Choosing Impact Windows or Hurricane Shutters in Clearwater, FL

Protecting your home from catastrophic weather events like tropical storms and hurricanes is likely on your mind often if you live in Clearwater, FL. The last thing you want is broken glass and water damage throughout your home. You also don’t want to scramble to get your home storm-ready. Homeowners have two options for protecting their homes: hurricane shutters and impact windows.

What’s the Difference?

Both options protect homes from hurricane-force winds but with some differences, primarily convenience. Traditional hurricane shutters fit over existing windows. You must install them before inclement weather arrives and remove them after the storm. But what happens if the storm arrives faster than predicted? Or, worse, you’re out of town during a severe weather event?

Impact windows protect your home without requiring pre-storm preparation. They look like regular windows, but they’re crafted from impenetrable materials and offer immediate, constant protection. These windows also make your home less vulnerable to break-ins, giving you all-round peace of mind and help you feel safer and more secure in your home.

Another reason Florida residents prefer hurricane impact glass over shutters is that impact-glass windows offer these additional benefits:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light protection up to 99 percent
• Noise reduction
• Energy efficiency

Impact Glass Increases Property Values

While many factors affect property values, installing impact glass windows is one improvement that can increase your home’s value. Homes with impact glass are more attractive to potential buyers. Not only can you potentially get more money when selling your home, but while you live in it, your insurance rates could go down.

Catastrophic weather events cost insurers a lot of money. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit the New Orleans area, the insurance industry experienced a loss of $64 billion. Insurance companies want to minimize losses and payouts and reward homeowners who hurricane-proof their homes.

For more information about storm-proofing your home, check out JMI Windows & Doors’ hurricane impact window solutions or call for more information.