| By :
Mark Etinger
There are storm windows, which offer a moderate amount of protection. But these are not the same as hurricane windows, which are specifically designed to withstand winds and debris traveling over a hundred miles per hour. Often referred to as high impact windows or impact resistant windows, hurricane windows are the most sought-after protection for a home built in one of the many south-eastern United States frequently hit by seasonal hurricanes. Some people will argue you're better off getting hurricane shutters or window film. And while these methods do offer protection against wind-borne objects and strong winds, they do not offer protection against heavy rainfall and are therefore inferior to hurricane windows. In addition, installing hurricane shutters, or window film, is a much more complicated process than that of hurricane windows. Not to mention, they let in little to no light, making living with them impractical. And most importantly, they do not offer the same degree of protection as promised with impact resistant windows. The best hurricane windows will consist of several layers that include several different materials, such as glass and plastic. An Energy Star Rated Insulated hurricane window have two outer layers that are in actuality impact windows of their own, with a middle filled with plastic film. (This is to ensure that if glass does in fact crack or shatter upon impact, the plastic film will hold the shards in place while simultaneously acting as a barrier to the weather elements. And while any knowledgeable individual would be quick to point out the round-the-clock guaranteed protection you receive from installing hurricane windows, they would be a fool not to acknowledge the plethora of advantages of using impact resistant windows. Hurricane windows, because of their thickness, don't just keep out debris. They keep out noise as well, a welcome addition to a homeowner who respects and enjoys their right to sound peace and quiet now and again, and a necessity for those who intend to inhabit their homes during a hurricane. These storms are powerful. These storms are dangerous. But one other thing they most certainly are, is noisy, and the fact that the hurricane windows will keep you protected from the loud noise will be appreciated at the time. And did we mention, they'll help save you money by cutting down on energy costs? That's right, hurricane windows are energy efficient. In fact, most hurricane window installation companies will personally guarantee a 25 to 40 percent drop in home cooling and heating costs. And who doesn't love saving money? We're not suggesting these steps will promise zero need for small home repairs after a storm. Truthfully, to assume any one thing can entirely protect your house from even the most minor of damage during a hurricane would be foolhardy and an empty promise. But to protect your home, and more importantly, the contents inside of it from a hurricane, these are the steps you'll be required to take.
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