Many homeowners wonder if they should double up on protection when storm season rolls around. If you are asking whether you need hurricane shutters if you have impact windows, the simple answer is usually no. Impact windows are designed to be a stand-alone defense system for your home.
They provide 24/7 protection without requiring you to lift a heavy metal board. To decide what is right for you, you should check local codes and look at your budget. It also helps to evaluate your energy goals, compare the convenience, and examine your home’s style.
Is Extra Protection Necessary for Impact Glass?
The whole point of installing certified impact-resistant windows is to get rid of the hassle of shutters. These windows are built with a super-strong inner layer that keeps the home sealed even if the glass takes a hard hit.
While you can certainly put shutters over them, it is often seen as overkill. Most people find that once they make the switch to impact glass, they never want to deal with the chore of hanging shutters ever again.
Deciding Whether You Need Both Options
While the windows are strong enough to stand on their own, a few specific factors might change how you want to protect your property.
The Convenience Factor
One of the biggest reasons people switch to impact glass is to save time. When a storm is coming, you have enough to worry about without climbing ladders to bolt down heavy metal panels. With impact windows, you just lock the glass, and you are done. If you still have shutters, you are stuck doing hours of back-breaking work every time the weather gets bad.
Protecting the Glass Surface
Even though impact windows won’t let debris into your house, the glass itself can still crack if it gets hit by a flying branch. Some people choose to keep their shutters to protect the expensive glass from scratches or spiderwebbing. It is a trade-off between spending time putting up shutters or potentially paying to replace a cracked window pane later.
Insurance and Building Codes
In many storm-prone areas, having impact windows is enough to satisfy the building department and your insurance company. You usually don’t get an extra discount for having both windows and shutters. It is smart to talk to your agent to see if doubling up actually saves you any extra money on your monthly premiums.
Noise and Light Control
Shutters do more than just block wind; they block out every bit of light and a lot of noise. If you like the feeling of being in a dark cave during a storm, shutters are great. However, most people prefer impact windows because they can actually see what is happening outside without feeling like they are trapped in a box.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
Impact windows work for you all year long, not just during a hurricane. They are amazing at keeping the heat out and the cool air in, which lowers your power bill. Shutters only help you during the few days a year when a storm is actually hitting. When you look at the long-term value, the windows provide a lot more bang for your buck.
Curb Appeal and Home Value
Hanging tracks and bulky shutter housings can really mess up the look of a beautiful home. Impact windows look just like regular windows, so they don’t change the style of your house at all. Buyers often pay more for a home with built-in protection than for one that requires a shed full of metal panels.
Conclusion
Deciding if you need hurricane shutters if you have impact windows mostly comes down to how much work you want to do. For most, the windows provide ample protection on their own. You should check local codes to ensure compliance and review your budget for the initial cost.
It is also a good idea to evaluate your energy goals and compare the convenience of never hanging a shutter again. Lastly, examine your home’s style to see which option looks best. At SafeGuard Impact, we have an expert team for impact window installations. We make sure your windows give you the peace of mind you deserve.
FAQs
Can I use shutters and impact windows together?
You can, but it is not required by law or code. Most people find it to be an unnecessary expense and a lot of extra work.
Do impact windows break as easily as regular windows?
No, they are much thicker and tempered. While they can crack, they are very hard to actually break through compared to standard glass.
Will my insurance drop if I take down my old shutters?
As long as you have certified impact windows installed, your insurance should stay the same or even get cheaper because the protection is permanent.
