Hurricane Windows Cost: Expensive or Not?
Hurricanes are a natural phenomenon that is common in many US states. Although there is nothing you can do to prevent these disasters from happening, there are preventive measures that you can do to get only a few casualties. For instance, installing hurricane glass windows is a must for homeowners to prevent flying shattered glasses in times of hurricanes. These windows can resist impact and remain attached to the inner membrane of the window frame even if they crack. Since these windows are designed explicitly for hurricanes and other disasters, some people think that hurricane windows cost much. But are they that expensive?
What are Hurricane Glass Windows?
Hurricane glass windows are specially designed windows that can withstand the impact of storms, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. They are marketed as stormproof or hurricane-resistant windows. These glasses are treated with a layer of either polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Hurricane glass windows are not indestructible. They also shatter, especially when they receive a strong impact, but they remain attached to the window frame. This is very important because broken glasses can cause injuries.
How Hurricane Windows Protect Your Home?
For sure, some of you are wondering how window glass can protect your home from storms and hurricanes. The real advantage of using hurricane-resistant windows is merely structural. According to some studies, total home destruction is usually caused by sudden pressure changes when windows and doors blow out entirely. The worst part is that the increased air pressure which can enter the home can blow off roofs. Not only that, but it can also cause walls to collapse. Therefore, you need to keep the windows and doors intact because they can prevent the air pressure changes, saving your home from collapsing.
Related post: Which Glass Type Is Best For Storm Door Installation
Different Treatments for Hurricane Glass Windows
The following are some of the standard treatment used to make windows glasses hurricane-resistant:
- PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) – a film of PVB or EVA is placed between two layers of glass which is ideal in absorbing impact when struck. A layer of PVB or EVA typically ranges from 0.015 to 0.090 inches thick.
- PVB combined with a layer of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – this treatment is highly recommended because it makes a powerful glazing option.
- Glass/plastic hybrid windows – in this treatment, a thin sheet of polycarbonate Lexan is added between two panes of glass which bond the materials together. Related post: 10 Amazing Ways To Use Polycarbonate Sheets
- Liquid glass resins – these can be permanently applied to glass using UV light that acts as a catalyst to cure and harden it.
Hurricane Windows Cost
Since hurricane glass windows are treated with PVB or EVA, they cost more than ordinary windows. But the hurricane windows cost stills depends on the manufacturer’s rate and the quality of the window glasses. Besides, you may also need to consider additional fees if a windows contractor will install the hurricane-resistant windows to your home. If you want a cheaper option, you may upgrade your ordinary windows to a more resistant shattering. This is done by adding a surface membrane that covers the window glass.
Take note that even if you can upgrade your ordinary windows to hurricane-resistant windows, opting for window glasses designed to withstand storms and hurricanes is a better choice. Genuine hurricane windows cost up to $55 per square foot. This is quite expensive than ordinary windows, but they are a good investment since they are prone to very strong winds. Not only that, but the window glasses have good insulation value.
As a homeowner, the process of improving your home never ends, from beautifying your landscape to upgrading your windows and doors. Besides enhancing your home aesthetics, it is also essential to make sure that your windows and doors can withstand natural elements that can cause a distraction to your home. This way, you can prevent any casualties and save more money. Not only that, but you can also ensure that your family is safer. Although hurricane windows cost more, you can think of them as a good investment that will last for a long time.
Are you considering upgrading to hurricane glass windows? We can help you! Check out our available custom glass options that you can use for your window enhancement. Call us today and let us give you a FREE quote.