Blog: Hurricane Windows

Impact windows are built with strong frames, impact-resistant glazing, locks, weatherstripping, and operating hardware designed to work together as a complete system.

After installing new impact windows, some Florida homeowners notice that the glass does not always look perfectly flat from every angle. Reflections may appear slightly wavy, straight lines outside may look subtly distorted, or the appearance of the glass may change depending on where you stand.

Impact windows are designed to provide Florida homes with strong hurricane protection, security, and improved overall window performance. However, some homeowners may eventually notice air movement or what feels like a draft around a window.

Florida homeowners sometimes hear a sudden pop, click, creak, or cracking sound coming from their impact windows and immediately worry that the glass is breaking. In many cases, however, a sound coming from a window does not necessarily mean the impact glass has cracked or the window has failed.

Florida homeowners sometimes notice moisture, fog, or a hazy appearance on their impact windows and immediately assume something is wrong with the glass. However, not all window condensation means the window has failed.

Impact windows are designed to provide Florida homes with protection from windborne debris and severe weather, but homeowners sometimes notice water around a window during heavy rain and immediately assume the impact window has failed.

Impact windows are built differently from many standard residential windows. Their reinforced construction, impact-resistant glazing, frames, locks, and hardware can make them feel more substantial during operation. However, an impact window should still open, close, and lock as intended.

Impact windows are a long-term investment in a Florida home, but like other building components, they should not be assumed to remain in exactly the same condition forever.

Impact windows are designed to provide Florida homes with added protection against windborne debris and severe weather, but impact-resistant does not mean indestructible. Glass can still become scratched, chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged.

Many Florida homeowners know that their home has newer windows, but they may not know whether those windows are actually impact-rated. This is especially common when someone purchases a home after the windows were installed by a previous owner.