Did you know?
Since 2000, hurricanes in Florida have caused over $6 billion in damage to houses and businesses.
The upside?
Most hurricanes in Florida don’t exceed an EF-3 rating, which means buildings are less likely to be swept away by extreme winds.
Nonetheless, an EF-3 rating hurricane can lift objects off the ground and hurl them through the air.
So, what can you do to make your house safer?
Picture this: Windows that stand as guardians against storms, reduce your energy bills, and dampen the relentless roar of city life.
Sounds good?
Impact-resistant windows are rapidly gaining popularity across the globe, and for good reason,
We’re dedicated to giving you the lowdown on these game-changing windows, ensuring you have all the information you need to make a smart choice for your home.
Laminated glass is the most popular type of glass for impact-resistant windows. Consisting of two glass sheets connected by a clear plastic interlayer.
While the outer layers of glass might crack, the plastic interlayer is the piece that holds the whole window together and keeps it from letting anything through, which is why it is also used in car windshields.
Tempered glass, which is manufactured at temperatures as high as 620 °C (1,148 °F), and is the second most used option,
Unlike laminated windows, which have an interlayer, tempered glass is a singular piece that has been strengthened chemically or thermally to be more robust and break into little pebble-like pieces to reduce the chance of injury.
For a reason: While other frames (vinyl, wood, aluminum, etc.) like to bend over time, frames that carry heavy glass need good stability and strength, which is why the frames are thicker no matter the material.
The thicker frames result in better insulation and a longer lifespan, which is—to say the least—not bad!
Okay, not totally free but the thicker frames, the plastic interlayer, and the thicker glass ultimately help to lower your energy bills by keeping the temperature inside the same.
Since the glass is the main part of the impact-resistant windows, manufacturers go the extra mile to include layers of UV protection.
The same thing applies here, not every glass has UV-protection so be sure to ask your installment company!
Ps: if the window is already installed, UV protected glass can be seen by the reflection of the light, it should be slighly blue.
Easy to guess, right?
(Worst case) If someone decides to break into your home, windows and doors will be the go-to spots for that person.
Since you have read our blogpost on home security your door should be hard to get into but what about the windows?
Well, thicker layers of glass and frames need a better seal and an improved lock, so even if they try to open or break the window down, they will lose hope very soon.
Okay, here is a cool one: Since laminated glass consists of multiple layers, some manufacturers also include an inner layer that can—when electricity is applied—turn into a blueish-gray color (or other colors), giving you less sunlight & UV-protection at your fingertips.
Expensive? Yes,
cool? Yes,
necessary? no.
Soundproof windows are made out of double-pane or triple-pane glass.
In the middle of those glass panes, there is gas (most likely argon) that makes the temperature from outside harder to pass through the inside of your home. The glass and gas inside it also reduces the incoming sound waves.
While doing an excellent job at keeping your home at the temperature you want, they do not protect as well as the impact-resistant windows.
But can impact resistant windows insulate as well as noise reducing windows can?
Not quite, although they may not perform quite as well, impact-resistant windows still offer significant insulating properties that reduce noise and temperature transmission by a good amount!
More on noise reducing windows here: Beginners Guide To Noise Reducing Windows
The major factor that makes them so durable is the plastic interlayer, and that interlayer functions as an effective insulator, the same way that a triple pane window blocks heat from going inside your home, That’s pretty neat, right?
They are designed to withstand hurricanes up to a fujita scale 5, which is the highest. With a wind speed of 261-318 mph
So they do pack a punch, You could bang on them with a sledgehammer for some time and you would not be able to break through, but that is only with slightly bigger objects if you were to shoot the windows with a pistol, the bullet would go through, of course.
Speaking of shooting…
Here is a video of an wincore window getting hit with 8 foot long projectile, to show just how strong they really are.
While the initial cost of impact-resistant windows is higher than that of regular windows, they provide long-term savings in the following ways:
So if you can get a good price reduction from your insurer, the windows can easily pay themselves!
Apart from energy reduction and the possibility of getting a discount on your insurance, by installing more robust and expensive windows in your home, you ultimately increase its value.
Now, if you invest in impact-resistant windows, you will not only achieve a level of sound reduction comparable to that of double-pane windows but also gain the added benefit of enhanced protection with insulation,, **and that within a slightly higher price range.**
There is a reason more and more people decide to invest in impact-resistant windows, it’s a necessary upgrade for homeowners that live in storm-prone regions like Florida.
Beyond protecting your home from flying cows and debris, impact-resistant windows offer a variety of features, like UV-protection, insurance benefits, energy efficiency, noise reduction, added value to your property, and so on and so forth.
Now, are they cheap? No, they’re not. But they are well worth it.
You get something that includes most of the features of other windows, and If you have these windows for more than a decade, they essentially pay for themselves.
The decision to invest in these durable windows is a clear win. It’s about making your home a safer, more comfortable haven for you and your loved ones.
In case you looking to get these windows, you should be careful when deciding who your contractor should be, we have made a guide on how to choose the right contractor for your windows installments, check it out: How to choose the right windows installation service (reading time: 5-8 min)
We, as a family, have not just built a business but a legacy, intertwining our expertise and tradition with your safety and style for over 40 years. At Home Install Services, every window we install and every door we mount is a testament to a rich history of quality, care, and genuine family service. Your journey through our splendid selection is not just a purchase but a step into a world where each product is instilled with decades of knowledge, skill, and a hearty welcome to be part of our story.
Manufacturer Warranty from Wincore
No high-pressure sales tactics. When getting an estimate from Home Install Services, you will receive a comprehensive quote, competitively-priced estimate on our first visit that won’t be marked with a “today only” price gimmick. Home Install Services takes great pride in providing a quality service from start to finish.
At Home Install Services, we offer an exclusive range of hurricane impact windows, each designed to provide unmatched protection while enhancing the beauty of your home. Our collection includes robust and stylish impact windows for those prioritizing strength, as well as elegant non-impact options for a sleek aesthetic. Available in durable aluminum and timeless vinyl, our selection features leading brands such as Wincore, EAS, and PGT. Explore our premium offerings and let us elevate the scenic views of your Florida home with our dedication to superior quality and exceptional design.
Dive into a world of cool, stylish, and super secure sliding glass and entry doors with our fantastic choices, available in either strong aluminum or handy vinyl.
At Home Install Services, we work with top-notch brands like Wincore, Plastpro, and ThermaTru to give you access to a collection where every door is more than just a way in or out — it’s a bold statement of your style, keeping your home safe and looking sharp. Make every hello and goodbye special with doors that match your great taste and stand the test of time.
Simply schedule an appointment with us to receive on-home measurements of your project.
Get your questions answered with expert insight and guidance, while exploring through our extensive samples and literature.
Get the most competitive pricing upfront - on the same day - without aggressive sales tactics.
Your installation appointment is scheduled once your order ships from the manufacturer and project is completed at the scheduled time.
what makes us different
Invest in the superior quality of new windows and doors with our top-tier products, ensuring your home in Sarasota County and beyond is adorned with the best.
Our skilled team brings seasoned expertise to every windows installation project, delivering flawless finishes in Sarasota, Charlotte County, and Manatee County.
We stand behind every new windows and doors installation, assuring you of a robust guarantee that underscores our commitment to quality across Sarasota and neighboring counties.
We exclusively use paintable urethane caulk for windows installation, prioritizing durable and aesthetically pleasing results throughout Sarasota County and beyond.
From blind removal to furniture relocation during your new doors and windows installation, we assure a smooth, full-service experience in Charlotte County, Manatee County, and Sarasota County.
Secure a warranty on your new windows and doors that seamlessly transitions to future homeowners in Sarasota and its neighboring areas.
Engage with complete, end-to-end project management for every windows installation job, ensuring a streamlined experience across Sarasota, Charlotte County, and Manatee County.
Enjoy competitive, wholesale prices on new windows and doors, ensuring cost-effective solutions in Sarasota County and its surroundings.
With a keen understanding of Sarasota, Charlotte County, and Manatee County environments, our installations are tailored to resist local weather conditions, providing optimal longevity and performance.
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Let us know what time is convenient for you and we’ll have one of our experts call to set up your home consultation in person or virtually.
U-Factor measures the rate of heat transfer and tells you how well the window insulates. U-factor values generally range from 0.25 to 1.25 and are measured in Btu/h·ft²·°F. The lower the U-factor, the better the window insulates. A low U-factor is useful during cold days when heating is needed and is also helpful during hot days when it is important to keep the heat out.
NFRC is the National Fenestration Rating Council, a non-profit organization supported by the Department of Energy that helps consumers compare the energy performance of windows and doors. Window manufacturers that participate in the NRFC program are required to label every window with its thermal specifications. The consumer is then assured that those products meet the thermal requirements for energy efficiency set by the NFRC. Being a member of the NRFC is not required for window manufacturers due to the extensive third party inspection and product testing; however, all glass products offered by Home Install Services, inc. are participant(s) of the NFRC program.
SHGC is the fraction of incident solar radiation admitted through a window, both directly transmitted and absorbed and subsequently released inward. SHGC is expressed as a number between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the less solar heat it transmits and the greater its shading ability.
Condensation is caused by excess humidity in the home and appears on the coldest area of a wall. That is why condensation usually appears on windows.. The warmer the air, the more moisture it will retain, therefore when the air comes in contact with the colder glass, the air is cooled and moisture is released on the glass. Interior window condensation is caused by excessive moisture in the house, and it often occurs in the winter when the warm air inside the house condenses on the cold windows. Exterior window condensation is simply dew and occurs when the window is colder than the dew point.
Condensation is not caused by double glazing (although new windows can sometimes make condensation problems worse, by cutting out draughts).
Treatment for condensation is ventilation (to vent moisture-bearing air to the outside) and heating (to raise surfaces above dew point temperature).
“Low–E” literally means low emissivity, which in turn means a surface that emits low levels of radiant heat. All surfaces reflect, absorb, and transmit heat. So, a Low–E coating reduces the amount of that heat transfer. When talking about replacement windows the term Low–E really applies to the glass being used. Low E glass provides year-round energy savings. A thin, transparent metallic coating is applied to the glass and filters solar radiation. During the summer, Low E reduces heat gain and keeps your home cooler. In the winter, Low E keeps your home warmer by reflecting heat back into the home.
The performance and lasting endurance of vinyl windows compares generously to other building materials. Vinyl offers low maintenance, energy efficiency, and lower cost while still creating an aesthetic appeal. Unlike other materials, however, vinyl does not shrink, swell, or bend during harsh weather conditions.
Since vinyl does not pit, peel, or flake over time, simple care and cleaning can keep your windows looking beautiful for years to come. Heavy rains will keep the vinyl fairly clean, but you can also clean them yourself if desired.
Do not use a high pressure spray to clean your vinyl windows. The pressure can damage the caulking and cause your windows to leak. Use a mild detergent and soft cloth or brush instead.
If you choose to use a mildly abrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub®, be aware that abrasive cleaners can scratch the glass and frame. Do not use liquid grease removers, strong soaps or detergents containing organic solvents, nail polish remover, furniture polish, or cleaners containing chlorine bleach, as these products can affect the surface appearance of the vinyl.
For dirt and stains that are difficult to remove, please see the warranty.
Argon gas offers a higher level of insulation. The Argon gas is located in the middle of the insulated glass unit. For air to insulate, it needs to be as still as possible because moving air carries energy. Because argon gas is denser than air, adding it to the captive air in double-pane windows improves thermal insulation efficiency. Used in conjunction with a special low-E (short for low emissivity) glass coating, argon gas windows bring the temperature of the window closer to room temperature
