Impact Resistant Windows Vs. Hurricane Shutters: Which Is Best?

Posted on July 12, 2019

The glass used for an impact resistant window utilizes a strong laminate interlayer between two pieces of glass to absorb impacts. This type of glass was first manufactured for automobile windshields, and is now a popular type of window to install in the Gulf South. When normal glass is hit by flying projectiles during a storm, it can shatter. With impact resistant glass, the pieces remain attached to an inner membrane along the window frame. Most types of this glass can withstand an impact equal to a 2x4 piece of wood traveling at 50' per second hitting it or the force of winds up to 200 mph.

Impact resistant windows protect your home and the people in it from storm debris, theft, and other damage 365 days a year. Even if you're travelling, these windows safeguard your home.

Further, impact resistant windows can improve your home's energy efficiency and greatly reduce outside noise because of the additional laminate layer and extra pane of glass when compared to non-impact windows. They can also save you money on your insurance premiums.

Learn more about windows here.

Drawbacks of impact resistant windows

When considering impact resistant windows vs. hurricane shutters, the biggest difference is cost. Replacing all the windows in your home with impact resistant windows is a major investment. Impact windows can be twice the cost of a normal non-impact window of same type and size. Also, if something does strike the laminated glass on your impact window, the glass will still crack and need to be replaced, even though the window will deny the projectile entry into home.

Hurricane shutters are installed over a window to protect the glass underneath. They provide a number of benefits for homeowners. First, hurricane shutters are a much more affordable option than installing impact resistant windows.

Hurricane shutters come in varying wind and impact ratings, depending on their size, shape, and more.

Shutters also provide a certain finished look to a home, adding character and a bit of charm. They can be used to bring in color or complement a more dramatic look with dark, elegant tones. Today's shutters are also easier to use. While you have to be home to operate them; Rollgard shutters, for instance, now come with motors so you can open or close them with a flick of a switch. Choose from multiple types of hurricane shutters to find the look and functionality you want.

Like impact resistant windows, impact rated hurricane shutters also can save you money on annual insurance premiums.

Learn more about shutters here.

Drawbacks of hurricane shutters

When a hurricane shutter is closed and put into position for a storm; visibility will be limited or non-existent through that opening, unlike with an impact rated window you can see through.

For those with a second home, hurricane shutters may not be the best option as you have to be in the home to operate them. Some models also require you to go outside to operate, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.

The best form of hurricane protection for your home is hurricane shutters with impact resistant glass underneath. If your area is threatened with severe storms frequently, consider installing these together to achieve the ultimate level of protection from flying debris.

If you can't install both, you have a few options. If budget isn't as much of a concern, and you're planning on being in your home long enough to recoup the investment, impact resistant windows are a great option for protecting your home.

If you have a smaller budget or don't plan to be in your home for more than a few years, hurricane shutters are affordable, look great, and provide a high level of protection during storms.

Of course, if you're trying to decide between impact resistant windows vs. hurricane shutters in the Gulf South, you can always call LAS to learn more about your options. Our team provides FREE estimates for your next home project.

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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.