When most homeowners think of impact-resistant windows, images of hurricane-battered coastal homes and high winds probably come to mind.
Impact-resistant windows are also sometimes referred to as hurricane window or storm windows. They are specifically designed to withstand strong forces from windborne debris, the impact of hail, and even intruders. They’re built using layers of laminated glass and a special polymer – often polyvinyl butryal, or PVB – sandwiched in between them. This inner layer keeps the glass bonded even if it cracks, much like a car windshield. Unlike standard windows, which can shatter easily and pose safety risks during storms or break-ins, impact windows are engineered to stay intact – even when they’re hit hard.
Although Colorado is nowhere close to being a hurricane zone, homes in this state face their own unique weather challenges that make impact-resistant windows a smart investment. Hailstorms are the biggest threat, as Colorado is located in what meteorologists call “Hail Alley.” This region is known for its frequent and intense hailstorms. The Front Range – including Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins – gets hammered by hail every year during the spring and summer. In fact, Colorado consistently ranks in the top five U.S. states for hail-related insurance claims. Regular glass windows can shatter under the force of even golf-ball sized hailstones. Impact-resistant windows are built to handle these impacts, protecting your interior and reducing the cost of expensive repairs.
High winds and tornadoes are also a common threat in Colorado. The eastern part of the state occasionally experiences tornadoes and other powerful windstorms. In these events, flying debris is often the biggest threat to your home’s windows. Impact windows can reduce the chance of blowouts, helping maintain the structural integrity of your home. Impact-resistant windows are not just for the weather. They’re also a deterrent for break-ins. The strong, layered glass is extremely difficult to penetrate, even with tools. This makes it ideal for homeowners in both urban and rural areas that want peace of mind. Also, Colorado is home to 300 days of sunshine throughout the year, and impact-resistant windows come with UV coatings that can block up to 99 percent of those UV rays.
Aside from the region-specific advantages of installing these windows, impact-resistant windows can bring several universal benefits that Colorado homeowners can appreciate. May impact-resistant windows are designed with energy savings in mind. They come with double or triple glazing, gas fills (like argon), and low-E coatings that reduce heat transfer. In Colorado’s climate, where you get bitterly cold winters and hot, dry summers, this added insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures and can lead to lower utility bills.
Living near a busy, road, school, or construction site can cause a lot of outside noise. These windows also help with sound insulation. Their multi-layer construction significantly dampens outside noise, which is a welcome feature in bustling cities or fast-growing suburbs. Because they reduce the risk of damage during storms or break-ins, a number of insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance premiums for homes with impact-resistant windows. Impact windows typically last longer than standard windows due to their reinforced construction and high-quality materials. That means fewer replacements or repairs over the life of your home.
