Living on the coast has its perks. It's a great feeling to take the effort to take a walk by the ocean in the morning, and you can't beat the pleasant feeling of an ocean breeze on a hot summer day. With that said, there are certainly inconveniences. When storms hit, without natural and artificial barriers shielding your property from the winds, your house needs to stand up to the full might of nature.
In places like Tampa Bay, where storms sometimes blow with enough force to rip trees out of the ground, standard windows won't cut it. You'll need to invest in impact windows, which are specially designed to withstand extreme weather.
What are Impact Windows?
Coastal homes face a massive amount of pressure from strong winds, and such winds can also carry dangerous debris. On the coast, a cracked window is dangerous because once the glass gives out, the pressure inside the house rises. In extreme wind, this could lift your roof and cause serious damage. You can’t afford to use normal windows; they just can’t withstand the pressure.
Impact windows consist of two panes of laminated glass, bonded together with something called PVB. If the outer layer of glass shatters, the PVB holds the panes together, preventing them from shattering inward.
Unlike tempered glass (often used in cars), laminated glass won't shatter into tiny pieces; instead, it's made so that when it shatters, it stays in the frame.
In places prone to hurricanes like Tampa Bay, having these kinds of impact-resistant windows is essential. In coastal areas, local experts at Reece Windows Tampa and similar companies.
Make Sure it's Up to Code
In coastal areas prone to hurricanes, winds can easily surpass 100 miles per hour. That's why stringent regulations and building codes surround the manufacture and installation of impact windows. In Florida, every product used needs to have a Florida Building Code approval number.
The number does the following:
• Identifies the specific product and manufacturer
• The revision number tells you which version of the approval is current
• Each approval describes the exact installation conditions under which the window is certified
• Products that work in different configurations often have multiple approval entries
If you're working with contractors, they should be familiar with this system. Contractors should also be able to provide such building code numbers on request. Before installing Windows, always cross-check the code to make sure it matches what you're installing.
Types of Glass
The following types of glass are typically used for impactor windows:
• Standard laminated impact glass: The most common PVP layer holds the pane in place when the glass is broken.
• Insulated impact glass: Two laminated panes with an air or argon gas layer.
• Low-E coating: microscopically thin metallic layer that reflects infrared heat and UV; reduces solar heat gain
In terms of frame, you have:
• Aluminum: Strong and resistant to salt air.
• Fiberglass: Probably the most stable.
• Wood cladding: In certain climates, like Florida, it will not stand up to humidity.
• Panel PVC: The most affordable.
Local code compliance and permits: Windows tend to require a building permit. In Florida, the licensed contractor is responsible for pulling this, not the homeowner.
Be careful of any contractor who suggests you skip this step, as third-party inspections may be required post-inspection. It's important to make sure your window complies with regulations.
If you install a non-compliant window, it could invalidate your homeowner's insurance. While these windows don't come cheaply, they do eliminate the need for hurricane shutters, which are a significant expense themselves.
It's worth seeing if you're entitled to an insurance discount. Homes with verified impact windows can sometimes save significantly on wind coverage premiums.
After you install the windows, generally you'll have to have them examined by a certified inspector who will provide you with documents to submit to your insurer to unlock the discounts. Always ask your contractor before confirming a job if they'll provide you with the appropriate documentation to support the inspection.
What to look for in a contractor
You should get quotes from contractors who have the appropriate contractor's license. You need to make sure any windows and associated products that are installed are all up to code with product certifications suitable for your state, guaranteeing performance in heavy wind. When working with a contractor, you need to confirm whether they're doing a full-frame installation versus insert installation.
Full-frame involves removing the existing window frame entirely, which is better suited to older houses where the frames themselves may have been degraded over the years. You might do an insert or pocket installation if the existing frame still has years of life left in it. Make sure you're on the same page with your contractor regarding the type of installation before proceeding.
Protect Your Coastal Home
Living on the coast is a unique and desirable lifestyle, but it does come with some annoyances. Some of the best coastline property in the country is in areas susceptible to hurricanes and heavy winds, so properly rated impact windows are essential, not optional.
A cracked window could cause chaos during a storm, so make sure it doesn't by installing fully-rated windows, installed by a fully licensed and insured local contractor.
If you're interested in reading more about similar topics, see the rest of our blog posts.
