The whole North Atlantic coastline is located in a risk area of tropical storms. Especially the southern states of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North and South Carolina are the most likely to be hit by hurricanes. Gulf Coast-hugging Mississippi is not safe either. And the same for Louisiana, infamous for its Katrina disaster.
Even Texas with its 337 miles of shoreline gets hit from time to time by damaging winds formed in the Gulf of Mexico.
When climate change progresses noticeable, it has been estimated, by data analyst CoreLogic Inc, that over 32 million U.S. homes will probably have hurricane damage. Also the warming of the planet and the sea level rise will cause tropical storms even to the locations which don’t typically belong to the hurricane regions.
Living in the hurricane risk areas can be stressful but there are many ways to protect your property of possible damages.
Installing hurricane-proof windows is a good start of relieving that stress.
Changing the windows may sound pricey at first but they can definitely be a really good way of saving money. If you don’t have hurricane windows the doors and windows of your house may be blown-out and cause cracks in your house foundation. If the high wind gets inside it can even blow the whole roof away and your house may collapse.
There are many kinds of windows for different purposes. When you construct a house or change your old windows it’s important to be aware of different window options in the market. Usually people in risk areas consider having impact windows or hurricane windows.
Difference between impact windows and hurricane proof windows
There is not much difference in impact windows and hurricane windows. Both give a shelter from the powerful wind and debris which could break your normal windows but in hurricane windows they have been built even more by taking into consideration usually also local requirements and building codes.
Hurricane impact windows have many other advances too like noise insulation, UV- and home security. They are also energy efficient and you can lower your home heating and cooling costs with them. Most insurance companies offer less expensive insurances to the houses with hurricane and impact windows. Your home value will grow when it’s protected by the right type of windows and doors.
There is also value that you don’t need to worry too much when you know that a hurricane will not destroy everything that is important to you.They are able to protect your house with winds up to 200 miles per hour. It means that you will be safe even in 5 Category storms.
How are hurricane windows built
The basic construction of hurricane windows is based on the laminated pane of two or three glasses reinforced with a polymer layer between. Protective layers are made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The hurricane-proof windows are installed in place of the standard window glass.
The frame of the window is also made to be very strong and durable. They are made in wood, vinyl, aluminum or steel and every of them have their pros and cons.
How much do hurricane windows cost
Aluminum and steel frames will last about 45 years and they cost about 160 dollars per window. Vinyl frames will last about 20 to 40 years and cost about 200 dollars per window.
Wooden frames can be paint and stained different ways and it depends how theya are treated and maintenance will effect how long they will last. They will cost about 290 dollars per window.
“HomeAdvisor states that the average cost of installing hurricane-proof windows on an entire home ranges from $2,449 and $13,395, or $7,922 on average. That comes to about $55 per square foot of window. Each window, depending on size and customization, ranges between $90 and $400.”
Forbes Home
References:
https://www.windowworld.com/products/impact-and-coastal/impact-single-hung-windows#information
https://www.pella.com/performance/impact-resistance/understanding-hurricane-windows/
https://theconversation.com/some-coastal-areas-are-more-prone-to-devastating-hurricanes-a-meteorologist-explains-why-160765
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/windows/hurricane-windows-cost/
https://www.womanandhome.com/homes/hurricane-risk-millions-of-coastal-homes-could-face-major-damage/
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