Accordion Shutters vs Impact Windows
How you protect your home from the gale force winds and flying debris of a hurricane is a serious consideration when you live in the South Florida region. You’ve invested a lot in your home, and its safety—as well as your own—depend heavily on the preparations you make to ensure it can withstand severe storms. When—not if—your home finds its way in the path of a hurricane, you want the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve made every effort to protect it from the threat of violent storms. But hurricane protection is a big business, and there are so many options. How can you determine which choices—or combination of choices—is right for your home?
Accordion shutters and impact glass are two of the most popular hurricane protection products on the market. At Impact Window & Door, we specialize in the selection and installation of both. Here are some things to consider when you’re trying to decide between impact windows vs accordion shutters.
Benefits of Impact Glass
- Convenience
What if a hurricane is going to hit while you’re on vacation elsewhere? What if a severe storm manages to arrive unexpectedly? With impact glass, your windows and doors are already protected. You don’t have to worry about covering them at all — a major advantage of impact windows vs accordion shutters. It should be said, however, that accordion shutters require little effort in terms of protecting your windows and doors—one person can usually secure a home very quickly. But impact windows South Florida don’t even require your presence to be secure. They’re also a convenient way to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
- Natural Light
During a storm, you’re very likely to lose power. It can also be psychologically stressful to find yourself in a fully shuttered home, unable to gauge the full state of the weather outdoors. Impact windows allow you to enjoy the sunlight during daytime hours, even when the storm is raging.
Benefits of Accordion Shutters
- Cost
When it comes to accordion shutters vs impact windows in terms of cost, accordion shutters generally come out ahead. They’re less costly than impact glass to install, especially if you have an existing home and would need to retrofit impact glass windows, which require a frame re-installation as well. However, if your windows need updating anyway, impact glass may be worth considering, as the cost of new windows plus shutters may be more comparable.
- Replacement—or Lack Thereof
Impact windows are extremely effective in terms of preventing wind and debris from entering your home. However, they work because they consist of two panes of tempered glass, between which is a transparent, durable, adhesive membrane. That means if something does hit your impact window, you’re likely to have a shattered or scratched—but still present and intact—window that requires replacement. Accordion shutters are less likely to be damaged, and if they are damaged, they can be repaired without having to replace the window and frame in its entirety.
Benefits of Impact Windows Vs Accordion Shutters
Both impact windows and accordion windows can be cost effective, depending upon your needs and your home’s windows and doors. Neither requires you to invest in or maintain additional storage. Which option is right for you?
Give us a call or use our contact form today—we’ll be happy to consult with you on the differences between accordion shutters vs impact windows to determine the best combination of hurricane protection products for your home.
