Impact-Resistant Windows Installation 101

Cost and Availability
Impact-resistant windows are available nationwide by special order, but are most readily available in coastal states that mandate their installation through tougher building codes. They can be ordered and shipped anywhere, however.

According to an independent study by the North American Laminated Glass Information Center, adding impact-resistant windows will only increase construction costs by a few thousand dollars on an average new home. As with all building enhancements, the familiarity of the crew with the product will directly impact how long the windows take to install and how much labor will cost. Compare the cost of the product, installation, and any insurance benefits before making your decision.

Insurance Benefits
Benefits from impact-resistant windows extend beyond the storm belt to broader security concerns. Impact-resistant windows are considered to be security features — they are so difficult to penetrate or separate from their frames that they reduce break-ins, theft, and property damage. There are insurance breaks for new homes built with impact resistant windows, and for existing homes remodeled to include the tougher windows and frames. Check with your homeowners insurance carrier to see what kind of a discount is available.

Storm-Ready Building Codes
It’s not just Florida that needs protection from wind and wind-borne debris. Since tougher building codes took effect in Florida following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, numerous other states have followed suit by adopting storm-ready building codes of their own. According to the International Building Code, the following states now require impact-resistant windows in new construction and remodeling: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.