How High Impact Windows and Doors Improve Energy Efficiency
Living on the coast offers its own unique set of challenges, including dealing with severe weather conditions. Coastal homes are constantly exposed to strong winds, heavy rain, and even hurricanes. As a homeowner, it is important to protect your property and family from these potential hazards. One way to do so is by installing high impact windows and doors.
Not only do these windows and doors provide protection, but they also offer several other benefits, including improved energy efficiency. In this blog, we will dive into the ways in which high impact windows and doors can enhance energy efficiency and why they are essential for protecting your coastal home.
Understanding High Impact Windows and Doors
Before we dive into the benefits of high impact windows and doors, it is important to understand what they are and how they differ from traditional windows and doors. High impact windows and doors are designed and built to withstand high winds and flying debris. They are made with multiple layers of strong glass, often with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer that keeps the glass from shattering.
These windows and doors are also designed to resist water infiltration, preventing any water from seeping into your home during heavy rainfall. This is especially important for coastal homes, which are prone to flooding during hurricanes and tropical storms.
Benefits of High Impact Windows and Doors
Now that we understand the basics of high impact windows and doors, let’s explore the specific ways in which they improve energy efficiency and protect your coastal home.
1. Reduced Energy Costs: One of the main benefits of high impact windows and doors is their ability to reduce energy costs. These windows and doors are designed with thermal resistance, meaning they prevent heat transfer between the inside and outside of your home. This helps to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning or heating.
2. Increased Durability: High impact windows and doors are built to withstand strong winds and flying debris, making them much more durable than traditional windows and doors. This means you won’t have to replace them as often, saving you money in the long run.
3. Improved Sound Insulation: Another benefit of high impact windows and doors is their ability to reduce outside noise. The multiple layers of glass and PVB interlayer help to block out noise, creating a more peaceful and quiet living environment.
4. Enhanced Security: High impact windows and doors are much more difficult to break than traditional windows and doors, making them an excellent deterrent for potential intruders. This added level of security can give you peace of mind, especially when you are away from your coastal home.
5. Increase in Property Value: Installing high impact windows and doors can significantly increase the value of your coastal home. Not only do they offer protection and energy efficiency, but they also add a modern and stylish touch to your home’s exterior.
Why High Impact Windows and Doors Are Essential for Coastal Homes
If you live on the coast, you are no stranger to the severe weather conditions that can occur. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause significant damage to properties, especially those without proper protection. High impact windows and doors are essential for coastal homes for several reasons.
1. Protection from Strong Winds: High impact windows and doors are designed to withstand strong winds, even those over 200 miles per hour. This is crucial for coastal homes, as they are more susceptible to high winds due to their location.
2. Resistance to Flying Debris: During hurricanes and tropical storms, strong winds can pick up and hurl debris at homes, causing severe damage. High impact windows and doors are designed to withstand this flying debris, keeping your home and family safe.
3. Prevention of Water Infiltration: As mentioned earlier, high impact windows and doors are designed to resist water infiltration. This is crucial for coastal homes, as flooding can cause significant damage to the structure and contents of your home.
4. Compliance with Building Codes: In many coastal areas, building codes now require the installation of high impact windows and doors. This is to ensure the safety and protection of homes in these areas.
Increase the Value of Your Coastal Home
Not only do high impact windows and doors offer protection and energy efficiency, but they can also significantly increase the value of your coastal home. Many homebuyers are now looking for properties with high impact windows and doors, knowing the added benefits they provide.
Investing in high impact windows and doors can also make your home more attractive to potential renters, as they offer peace of mind and energy efficiency. This can be especially beneficial for those who rent out their coastal home during peak vacation seasons.
Tips for Choosing High Impact Windows and Doors
When it comes to choosing high impact windows and doors for your coastal home, there are a few key factors to consider:
1. Design and Style: High impact windows and doors come in a variety of designs and styles, so be sure to choose ones that complement the aesthetic of your home.
2. Quality and Rating: Look for windows and doors that have been tested and approved for high impact resistance. They should also have a high energy efficiency rating, such as ENERGY STAR® certification.
3. Professional Installation: It is important to have your high impact windows and doors professionally installed to ensure they are properly sealed and can withstand high winds and water infiltration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high impact windows and doors are essential for protecting your coastal home from severe weather and increasing its value. They offer a range of benefits, including improved energy efficiency, durability, sound insulation, and security. If you live on the coast, investing in high impact windows and doors is a smart decision that will provide peace of mind and save you money in the long run. Be sure to choose quality products and have them professionally installed for maximum effectiveness.