As we enter hurricane season we’re yet again beset with the age old debate of whether people should install hurricane shutters or impact windows. The best way to protect your home during a major weather event isn’t a quick fix or an easy solution. Today, we’re going to break down the pros and cons of both, but ultimately – it’s a decision you’re going to have to make on your own when the time comes.
Here are your options and hopefully it’ll make it a little bit easier for you to choose which one is best for you. Let’s jump right in.
Impact windows
Impact windows cannot be damaged by storms no matter how strong it is. They’ll save you lots of money on your utility bills and help make it a little less expensive to insure your house. The downside to them is that they cost more than hurricane shutters. Like, a lot more. So if you don’t want to see a huge number up front, then impact windows aren’t for you. Fear not, however – as over time, these windows will end up paying for themselves.
Hurricane shutters
Hurricane shutters are more cost-effective for sure – but don’t let the low price scare you away. There are a ton of pros to owning them. For starters, they come in a variety of looks, styles and colors. Gone are the days where you’d have an ugly slab of metal covering your windows. They will 100% give you the same, if not even better protection from storms than impact windows will as well. The drawback is that unfortunately they will block light when not in use and don’t always prevent your windows from breaking. They also don’t come with all the money saving measures long term that impact windows do.
At the end of the day, both of these options will help protect your home as well as provide some other benefits. We encourage you that when it comes time to decide, that you call around, get lots of feedback and even estimates. More options will help bring the end game into a little bit clearer focus.
Remember – at the end of the day your home is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your life and is more than worth protecting. Regardless of which one you choose, you should always remember that something is better than nothing. So if you can’t afford the impact windows, don’t rule out shutters as an option. Good luck!
