When you live in a hurricane-prone region, being prepared for sudden weather changes becomes important. Strong winds, flying projectiles and power outages are quite common in such areas, this is why it is vital to protect your home at all times. Homeowners often feel confused while making a choice between hurricane windows and storm shutters.
Although both options are designed to shield your home from extreme weather conditions, they offer different benefits. Let us understand this in simpler words so you can make the best choice for your home.
Storm Shutters
Storm shutters come in various styles such as accordion, roll-down, and Bahama shutters. Each type has different pros and cons.
- Cost-Effective – Storm shutters are usually less expensive to install as compared to hurricane windows. This is why they are a popular option among homeowners on a budget.
- Setup Required – They need to be closed manually before a hurricane strikes, so you always need to keep an eye out for sudden weather changes, so you have sufficient time to deploy them and keep your home protected. If you aren’t at home or are unable to deploy them, then your windows can suffer damage.
- Seasonal Protection – These shutters are mainly designed for the storm season. Once the storm season passes, they don’t offer much value in terms of energy savings, noise reduction, and security.
- Curb Appeal – Depending on the style of shutters you choose, they can either complement your home’s overall aesthetics or clash with them. Some styles look a little bulky and outdated and may affect the curb appeal of your home.
Hurricane Windows
Hurricane impact windows have a tough build, with robust frames and laminated multi-layered glass that can withstand flying projectiles and harsh winds brought along by hurricanes.
- Always Ready – Once hurricane windows are installed, you don’t need to worry about anything. There is no need to deploy them before the storm, as they are fitted in place and continue to safeguard your home 24/7.
- Year-Round Benefits – Other than providing storm protection, they also offer various other benefits. They improve your home’s insulation, thus helping reduce the pressure on your HVAC system and lowering energy bills. They reduce outside noise and block the sun’s UV rays which may cause furniture and flooring to fade over time.
- Security Boost – As they have a robust build, hurricane windows also make it much harder for burglars to break into your home. So even when you’re not home, you can be at ease knowing that the windows will act as a strong deterrent to intruders.
- Greater Value – Although the initial cost of installing hurricane windows is higher than shutters, they actually help save more money in the long run. Considering the lower utility bills, potential insurance discounts, and increased home value they offer, they are a smart investment.
Choose What’s Best for You
If you are looking for a cost-conscious, short-term solution, then you can opt for storm shutters. However, if you are in search of a long-term solution that offers year-round protection, then you should go for hurricane impact windows.
Get in touch with Windpact Windows and Doors today to get high-quality impact windows in Wellington. We offer top-notch hurricane protection solutions so you can keep your home protected no matter how harsh the weather turns.