Discover Popular Types of Hurricane Impact Windows

As a homeowner of Wilmington, you already know the value of being able to batten down the proverbial hatches and protect your property from hurricane-force rain, wind, and hail. While your home’s siding and roof might be up to snuff, what about your windows? Without durable, properly installed impact-resistant windows, your house might be more vulnerable than you think the next time a hurricane surges up from the Gulf.

Fortunately, you can install hurricane impact windows that perfectly match your home’s existing aesthetic and your personal preferences. Let’s look closely at some popular types of hurricane impact windows and explore the value they can bring to your property.

What are impact windows, exactly?

Impact windows are highly resilient, heavy-duty windows constructed with hardy frames and impact-resistant glass panes. Most high-impact windows also feature laminated glass with low emissivity coatings, which minimize harmful UV light transmission. Check out Wincore’s Impact Windows to see what these look like.

However, the primary purpose of impact windows is to withstand heavy storm winds, large hail, and other debris. The right impact windows can secure your property against all kinds of weather-related threats, all without compromising your home’s natural light, architectural style, or curb appeal.

Hurricane windows vs. impact windows

All hurricane windows are impact windows, but not all impact windows are hurricane windows. That’s because a window must meet specific building and durability codes to qualify as a “hurricane” model.

For example, North Carolina’s building codes – as outlined in Chapter 45: High Wind Zones – describe specific resistance requirements for windows and doors in areas that might see hurricane-level winds.

For buildings with a mean roof height of 29 ft, their windows and doors need to be able to withstand winds/pressures of up to 110mph. Similarly, buildings with a mean roof height of 43 ft require windows and doors that are resilient against 130mph winds.

Therefore, a North Carolina hurricane window might withstand 110–130mph winds depending on the home it’s designed for!

The biggest benefits of impact windows

No matter which types of hurricane windows you pick for your Wilmington property, you’ll see several big benefits right off the bat, including:

• Protection against storms, hail, and other weather-related debris
• Noise insulation, as impact windows form tight seals against your home and prevent sounds outside from getting into your home as easily
• Enhanced property value, as you’ll be able to advertise the durability of your impact windows to prospective homebuyers later on
• Energy efficiency, since hurricane windows feature glass coatings and insulation that reduce heat transfers
• Furniture protection – remember, most impact windows have UV-resistant coatings, unlike standard windows, which could prevent the sun from causing your furniture pieces or carpet to fade from direct sunlight exposure

Most common types of impact windows

Depending on where you look and what you need, you can find impact windows in a variety of excellent sizes, shapes, and styles. Simonton’s StormBreaker Plus Collection, for example, has hurricane-rated windows for every home and homeowner.

Odds are, there’s a set of stellar impact windows perfect for your Wilmington house – you just need to know what to look for!

Single-hung and double-hung impact windows

Single-hung and double-hung impact windows are popular choices, and it's easy to see why: they slide up and down, so you can enjoy plenty of fresh air, and they fit most rooms reasonably well. Single-hung windows have one operational sash, whereas double-hung windows have two.

In either case, these versatile impact windows are simple and elegant, so you can incorporate them into any home design or aesthetic theme you have in mind.

Casement & awning impact windows

Casement windows swing open using a hinge on their sides, while awning windows have a hinge at the top. Both casement and awning window types are perfect for letting in a fresh breeze on a day with nice weather, but they're also very easy to close and secure if you see storm clouds on the horizon.

Thanks to their sizes and shapes, casement and awning windows are very popular choices in basements, kitchens (think over the sink), and attics.

Sliding impact windows

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy fresh air is to install a sliding impact window. True to their name, sliding windows slide open from top to bottom or left to right, depending on their configuration.

But they’re also popular choices among homeowners thanks to the way they frame their views. A few sliding windows in your living room or bedroom, for example, could highlight the best spots in your yard or neighborhood when you peer through them from inside the house. At the same time, they’ll do a great job of keeping your home safe and secure during a storm. Choose these if you want to maximize your airflow options without compromising security.

Impact picture windows

Expansive impact picture windows are exceptional choices for dining rooms, living rooms, and even master bedrooms. In each of these rooms, large impact windows bring in natural sunshine from the outdoors, opening up their rooms and providing you with a picturesque view of the world beyond your home.

They’re very effective choices if you want to maximize curb appeal, too – set up an impact picture window in front of your dining room, for example, to show off your home’s carefully decorated interior to passersby and future homebuyers.

Don’t think their broad glass surfaces mean impact picture windows can’t be trusted. So long as they’re made with the right materials and installed by the right contractors, they’ll do just as good a job of protecting your property as other impact window types.

Impact windows in architectural shapes

Of course, you can also opt for impact windows cut into specific architectural shapes to replace existing windows in your home or to fit an architectural aesthetic you want to maintain. Architectural shape impact windows are perfect for capping off an existing window set or dramatically accenting your home – think half-moons, long columns, and so on.

Average cost of installing impact windows

Hurricane windows might sound appealing, but most Wilmington homeowners have to consider costs before beginning a big renovation! According to Home Advisor, the average cost of installing a set of hurricane impact windows can range anywhere from as little as $3,000 to $15,000 on the upper end. Of course, the total cost of impact windows will depend on:

• How many windows you choose to install
• The types of impact windows you prefer
• Who you call to get the job done

When you work with knowledgeable, fully licensed contractors, you’ll get peace of mind, home protection during hurricane season, and a great deal. That’s why you should contact Window World of the Port City. Our capable specialists can help you pick out the perfect impact windows for your property, then take care of installation from start to finish. Give us a call today or check out our showroom to see available impact window models in person!