Posted on February 14, 2025

Impact resistant windows are specially designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris. They are made with laminated glass—two layers of glass bonded together with a durable inner membrane. This construction allows them to absorb impacts and prevent shattering, keeping your home safe year-round.

How They Work

When an object, like a piece of storm debris, hits a normal window, the glass can shatter, exposing your home to wind and water damage. Impact resistant windows, however, are designed to remain intact. While the glass may crack under extreme force, the inner membrane keeps the pieces securely in place, preventing anything from entering your home.

Benefits of Impact Resistant Windows

Constant Protection: Impact windows protect your home from storms, debris, and theft 24/7, even when you’re away.
Durable Construction: These windows can withstand projectiles like a 2x4 traveling at 50 feet per second and winds up to 200 mph.
Energy Efficiency: The extra glass layers help insulate your home, reducing energy costs and outside noise.
Insurance Savings: Many insurance providers offer premium discounts for homes with impact-resistant glass.
Convenience: Once installed, impact windows require no additional preparation before a storm.

Drawbacks of Impact Resistant Windows

Higher Initial Costs: Upgrading all your home’s windows to impact resistant ones can be a significant investment, often costing twice as much as standard windows.
Repair and Replacement Costs: While impact windows are durable, cracked glass must be replaced, which can be costly, especially for larger windows.

Learn more about windows here.

Hurricane shutters are external coverings installed over your windows to shield them from storm damage. They come in a variety of styles, materials, and impact ratings, allowing homeowners to choose the best fit for their needs and aesthetic preferences. Choose from multiple types of hurricane shutters to find the look and functionality you want.

Benefits of Hurricane Shutters

Affordability: Hurricane shutters are typically more budget-friendly than impact windows, making them an attractive option for many homeowners.
Customizable Design: Shutters add character to your home’s exterior and come in a variety of colors and styles to match your aesthetic.
Ease of Operation: Modern hurricane shutters, like motorized roll-down models, make storm preparation easier than ever.
Insurance Discounts: Like impact windows, hurricane-rated shutters may help reduce your home insurance premiums.

Drawbacks of Hurricane Shutters

Limited Visibility: When closed, hurricane shutters block natural light and your view outside, making your home feel darker.
Manual Operation: Many shutters require you to be home to deploy them, which can be inconvenient for second homes or those with mobility issues.
Seasonal Use: Unlike impact windows, hurricane shutters provide protection only when installed and secured before a storm.

Learn more about shutters here.

Choosing between impact resistant windows and hurricane shutters depends on your budget, preferences, and long-term goals. Each option has distinct advantages, so the right choice will vary based on your specific needs.

For Maximum Protection: Installing both impact resistant windows and hurricane shutters together provides the ultimate defense against hurricanes. This combination shields your home from flying debris while also offering energy efficiency and year-round protection.
For Budget-Conscious Homeowners: Hurricane shutters are a more affordable solution. They’re ideal for those seeking effective storm protection without a significant upfront investment.
For Convenience and Long-Term Savings: If you plan to stay in your home for many years, impact resistant windows are worth the investment. Their energy efficiency, constant protection, and ability to increase home value make them a practical choice.

Protect Your Home with LAS

At LAS, we understand how important it is to keep your home and family safe during hurricane season. Whether you’re considering impact resistant windows, hurricane shutters, or both, our experienced team is here to help you make the right decision. We’ve been a trusted name in Gulf South home protection for over 65 years.

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Julia,
On behalf of Lighthouse Louisiana (formerly The Lighthouse for the Blind), please convey my thanks once again to your coworkers for supporting our summer camp for children who are blind. It is a rare thing to see a corporate family like yours, where people get together and give from their own hard-earned paychecks to local groups that are doing good work in the community. As donors, sometimes it’s hard to know what donations to organizations we care about are actually being used for. We consider LAS an important investor in our work, and we cannot thank you enough for helping us serve our clients.

Thank you,
Erin McQuade Wright
Director of Development

We just finished getting new windows from LAS and I can’t be any happier. From start to finish, this job was done professionally. The salesman, Garrett, came to the house on time and explained the windows and the process and answered any questions that we had at the time. He indicated the person who would do the measurements would call and set up an appointment within two weeks and the the windows would be built and installed in about 5 weeks. Well, the job – from the initial estimate to complete install – was three weeks. The installed that completed the job did an excellent job of install, caulking and cleanup. We can’t give them a higher rating. The most amazing thing so far is the look and how much it has cut down on outside noise. I highly recommend LAS and since they are local, from repairs to employing people, we keep it right here at home. We are very satisfied customers.

Impact Resistant Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters: Which is Best for Your Home?