Tornadoes are a familiar threat in every US state. It is reliably gathered that about 1150 such situations of varying magnitudes occur yearly. Every US state is said to experience at least one yearly, while some states experience way more than this.
Texas for instance experiences about 137, while Florida experiences about 50 yearly. You can read this news report for more information on how much tornadoes are a familiar threat in the US.
Against this backdrop, installations that ensure indoor safety are a welcomed development and this is why impact windows are a necessity. However, choosing premium quality is also important and this article intends to guide you in the right direction. So, keep reading in the spirit of making the right choice.
Finding Perfect Impact Windows to Shield Your Home from Tornadoes
Not using the right impact windows can be as bad as not using one in the first place. It might even be worse considering the issue of very little or no value for money spent. Below are some considerations when choosing impact windows:
1. Material & Construction
The quality is down to several things with the materials used being high on the list. So, ensure that top-quality materials are used, for starters.
Options with frames made of materials like fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl should be seriously considered. The reason is that they are very sturdy materials, ensuring considerable resistance against strong winds and longevity.
Besides the material used for the frame, the glass type should also influence your choice as some glass types are more or less superior. For example, laminated glass types are seriously recommended considering their impressive qualities.
For example, they are shatter-resistant because of their composition of dual-layered plastic, at the very least. This informs their superior strength compared to several other glass types. Tempered glass types are also a good choice considering their qualities.
2. Manufacturer’s Reputation
The US is considered a promising market by brands that manufacture, and supply impact windows and the reasons are not far-fetched. The fact that the US experiences more of these harsh natural conditions than any other country is one such.
As a result, consumers are spoilt for choice, but the dilemma does not end there. There is also the issue of identifying top-rated brands and some offer better impact windows than others.
This is why you should be willing and ready to do your due diligence. One way to do this is to check out ratings and reviews from credible sources. You may also need to ask around for reliable options from experienced homeowners.
Furthermore, there are industry endorsements from reputable and pertinent authorities that can help you make the right choice. For example, the AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) and the FBC (Florida Building Code) have such ratings. So, you may want to consider options that have such ratings if relevant in your location.
3. Size & Fit
Ironically, it is possible to get the right impact window from the right manufacturer and still get it wrong. A common reason for this is poor impact window installation, so you should deliberate about properly installing yours. The truth is that custom sizes may have to be opted for in certain cases.
By the way, this is not just about protecting your home during a tornado but also about ensuring your convenience. For example, while some poorly installed windows may still offer sufficient protection during a tornado, wind and debris may still find their way in.
Bearing in mind the downsides of having yours poorly installed, ensure that professionals carry out the installation. Doing so ensures safety standards are met and that optimal performance is guaranteed.
4. Local Regulations
It would be best if you were certain that you are not violating any local rules and regulations with your choice. This is why you should be aware of these local rules and regulations.
This is another reason why professionals should be entrusted with the purchase and installation of impact windows. Besides their knowledge of how to properly identify and install the right options, professionals are well aware of these rules and regulations.
This awareness is therefore used in their client’s best interest. So, you are not likely to violate these laws when professionals are involved.
5. Energy Efficiency
The major aim for purchasing them is ensuring maximum protection even in the face of a tornado’s worst. However, they should offer more besides this.
The right choice should also offer energy efficiency, reducing heat transfer and ensuring comfort indoors. Cost efficiency is another important factor.
In light of this, you should consider options with very low emissivity. Paying particular attention to the quality of coatings used is essential in getting something that truly offers low emissivity.
6. Aesthetics
Impact windows’ effectiveness in guaranteeing protection during tornadoes should not come at the expense of aesthetic appeal. This is simply to say that impact windows can do a great job of guaranteeing protection and still look great.
This is provided the right design options are considered, among other things. You can start by being well-informed about the various styles, which will help you choose something that complements your exterior and even suits your preferences. Some of the available styles include:
- Sliding
- Double-Hung
- Casement
- Picture
- Bay & Bow
- Awning
- Custom-Shaped
- Jalousie
- Hopper
- Garden
- Transom
- Tilt-and-Turn
All of these styles have their highs and lows. Understanding them can help you make an informed decision.
7. Maintenance
It would be out of place to say that there are impact windows that require no maintenance. There is no such thing as every impact window option requires some maintenance. Overall, some of the maintenance required includes:
- Inspection
- Regular Cleaning
- Lubrication
- Prevention of Mold Growth & Damage – By taking out debris from weep holes
- Adhering to Safety Guidelines
These are just a broad analysis of the maintenance required for these windows. For more details, you can visit: https://www.impact-windows.net/.
Having made this clear, you would still do yourself a world of good by choosing low-maintenance impact windows. This is especially true if you do not have enough time and/or resources for window maintenance.
Conclusion
No building in the US is safe without impact windows. This is because of the possibility of tornadoes, other natural disasters, and even human factors such as theft.
So, it is a worthy investment, and the right kind should be purchased and installed, which is why the guidelines shared here should be adhered to.