Question 1

What is an impact window?

Accepted Answer

Impact windows are windows designed to resist impact and violent wind speeds. Impact windows are typically two or three glass panels laminated together with a PVB interlayer within an aluminum or vinyl frame.

Question 2

Can impact windows protect against tornadoes and hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, impact windows are tested to resist wind speed and pressures that are superior to category 5 hurricanes. Keep in mind that the most vulnerable structural components of your home are your window and door openings. The majority of damage comes from a breach from one of those openings, which can result in the worst-case scenario of a roof being blown off.

Question 3

What's the difference between impact windows and hurricane windows?

Accepted Answer

There is no difference between impact windows and hurricane windows. Here in South Florida, impact windows are at times marketed as hurricane windows to have a greater appeal, but they are essentially the same thing.

Question 4

Do impact windows reduce insurance fees?

Accepted Answer

Most insurances offer rebates for impact window and doors, but you should check with your provider.

Question 5

What category of hurricane can impact windows withstand?

Accepted Answer

Impact windows are tested to withstand specific design pressures. For example, at the base thickness of 5/16", windows usually have a design pressure of +65/-65, which translates to 161 mph. Based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (a scale used to categorize hurricanes), a category 5 hurricane has wind speeds of 157 MPH or higher, which means the window is rated to withstand a category 5 hurricane.

Question 6

Should you board up impact windows for a hurricane?

Accepted Answer

It is not necessary to board up impact windows for a hurricane.

Question 7

Do impact windows cost more than regular windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the added security and protection can help you avoid unnecessary costs from property damage or burglary.

Question 8

Do impact windows raise the value of a house?

Accepted Answer

Here in South Florida, they most definitely do. Speaking anecdotally based on our conversations with customers and real estate investors, impact windows are the best bang for your buck to raise your home's value.

Question 9

Do impact windows protect against burglars?

Accepted Answer

Impact windows make it more challenging to break into a home and make it almost impossible to break in unnoticed. The double-pane glass and PVB interlayer make it extremely difficult to trespass and practically impossible to shatter. By the time they can breach into your home, you or a neighbor will likely have heard them banging against the glass. More often, they just give up. Impact windows are not a replacement for burglary alarms or any type of home security, but they can add another layer of protection.

Question 10

How can I tell if my windows are approved by my city/county?

Accepted Answer

All products need to have a NOA (Notice of Acceptance) that certifies that the product has gone through the rigorous testing set forth by the State of Florida or Miami-Dade County. If the product isn't registered or doesn't have a NOA, the product is not approved.

Question 11

What is egress?

Accepted Answer

Egress requirements indicate how big the window's opening must be to comply with the Florida Building Codem, which ensure it works as an emergency exit from a bedroom if the door is blocked or unsafe.

Question 12

What is design pressure?

Accepted Answer

The design pressure rating represents the fenestration performance of a window or door, including the max positive and negative windload that a window or door can withstand, the higher the rating the more resistant it is to wind, and other pressures. The Florida Building Code requires different windloads depending on the zone that you are in.

Question 13

What is Low-E?

Accepted Answer

Low-E glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared and ultraviolet light that comes through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. It is a thin film that goes on the inside of the exterior pane. It works by keeping infared light out without affecting the visible transmittance and allowing your home to stay cooler hence making your home more energy efficient.

Question 14

What is the difference between impact windows and regular glass?

Accepted Answer

The biggest difference between Impact and regular glass is that Impact glass does not shatter like regular glass, it does crack when struck forcefully but wither it be a large debris object or someone with a hammer it does not trespass through the glass. This is due to the fact that impact glass is basically two panes of glass sandwiched tohgether with a thin,strong interlayer. Impact glass also has energy efficiency capabilities in comparison to its regular counterpart.

Question 15

Is it more cost effective to replace all my windows at once?

Accepted Answer

It is more cost-effective to install windows in your whole home at once, mainly because if you split your installations up, you will be paying more for permits, shop drawings, and calculations. We offer payment plans that customers can take advantage of to reduce costs. We offer no down payment and no interest if paid in 12 months, as well as other plans.

Question 16

What type of financing do you offer?

Accepted Answer

The financing process is quick and simple and you get an answer right away. We have two styles of financing: we offer the PACE program where the loan is based on the applicants home equity, and is not connected to the homeowner rather the property itself; or a traditional financing option based on the client's credit. We offer a 12 month deferred payment plan with no down payment or interest if paid in a 12 month window as well, as a 7 year fixed rate plan at 9.99% interest. For more info visit our financing page.(javascript:void(0))

Question 17

Does Alcon offer a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer a 1-year warranty on stress cracks and hardware malfunctions as well as a 4-year guarantee that covers leaks on OUR installations (not DIY or third-party installers).

Question 18

Can I install impact/hurricane windows myself?

Accepted Answer

While you may be able to install impact or hurricane windows yourself if you have the necessary expertise and equipment, you should have an expert handle this for you. You don't want to be in the middle of a Cat 5 when you discover you made a mistake. At Alcon, we also warranty our windows if we perform the installation for you.

Question 19

Can impact windows withstand Cat 5 hurricanes?

Accepted Answer

Impact windows are designed and tested to withstand hurricane-force windows and high speed impacts from debris. This doesn't mean that impact windows will never break under real world conditions. but they are more likely to survive Category 5 hurricanes than any other type of window available.

Question 20

What are the cons of impact windows?

Accepted Answer

Impact windows have many advantages over other types of windows, but with that comes a a higher price tag, which are their only real downside. Despite the higher price, we believe they pay for themselves by protecting your property and potentially reducing your heating/cooling bills.

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Impact & Hurricane Windows FAQ