Between 2018 and 2019, hurricanes caused an estimated 136 billion dollars in damage to property and infrastructure. The importance of quality hurricane window protection isn’t lost on any Floridians, and many houses are already well-equipped to deal with them. Although many houses that do have hurricane protection have allowed them to deteriorate, which greatly reduces their efficacy.
Having been a provider of hurricane protection in Sarasota FL for some time now, we’ve seen the detrimental effects of not ensuring that hurricane proof windows and shutters are maintained and replaced when necessary. Not only does this cost the homeowner financially, but also can put other members of the house at risk during major hurricanes and storm events. Ensuring you recognize the signs that your hurricane protection needs maintenance or replacement is a must.
Here are some signs that your accessories for hurricane protection needs replacing.
Hurricane Window Protection for Your Windows And Shutters
The first thing you should consider when seeing if your hurricane protection needs replacing is the age of your current impact windows and shutters. While many of them can last for decades, the severity of hurricanes and irregular frequency can cause them to wear much faster. Also, each year the laws and regulations around hurricane protection evolve, and as certain regulations change, your impact windows or shutters may become outdated.
It’s recommended that at the 10 year mark you should evaluate your windows; you can do this by checking below
Difficult to Operate
Since the introduction of aluminum and other light metal frames to windows, they have become much easier to operate than their wooden counterparts. Although, over time weather and climatic conditions can affect the functional parts which can make it hard to open or close them fully.
If your impact windows have become difficult to operate, then that may be a sign that you need to either repair or replace them.
Allowing Drafts Inside
The modern home can be considered hermetically sealed compared with the homes of our forefathers. Any gaps in windows or door frames can cause noticeable drafts, which are not only annoying but can also affect the energy efficiency of your home and health of you and your family.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of a home is dictated by how much energy is required to heat or cool it. When a home has a draft, this can affect the way you use your HVAC or air conditioning unit.
Family Health
A slight draft, especially in a bedroom, can go unnoticed much to the detriment of those sleeping in that room. Although most people can live through this comfortably, it can cause ailments in some people, and in extreme circumstances there may be a risk of hypothermia.
If any of your windows are allowing drafts inside, we recommend replacing them immediately to ensure the energy efficiency of your home as well as your family’s health.
Hurricane Window Protection and Impact Damage
As they’re made to withstand impacts, many people will ignore the signs of impact on their hurricane protective windows and shutters. While they may be able to take an impact, once they have done so there may be internal damage which can affect their future ability to stop debris. Always check in to see how well your investment is faring if they’ve withstood some heavy hits.
Look for these telltale signs of damage on all of your windows and shutters:
- Any cracks or chips on the glass in your windows
- Any dents or cracks in the window frames or on the shutters
- Whether the window can move within the frame, as some impacts can warp the glass panel or the frame itself
If you have any concerns about your windows or shutters, get in contact with a provider of hurricane protection in Sarasota FL or anywhere in the great state. Replacing damaged windows and shutters is a must to ensure that future storms won’t cause unnecessary damage to your home.
Outdated Technology
Hurricane proof windows and shutters are constantly being improved on, with new features quickly becoming commonplace each year. If you bought the best hurricane windows 10 years ago, chances are you’re missing out on new features which can further improve the protective nature as well as the energy efficiency of your windows and doors.
By replacing your windows you’ll be able to make use of these new features which offer their own benefits. Such as:
- Low-e glass – this is low emission glass which limits the transfer of heat
- Thermal breaks – this further insulates your window reducing thermal conductivity
- Double glazed – this again offers further insulation as well as reducing noise
Hurricane Window Protection in Sarasota FL
When it comes to replacing your windows or shutters, regardless of the quality of the replacements, hurricane window installation costs are a huge factor, and the installation is the biggest factor in ensuring their longevity and efficacy. Be sure to only hire professionals who have experience in installing hurricane window protection in Sarasota FL or neighboring regions.
