Fixed impact windows, also known as picture windows, are a versatile impact window option that is seen in virtually every home.  By definition, fixed windows do not move.  They can be used alone or in conjunction with a moving window, making fixed windows an ideal solution for homeowners with atypical window openings.  Additionally, fixed windows are less expensive than moving windows, are energy efficient, and require minimal maintenance.

Unobstructed Views

For Florida homeowners who would like an unobstructed view, fixed impact windows are the way to go.  Depending on the manufacturer, fixed impact windows can be made as large as 32 square feet, while still protecting against high-speed wind and flying debris! 

Small Openings

Alternatively, fixed impact windows can be manufactured much smaller than windows that open.  Homes with multiple small openings often will use fixed impact windows to let in light.

High or Tall Windows

When windows are too high to reach or opening them can post safety hazards, fixed impact windows are the choice solution to allow natural light.  Additionally, fixed impact windows can be used in combination with moving windows to create unusual designs or fill long openings.

Ah, winter! The season of lights.  Throughout the country, homeowners decorate their home and hang lights.  However, here in the hurricane zone homeowners with impact windows and doors are unsure whether or not they can safely hang decorations without damaging their investment.  Though it is probable that most commercially available decorations are safe, we always recommend checking with the manufacturer first.  The good news is there are many ways for homeowners to decorate their homes, including their impact windows and doors, without having to hang anything on them!  Check out our favorite impact window and door friendly winter decorations:

 Use an inexpensive tension rod to hang ornaments and lights behind your window to create a festive display.  

Alternatively, drape festive garland and lights around the windows and doors.  

Fill flower boxes and dry fountains with ornaments.

Decorative planters.

With all of the options available for retrofitting a home with impact windows it can be overwhelming for homeowners to narrow down their options.  In addition to choosing frame materials, window tint, and styles, homeowners also must choose whether or not they want insulated glass.  While insulated glass is popular in northern climates, many homeowners in south Florida wonder whether or not they will benefit from insulated glass. 

What are insulated impact glass windows?

Insulated impact glass windows, also known as double-paned windows, consists of two separate panes of glass, one impact resistant, and the other non-impact, with a gas-filled space in between.  Both panes of glass, along with the gas are sealed within the frame. The gas filled space serves as an insulator between the temperature difference that exists between the inside and the outside.

So do homeowners benefit from insulated impact glass windows?  The answer lies within the location of the home.  In general, homeowners in colder climates will benefit from installing insulated impact windows, whereas homeowners in predominantly warm climates would benefit more from using LoE tint.

Pros:

• Energy efficient (cold climates) – Homeowners will see increased savings on their energy bills thanks to reduced heat transfer.
• Noise reduction – Impact glass by nature reduces external noise pollution due to the thickness of laminate glass.  The added secondary glass pane further assists in quieting outside sounds.
• Style variety – Insulated impact windows offer the same variety of styles and frame materials as non-insulated impact windows.

Cons:

• Condensation – Energy-efficient designs and weather-stripping keep cold air outside, but they also keep warm, moist air inside.  Condensation is formed when warm moist air comes in contact with cooler dry air.  Occasionally, insulated windows may form condensation in between the panes of glass.
• Sacrifice glass – While the layer of glass placed facing the interior of a home is laminate impact glass, the exterior face pane of glass is not.  This means that the exterior glass is susceptible to breaking and if hit with an object the exterior pane will shatter.
• Price – On average, insulated impact windows are at least 15-20% more expensive than non-insulated impact windows.  Depending on the size of the window the difference in price can increase.

Have you been considering retrofitting your home with impacts windows but are unsure if they are right for you?  If you feel as though you would enjoy any of the listed benefits below then impact windows may be the right choice for you.

Hurricane protection:

Non-impact resistant glass cannot stand up to hurricane force winds.  For homeowners living in HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) hurricane protection is especially important.  Retrofitting a home with impact resistant windows will provide protection and peace of mind.

Home protection:

Due to the strength of impact glass, impact windows are helpful in deterring home break-ins.  With shatter-resistant glass and tightly sealed locking mechanisms, impact windows are significantly more secure than non-impact windows. 

Comfort:

Laminated impact glass is comprised of three layers of glass and flexible, shatter-resistant membrane, making each pane of glass thick (between 5/16^th and 9/16^th).  The thickness of the glass helps reduce outside noise and filters UV rays, giving homeowners a sense of quiet comfort.

Energy-efficiency:

Impact windows are designed to seal tightly when closed to prevent water infiltration from storms.  This design also keeps energy from escaping the home, reducing the energy needed for an HVAC system to maintain temperatures.  The better a home is able to maintain a constant temperature, the better the savings for the homeowner.

Increase home’s value:

Replacing a home’s windows can significantly increase property value.  As an investment, impact windows have a proven ROI and are an excellent selling point for prospective buyers. 

“A house without books is like a room without windows.” – Horace Mann. And a house without windows is not a house.  Windows play a vital role in daily life, providing natural light and views to the outside world while protecting us from the elements.  And in return homeowners maintain their windows by cleaning them, decorating them, and protecting them from storms.  Homeowners seeking to retrofit their homes with impacts windows may be overwhelmed with the options available to them.

To make the selection process easier homeowners should know there are four basic types of impact windows:

Fixed Windows:

Fixed impact windows (also called picture windows) do not open or close.  These windows are ideal for hard-to-reach places or as key architectural design components.  Fixed impact windows come in many shapes and sizes.

Single Hung Windows:

Single-hung windows have a movable lower sash that slides to open vertically. 

Horizontal Roller Windows:

Horizontal rolling impact windows slide side-to-side (similar to a sliding glass door).   

Casement Windows:

Casement impact windows (also called crank windows) project out by operating a durable crank.

Once one or more impact window types are selected homeowners can then venture into the different styles offered by the manufacturer.  One of the most basic steps is to decide whether or not have muntins (grids) in the windows.  From there homeowners can opt for styles such as modern, contemporary, traditional, to suit their personal taste.  Additional features such as tinting, LoE, and argon gas insulated panes are also available.