Palm City is not a stranger to hurricanes. Although they don’t hit as often as in cities closer to the coast, Palm Beach County still ranks in the top five of most hurricane-vulnerable counties nationwide. Thus, it is not unusual if you start searching for hurricane window contractors to prepare your home for hurricane season, from your roof to windows and doors.
When it comes to protecting your windows, which are especially vulnerable due to the flying debris caused by high winds, you’ll find two main options: impact windows and shutters. Although they serve the same purpose—protecting your windows from hurricanes’ wind pressures and impacts—they have different advantages and cons that should be considered when contacting home improvement contractors.
Who will win the fight? That depends on your home setup and personal choices, including taste and budget. Hence, it is crucial to inform yourself before buying to determine the best home choice.
Hurricane windows vs shutters: How do you choose before calling hurricane window contractors?
The best part of this answer is that you don’t have to decide before typing in your browser “the best hurricane window contractors near me in Palm City”. You can contact them to guide you through the decision-making process, using their knowledge and experience to make the best decision for your needs.
How do hurricane-impact windows and hurricane shutters differ?
Hurricane windows are made from multiple layers of impact-resistant glass, generally three, to ensure they won’t break and fly off when a storm rages against them or they get hit by debris.
Since you can get them in basically any style, they can let in plenty of natural light during the day while insulating harmful UV rays. So, if you’re in for energy-efficient, impact-resistant windows, let your hurricane window contractors know so they can help you choose the best option.
On the other hand, hurricane shutters are protective barriers that close or roll over your windows and absorb first-hand the impact from pressurized winds and flying debris. Think of them as the first line of hurricane protection for your windows—if a hurricane hits land, they’ll protect them from damage. You can find them in several styles, from standard plywood to Bermuda ones, to find the one that matches your home’s style.
Hurricane windows and shutters: pros and cons overview
| Products | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane impact windows | They block UV rays and sound and diminish heat transfer. | Hurricane window contractors may charge more to replace them if they get damaged after a hurricane. |
| Hurricane impact windows | They increase your home security against break-in attempts. | They can still crack under specific impacts, meaning you may need repairs and replacements. |
| Hurricane impact windows | Impact windows blend seamlessly into your home’s appearance. At first glance, it’s nearly impossible to distinguish impact windows from regular ones. | |
| Hurricane shutters | Depending on style and material, they can be less expensive. | They require manual activation before a storm. They can’t protect your windows if you don’t close them or are out of town. |
| Hurricane shutters | They also reduce the amount of heat and noise that enters your home and provide shade on sunny days. | They can still fly off if they’re old or need repair, becoming flying debris instead of protecting your home. |
| Hurricane shutters | They add to your home’s visual appeal depending on your chosen style | Their noise reduction and insulation are not as good as impact windows. |
3 key things to consider when choosing hurricane protection for your windows.
When deciding between hurricane windows or shutters, you must discuss three essential factors with your contractors to ensure they help you choose the most suitable option and that you are satisfied with your choice.
- Price and budget
Low-end hurricane shutters, such as plywood covers or hurricane panels, can be less costly than installing hurricane-resistant residential window solutions, especially if you plan to replace several windows at once. However, hurricane shutters may be your best option if you’re on a budget while you sort out your finances.
However, remember that windows with impact-resistant glass eventually pay off their initial investment in durability, increased home value, and energy savings.
- Durability
Although the risk of shutters flying off during storms diminishes greatly when professional hurricane window contractors install them, the risk remains. On the contrary, impact windows are shatterproof and more durable than shutters when surviving hurricane damage and won’t become hazardous flying debris.
- Maintenance
Since hurricane shutters are less durable, they’ll need maintenance more often than hurricane impact windows; hence, you’ll have to account for paint or replacement costs after a few years.
Still, that doesn’t mean you can forget about your hurricane windows for decades. You still need to clean the glass and frames to prevent rust. However, maintenance will be less demanding.
Increase your home’s hurricane protection with TMR’s turn-key approach.
Any home improvement project requires planning and coordination, no matter how small it may seem. Hence, it doesn’t matter if you’re just looking to replace your front and rear windows—you can get the same seamless and stress-free TRM experience to help you decide, plan, and realize your project on time and budget.
Wait no longer for trustworthy hurricane window contractors; contact us today for your consultation.
