fort Myers

If you own a home in Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, or any of the surrounding areas, you can rely on Morgan Exteriors for impact-resistant windows. We’re a trusted home renovation company that’s been serving the region since 1995, and we’re pleased to install impact windows from Simonton and PGT. Simonton impact windows are certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, and PGT windows have been shown to remain intact after being repeatedly hit with a nine-pound, 2’x4’ beam traveling 30 miles per hour.

In addition to being shatter-resistant, our windows are highly energy efficient, with the Simonton brand capable of blocking up to 99% of UV rays. Customers who opt for PGT impact windows can choose to include high-performance Low-E coatings and glass tinting. What’s more, our impact windows significantly reduce the amount of outside noise infiltration, helping to keep your home quiet when you want to relax inside.

Contact Morgan Exteriors today to request a complimentary in-home consultation. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you determine what type of window is best suited to your specific needs.