It is important to consider many considerations when choosing replacement windows for your home. How will they affect your exterior appeal? Will they help you reduce your utility bills? Can they withstand heavy rains and storms? Heavy rains and windy conditions can whip debris and break normal windows.

IMPACT GLASS

Also known as laminated glass or hurricane windows, the impact glass consists of two panels joined together with an intermediate layer of transparent plastic. Then a third panel is added on the inner side with air space in the middle for insulation. The laminated section facing the exterior is incredibly durable and resists the impacts of debris at incredibly high speeds. If the glass is hit hard enough to break, it splinters into a cobweb pattern, but still holds together instead of breaking.

As an added benefit, impact glass is a great anti-theft element. Not even throwing a brick into the impact glass is enough to break it! This gives you tremendous peace of mind and can even qualify you for lower owner insurance premiums.

STORM WINDOWS AND BLINDS

If you are not ready to invest in replacement impact glass windows, a cheaper alternative is to install storm windows or exterior blinds.

Storm windows are intended to be installed for months at a time. Like storm doors, they fit outside your windows and provide another layer of protection during stormy weather. You can leave storm windows throughout the year, or you can remove them during the off season.

Blinds can serve as a decorative complement to your home. Then, when a storm is approaching, simply close them over the windows to protect against rain, wind and debris. Blinds are a faster, easier and more aesthetically pleasing solution than dashboard services.

Storm windows and blinds alike can also prevent your windows from breaking with a fly while your children play to catch in the yard. They also improve energy efficiency by increasing the insulation of the windows.