Why Hurricane Impact Windows are a Must-Have for Florida Homeowners

Living in Florida offers beautiful scenic beaches, bright sunny days and a relaxed lifestyle, but it also comes with the risk of hurricanes. Each year, Florida residents need to prepare themselves for hurricane season, a period that brings harsh storms, strong winds and the potential for severe property damage.

One of the best ways to keep your home protected from these intense weather conditions is by installing hurricane-impact windows. These windows not only help safeguard your property but also offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent investment for any Florida homeowner.

1. Protection Against Storm Damage

Hurricane impact windows are specifically built to withstand extreme weather conditions. They are made from two layers of laminated glass with a durable inner layer that holds the glass in place, even if it shatters. Regular windows can easily break under pressure but impact windows can endure wind speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, helping prevent debris from entering your home. This helps prevent glass from shattering and dangerous flying debris entering indoors, giving you and your family a much safer environment during a storm.

2. Year-Round Security

Hurricane impact windows provide protection not only during hurricane season but all year long. As these windows are highly durable, they also help prevent intruders from breaking into your home. The strength of impact windows deters burglars, as they are much harder to break than standard glass windows. With impact windows, you are investing in both storm protection and an added layer of security for your home.

3. Energy Efficiency

The warm climate in Florida often requires air-conditioning which results in higher energy bills. However, installing impact windows can help reduce your energy bills. These windows provide an extra layer of insulation, reducing heat transfer and helping to keep your home cooler in the summer. This added insulation allows your HVAC system to work more efficiently, which can lead to considerable savings on your energy bills over time. Many homeowners find that their impact windows pay for themselves in the long run through lower utility costs.

4. Noise Reduction

If you reside in a busy neighborhood or near a main road, noise can be a constant disturbance. Hurricane impact windows are built with thick, laminated glass that not only withstands strong winds but also blocks out much of the external noise. This added noise reduction helps create a quieter, more peaceful living environment, so you can enjoy your home without the constant background noise from the outside world.

5. Insurance Benefits

These days many insurance providers offer extra discounts to homeowners with hurricane impact windows, as these windows reduce the chances of costly damage claims. By installing impact windows, you are showing your insurance company that you have taken steps to protect your property from storm damage, which can lead to lower insurance premiums. In this way hurricane impact windows can save you money over time, making them a smart financial choice.

6. Increased Home Value

Installing hurricane impact windows is also an investment that can increase your home’s resale value. People in Florida understand the risks associated with storms and impact windows are a desirable feature that adds appeal to a property. Potential buyers appreciate knowing that the home has been upgraded for protection against hurricanes, which can give you an edge in the competitive real estate market.

Contact 1st Choice Hurricane Protection for the installation of impact windows in Fort Myers FL. We specialize in high-quality hurricane impact windows that can keep your family safe, reduce your energy costs and add long-term value to your property. Get in touch with us so our skilled team can help you choose the best hurricane protection solutions for your home.

The Benefits of Installing Energy-Efficient Windows in Your Home

When thinking about home improvements, energy-efficient impact windows might not be the first thing that comes to your mind. However, by upgrading your windows you can see a considerable improvement in your environment, elevate your home’s comfort and reduce energy costs. Let’s understand the benefits of installing energy-efficient impact windows in Bonita Springs, Naples and Marco Island, FL and explore how it is a smart and sustainable choice for your home.

Lower Energy Bills

One of the key benefits of energy-efficient impact windows is that they help reduce your energy bills. These windows are designed with better insulation, so they prevent indoor air from leaking out during the winter and don’t allow heat to enter your house during the summer. They lower the pressure on your home’s HVAC system so that it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, leading to lower utility costs. Over time, the savings you get from these windows can add up.

Improved Comfort

Have you ever felt drafts near your windows or noticed that some rooms in your house are too hot or cold? This can happen with older windows that don’t fit properly and fail to provide enough insulation. 1st Choice’s energy-efficient impact windows help maintain a stable temperature inside your home, eliminating uncomfortable drafts and too much temperature difference in different rooms. These windows also effectively block harmful UV rays, so your furniture, carpets and flooring stay better protected and don’t fade easily.

Environmental Benefits

As impact windows reduce your energy use, they not only help you make considerable savings but are also good for the environment. Lower energy consumption means fewer carbon emissions, helping you reduce your carbon footprint. With this small step, you can lead a more sustainable lifestyle. These days many impact windows are made from eco-friendly materials, which adds to their positive environmental impact.

Noise Reduction

If you live near a busy market or in a noisy neighborhood, installing energy-efficient impact windows can help reduce the amount of outside noise that enters your home. The improved insulation provided by these windows not only keeps the temperature stable but also helps to create a quieter, more peaceful environment inside your home. By installing these windows you can prevent outside noise from entering your home and relax better after a long, busy day. 

Increased Home Value

These windows are an excellent investment, especially if you are considering to sell your house in the future. Potential buyers typically prefer homes with energy-saving features and upgraded windows can make your home more attractive on the market. Plus, as homes with energy-efficient impact windows often sell for a higher price, these windows can add to the value of your investment.

Hurricane Protection

Choosing energy-efficient impact windows from 1st Choice Hurricane Protection provides many safety benefits, particularly in hurricane-prone areas. These robust windows are designed to withstand harsh winds and flying debris, safeguarding your home during severe weather events. By installing impact-resistant windows and doors, you not only protect your property but also improve its resilience against nature’s most destructive forces, helping you gain confidence that you and your family​ are safe.

Durability and Low Maintenance

1st Choice Hurricane Protection’s high-impact windows are durable and built to last. They are made from high-quality materials that can withstand severe weather conditions including hurricanes and storms. These windows usually come with special coatings that make them easier to clean and maintain. As these windows are low maintenance you will have to spend hardly any time and effort on their upkeep.
Enjoy a more comfortable and quieter home, by installing high-quality impact windows in Bonita Springs, Naples and Marco Island, FL from 1st Choice Hurricane Protection. You can improve the safety and comfort of your home with our top-notch offerings like custom entry doors, sliding glass doors and other storm protection solutions. Contact us today to explore our wide range of high-quality offerings, including ES Doors and Windows to ensure your home is equipped with the best protection.

Signs That Your Home Windows Are Due for Replacement

When was the last time that you took a good look at your home’s windows? While we don’t often pay attention to them, windows play a major role in our lives by providing natural light and fresh air and improving the aesthetics of our homes. Just like any other thing, windows don’t last forever. Here are some signs that can indicate that your home windows are due for replacement.

Drafts and Poor Insulation 

An obvious sign that your windows need to be replaced is feeling drafts even when they are closed. If you notice that there is a considerable difference in temperature near your windows and the rest of the room, then it’s possible that your windows aren’t insulating properly. This can put more pressure on your home’s HVAC system to maintain a comfortable temperature and lead to higher energy bills.

Difficulty in Operation

Opening and closing windows should be a smooth and easy process. If you struggle to operate them then they may be too worn out. Windows that don’t open smoothly or slide back down when left open, can cause injuries. They can also pose a major safety risk, especially during emergencies where exiting quickly is essential.

Visible Damage or Decay

Look at your window frames carefully and check for signs of damage such as water seepage, soft or decaying wood and bent frames. If you notice any of these signs then it’s time to get new windows installed, as these signs can indicate moisture problems that could cause substantial damage to your property if not addressed quickly.

Condensation Between Glass Panes

Condensation on the inside or outside of your windows is normal when there is a big difference in temperature indoors and outdoors. However, if there is condensation or fogging between two layers of the window pane then it could indicate a broken seal. This can lead to poor insulation, water seepage during rainy days and higher energy bills.

Increased Noise Levels

If you live in a crowded or noisy area and your windows don’t help much in keeping the traffic sounds out then it might indicate that they are too old and need to be replaced. Windows these days are designed to look not only more stylish but also to provide better sound insulation. They help ensure that your home remains a quiet haven where you can relax in peace.

Faded Furnishings

Have you noticed your curtains, furniture, or carpet fading? This might be due to your windows being old. Older windows can allow strong UV rays to pass through, causing your belongings and furnishings to lose their color and become faded over time. Modern windows are equipped with special coatings that help block these UV rays and protect your furniture and other belongings from sun damage.

Moisture and Mold Issues

Windows that leak during monsoons and allow water to seep in can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can lead to serious respiratory problems and various other health issues. So it’s important to get rid of the mold around your windows and prevent it from coming back in the future by replacing the old windows with new ones.  

Don’t let outdated windows harm the well-being of you and your family. Upgrade your windows to improve the comfort of your home and boost its energy efficiency and overall value. Trust 1st Choice Hurricane Protection for installation of quality impact windows in Fort Myers, FL. Visit our website to explore our diverse collection of impact windows and doors that provide thorough protection during hurricanes and can help elevate the aesthetics of your home.

Give us a call at 239-325-3400 and let our friendly and knowledgeable staff help you with your project today!