Impact-Resistant Windows: Are they Worth it for Colorado Homes?
When most homeowners think of impact-resistant windows, images of hurricane-battered coastal homes and high winds probably come to mind. But even in a state like Colorado – landlocked, mountainous, and far from hurricane zones – these reinforced windows are gaining popularity. Windows in Fort Collins, Colorado, face their own share of severe weather events, and impact-resistant window can offer more than just storm protection.
Before committing to the switch to impact-resistant windows, it’s important to understand if they’re worth it for your Colorado home. There are a number of benefits that come along with impact-resistant windows, but there are a number of things to consider before putting them into your home along the Front Range or any of the mountain towns across Colorado.
What Are Impact-Resistant Windows?
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.
Why Impact-Resistant Windows Matter in Colorado
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.
Benefits of Impact-Resistant Windows
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.
Are There Any Downsides?
While impact-resistant wndows offer plenty of perks, it’s important to weigh the potential downsides, too – especially if you’re considering outfitting your entire home. The most significant drawback is cost. Impact-resistant windows are more expensive than standard windows by anywhere from 50 percent to 100 percent more per unit. That can ratchet up the price tag pretty quickly if you’re doing an entire home.
While manufacturers are expanding design choices, some homeowners may find fewer styles or frame options than they’d prefer. However, as demand grows, so does the selection. These windows also must be installed correctly to function as designed. That means hiring a qualified contractor who understands the product and can ensure a proper, sealed installation. In some cases, retrofitting or additional framing may be necessary.
Cost vs. Value: Is the Investment Worth it?
Determining whether it’s worth spending potentially thousands of extra dollars to upgrade to impact-resistant windows is a tricky question. There are a few things to consider, particularly looking at your location. If you live in a hail-prone area like Fort Collins, Denver, Boulder, or the Eastern Plains, impact windows can prevent costly damage and might even pay for themselves in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements and insurance claims.
Buyers are becoming more savvy and safety-conscious when looking for a home. A home equipped with impact windows may stand out in the Colorado market as a premium feature. It can be a selling point, especially for families or buyers looking for energy-efficient and low-maintenance homes. If you’re somebody that values security, reduced maintenance, and year-round protection, the higher cost might be worth it. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term, then the extra cost savings over time that come with the higher up-front cost might be worth it.
Alternatives to Impact-Resistant Windows
If you’re not quite ready to make the leap into full window replacement just yet, there are other options to improve protection and efficiency. Storm shutters are a great option that can be installed over existing windows. These provide protection from hail and debris, but are only a temporary option. Security window films can reinforce glass and add a level of shatter resistance, but their protection isn’t nearly as robust as impact glass. You can also upgrade to double or triple pane windows. These can help with insulation and reduce the risk of breakage, even if they don’t offer full impact resistance.
Choosing the Right Impact-Resistant Windows
Once you’ve decided that impact-resistant windows are worth considering, the next step is picking out the right ones for your specific needs. Not all windows are created equal, and making an informed decision can help maximize your investment. First and foremost, check the certification. Look for windows that are ASTEM E1996 and E1886 certified, or have the Miami-Dade County approval. These ratings are primarily designed for hurricane zones, they’re a strong indicator of durability and impact performance.
Window frames also come in various materials, including vinyl, wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. For Colorado’s climate, vinyl and fiberglass frames are popular for their energy efficiency and low maintenance. Aluminum is durable but less insulation. Wood provides classic aesthetics but requires upkeep and may not handle rapid weather shifts as well. Consider the glass options, as well. Many impact-resistant windows come with low-E coatings for UV protection and energy savings. Argo or krypton gas fills between frames improve insulation, and tinted or laminated options are available for glare reduction and privacy. Also, be sure to check with your HOA, if applicable. These can limit your options so always be aware of their codes before making a final purchase.
Be sure to thoroughly check out the contractor doing the installation. The installation process plays a critical role in how your windows perform. Work with a licensed, experienced contractor who understands both the product and Colorado’s specific building codes and weather challenges. Be sure to ask for references or reviews, and confirm that the installer is familiar with retrofitting older homes, if applicable. Always get a detailed quote outlining materials, labor, and warranty coverage. Impact-resistant windows are an investment, so be sure to check for long-term warranties with the glass or frame.
Should You Invest in Impact Windows?
Impact-resistant windows aren’t just for coastal areas anymore. With Colorado’s extreme weather patterns, high winds, intense hailstorms, and sunny skies, they can be a smart upgrade for many homeowners. They protect your home from hail and flying debris, but they also improve your energy efficiency year-round and boost your home’s resale value. They can also reduce insurance premiums while giving added security and UV protection.
Be sure to get multiple quotes from licensed window contractors in your area, and ask your insurance provider for any possible discounts. If your budget allows, impact-resistant windows could be one of the smartest home improvements you make – especially in a state where “wild weather” can be just another Tuesday. For more information on how impact-resistant windows can help with your home, reach out to the experts at Window & Siding Outlet today.
