Styles of Hurricane Windows

Large Impact-Resistant

• Large impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand heavy pieces of debris. Large impact windows are tested by being hit with 9-lb. pieces of lumber traveling at 34 mph, according to Hurricane.com. These types of windows are designed to be installed on ground floor buildings, since the majority of damage caused at ground level is from large impact. These types of windows consist of two pieces of strengthened glass, with a clear protective layer sandwiched in between.

Small Impact-Resistant

• Small impact-resistant glass is tested by being hit with ball bearings traveling at 50 mph, according to Hurricane.com. Small impact-resistant glass is designed to be installed on the upper floors of a house, where it is unlikely that large debris will reach. As with the large impact-resistant glass, the window is made up of strengthened glass with a protective layer in between. Both types of glass are fully transparent, meaning that they function as regular windows in non-hurricane season.

Shutters

• Windows with shutters attached are a cheaper option, although the danger is that the wind can get between the shutters and the glass and pull the shutters off their hinges. Windows with shutters offer little protection other than the shutters, meaning that if a hurricane strikes when you are not present, your house is unprotected. Furthermore, shutters can be an eyesore. The benefit of shutters is that you can use regular glass in the windows.

Heavy Frames

• You can install windows with heavy frames in conjunction with any of the options above. Heavy frames help hold the window in place, and prevent it from being pulled out by the wind. However, the strength of the frame is irrelevant if the window is smashed by debris. Heavy frames are expensive to install, and can be an eyesore, although if your windows are pulled loose by the wind, the pressure can cause your roof or wall to be removed.