Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters: Which One Is Better?
What you need to know to weather the storm
Highlights
When the weather rages, you need to protect your home’s exterior to protect the interior.
Impact windows provide shatterproof protection and block UV rays.
Hurricane shutters come in various styles and offer full-window protection.
Impact windows cost more, from $4,250 to $19,850, than hurricane shutter installation, at $1,500 to $5,900.
If you live in a region where hurricanes and tropical storms are the norm, you know the importance of preparing your home for an onslaught from Mother Nature. Windows are particularly vulnerable to damage in extreme weather. A shattered window isn’t just a nuisance to replace—it’s a safety hazard. That’s why impact windows and hurricane shutters are excellent upgrades for a home’s exterior. But which one wins in the battle of impact windows versus hurricane shutters?
Here’s what you need to know to determine the best choice for your home.
What Are Impact Windows and Hurricane Shutters?
Impact windows, also called impact-resistant windows, are made from heavy-duty panes of glass that won’t shatter when storms rage against them or if one gets hit by an errant ball. They let in plenty of natural sunlight while keeping out harsh UV rays known to dull and fade interiors.
Hurricane shutters close over—some even roll over—an entire window to protect it by absorbing impact from the elements or debris. Different hurricane shutter styles, including wood, Bermuda, accordion, or rolling, allow you to choose a level of protection that enhances or even blends in with your home's exterior.
Impact Windows Pros and Cons
Pros of Impact Windows
They blend with your home’s aesthetic: Impact windows come in various styles, so there’s no need to worry about detracting from your home’s exterior aesthetic. You probably won’t even be able to tell the difference between impact and regular windows just by looking at them.
They permit light but block UV rays and sound: An impact-resistant storm window will still allow natural light into your space. However, its energy-efficient design blocks UV rays that can fade or dull furnishings and carpets in the interior. It will also block out sound, so you can maintain a quiet indoors while the storm rages outside.
They provide excellent security: When a window is built to resist the impact of 100 mph winds, it’s likely strong enough to prevent would-be intruders from breaking in, too.
Cons of Impact Windows
They’re expensive: Impact-resistant storm window costs are often double—perhaps even more—the price of regular windows. This could be a hefty investment, depending on how many windows you want to replace in your home.
They can still crack: Impact windows won’t shatter, but they can still crack when hit by wind or debris during a storm. This means that you’ll still be responsible for replacing or repairing glass unless a cracked pane is the aesthetic you’re going for.
Hurricane Shutters Pros and Cons
Pros of Hurricane Shutters
They’re less expensive: Depending on the style and material you choose, hurricane shutters are less expensive to install than windows.
They completely cover your window: Shutters can slide or close over windows completely to create a protective barrier in the face of stormy weather.
They can add to your home’s aesthetic: Depending on the style you choose, hurricane shutters can add to the aesthetic of your home. Wooden shutters, for example, can increase curb appeal, provided they’re clean and have a fresh coat of paint.
Cons of Hurricane Shutters
They require action: Hurricane shutters must be closed ahead of a storm. They’re rendered useless if you’re not at home or unable to close them.
They don’t muffle sound or provide insulation: Unlike impact windows that can practically silence the sounds of a raging storm, hurricane shutters do not. In fact, not only will you hear the storm’s wails, but you’ll also be treated to a symphony of bangs and crashes as the shutters slam against the window over and over in the wind and driving rain. Also, while hurricane shutters might block out some of the sun’s rays, they don’t provide the energy-efficient insulation that impact windows do.
They can fly off during a storm: All bets are off when a hurricane or tropical storm takes on epic proportions. If your hurricane shutters are old or are otherwise in disrepair, there’s a good chance they can fly off your home, becoming flying debris itself instead of protecting your windows.
Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Shutters
| Impact Windows | Hurricane Shutters |
|---|---|
| Shatterproof | Come in various styles |
| Insulate against noise and UV rays | Easy to close and open |
| Increase a home’s value | Cover the entire window for protection |
Appearance: Impact Windows
While some wooden shutters are aesthetically pleasing, almost no one prefers the look of rolling hurricane shutters when impact windows are an option. Like regular windows, these stronger models can be customized for the design and shape you want for your home. In short, your curb appeal is enhanced and protected, not covered up as it is with shutters.
Options and Customizations: Impact Windows
You can choose from various storm shutters, including Bermuda, accordion, and rolling, to fit your home’s aesthetic, but you have many more choices with windows. Like regular windows, storm windows come in various sizes, shapes, and designs to protect your home’s exterior without compromising the look.
Durability: Impact Windows
Though this risk diminishes if installed correctly by a professional, hurricane shutters can fly off in a storm and become dangerous projectiles. On the other hand, impact windows are shatterproof and more durable.
Price: Hurricane Shutters
The cost of installing impact windows, from $4,250 to $19,850, is higher than hurricane shutter prices at $1,500 to $5,900. With impact windows, you’ll eventually see a return on investment in terms of increased home value and cost savings because of their energy efficiency. They’ll also decrease your home’s insurance premium.
However, hurricane shutters are much less pricey overall. For up-front costs, you’ll save on shutters, but it might save you money in the long run if you spend more money now on impact windows.
DIYability: Tie
Unless you’re a professional window installer, you’ll want to call a window company near you to have impact windows or hurricane shutters installed. Improperly installed windows can lead to air leaks and high energy costs, and incorrectly installed shutters could create their own path of destruction should they become detached in a storm. It pays to consult hurricane shutter installers near you before DIYing it.
Maintenance: Impact Windows
You’ll need to keep impact window panes clean, but their vinyl or aluminum construction keeps rust at bay. Shutters can look worse for wear over time, and you’ll have to paint or replace them at some point, particularly if they have seen their fair share of wicked weather.
Length of Life: Impact Windows
Mark this under, “You get what you pay for.” As much as it might hurt your wallet to shell out money for impact replacement windows, they will last for years. Hurricane shutters that have sustained impact during a storm will, unfortunately, look like they withstood a bad storm, so you might have to replace them sooner rather than later, especially if your region sees rough weather often.
Resale Value: Impact Windows
While wooden Shaker or Bermuda shutters lend important curb appeal to a home, there’s something to be said for wooing buyers with new(er) windows that they won’t have to think about replacing for a long time.