With the looming threat of hurricane season on the horizon, now is a great time for homeowners in coastal regions to consider evaluating the security and protection that their windows provide. Old, worn down, or even cracked windows can leave homes susceptible to damage. Ultimately, impact windows provide increased protection against the wind, rain, and debris brought on by summer storms and hurricanes. Impact windows also improve insulation, lower noise pollution, and even help slash energy bills.

Which type is right for your home? In this article, we’ll explore four types of impact windows.

What are Impact Windows?

Impact windows combine a heavy-duty frame with impact-resistant laminated glass that includes an advanced low-emissivity coating. They are designed to withstand high winds and impact from objects. This makes them far less likely to shatter, even from direct blows. Being able to withstand impact is crucial, as a shattered window is the last thing you want during a hurricane.

There are a few different types of impact windows, which we will discuss later in this article. It’s important to know that the main differences come in style, size, material, and degree of protection. The industry utilizes a number of standard tests to determine the level of impact resistance they provide. For example, SoftLite’s Barcelona impact windows passed every durability test. This includes the Large Missile Impact Level “D” test, which requires a window to withstand sustained winds of 140 mph and gusts of up to 212 mph.

4 Types of Impact Windows

1. Single/Double Hung Impact Windows

Single and Double-Hung impact windows are some of the most popular choices on the market. The ‘single’ and ‘double’ refer to the number of sashes on the window that slide up and down. A Single-Hung window will only have one operational sash, while a Double-Hung window will have two.

Design Options

Single and double-hung windows are also some of the most versatile and design-friendly options available. They come in various colors, allowing a homeowner to perfectly match the desired aesthetic of their home. The real genius of these windows is their simplicity- they’re basic, elegant, and easy to incorporate into any design. 

2. Casement Impact Windows

One great benefit of Casement impact windows is that they swing open on a hinge and can move either vertically or horizontally. This is ideal for a homeowner, as it provides the choice of opening the window either partially or fully. Opening the window partially allows a breeze to enter the home, while blocking debris and lawn clippings. Meanwhile, opening the window fully allows for maximum ventilation. 

Design Options

Thankfully, Casement windows are also incredibly design-friendly. Homeowners can mix, match, and customize them to fit their preferences.

Security & Other Features

Casement windows are also known for their security and have sturdy locks and solid frames. They naturally perform very well against severe weather. So, utilizing impact glass in a Casement window provides an extra layer of protection.

All of SoftLite’s Casement windows come with:

• Single-lever, multiple-point locking handles
• Easy cleaning abilities
• Low-E coated energy-efficient glass
• Elegant fold-in handles

3. Picture Impact Windows

Picture windows are large pieces of fixed-position stationary glass that do not open, close, or slide. Their name comes from their ability to maximize natural light and provide a picturesque view. Since they’re large pieces of glass, the cleaning process is also simple and efficient. The fact that they don’t open or close also adds to their insulation abilities, which provides energy savings to a homeowner down the line.

Design Options

Most people choose custom-shaped picture windows to fit the needs of their project. This lets the homeowner create a sense of style and personalization. 

Bay and Bow windows frequently use Picture windows as one of their elements. But, you can also use Picture windows by themselves in any room to let some light in. 

4. Sliding Impact Windows

Sliding impact windows are a lot like Double-Hung impact windows, only they’re turned on their side. Two windows comprise Sliding windows, one fixed, the other designed to slide horizontally. These windows are ideal for homes with low ceilings. Plus, they conveniently require no interior space to open and close.

Design Options

For a homeowner, utilizing impact glass in a Sliding window provides the aesthetic appeal of a pure Slider without the fear of window shatter. This allows you to create a sleek, modern aesthetic even if you live in a heavy storm area.

Other Features

All of our Sliding windows come equipped with a range of features such as:

• Easy Sliding – Each Sliding window provides smooth, effortless operation on corrosion-resistant, tandem brass rollers. This allows your window to glide open and closed.
• Minimal Air Infiltration – Specially designed air barriers and weather stripping substantially reduce the amount of external air that enters a home.
• Easy Cleaning – The sashes in our Sliding windows tilt inward, much like a Double Hung, which allows easy cleaning. This prolongs the life of your windows and helps ensure that they stay looking brand new.
• Energy-Efficient Glass– SoftLite offers a variety of Low-E and energy-efficient impact glass options to help ensure both security and efficiency.

Impact Window Rating Metrics

There are a couple key ratings to keep an eye on when evaluating impact windows. The Large Missile Impact Level “D” test verifies if they can withstand wind gusts of over 212 mph. When narrowing down the list of impact windows to consider for your home, highlighting those that have passed this test is a good place to begin. Another aspect to look for when analyzing options is the HVHZ certification, which certifies a window has been approved for high-velocity hurricane zones.

SoftLite’s Impact Windows

We offer many different types of impact windows, all with their own unique shape, size, and design. Regardless of the model, all of our impact windows are the most versatile and high-performing options on the market. Our impact windows pass every durability test available, including the Large Missile Impact Level “D” test and the HVHZ certification.

SoftLite’s Impact Windows also all come fully equipped with:

• Triple-pane laminated glass
• Stainless steel reinforced attachment points
• Two heavy-duty cam sweep locks
• High-performance Low-E coating and argon gas between the glass panes to block damaging UV rays, ensuring the highest energy efficiency possible
• Insulated foam wrap around the frame to help reduce air infiltration

Product Spotlight: Barcelona Impact Windows

When looking for the right impact windows, it’s important to take the overall aesthetic of your home into consideration. Just because you’re looking for heavy-duty impact windows doesn’t necessarily mean you need to sacrifice design integrity to get them. SoftLite’s Barcelona impact windows are a perfect example of a fully customizable, high-performing impact window. These windows include the following design feautres:

• Interior and exterior white vinyl
• Color options for the exterior frame
• Specialty shapes like triangles, circles, and trapezoids
• Decorative grid options.

With heavy-duty glass and a thick-walled vinyl frame, our Barcelona Impact Windows combine unmatched strength with superior insulation.

Trusted Impact Window Dealers

Installing new impact windows ultimately results in raised resale value, improved security and stronger weather protection. SoftLite knows that, which is why we offer a wide variety of impact windows and hurricane windows that exceed industry standards. Since 1934, homeowners have relied on SoftLite’s ability to manufacture the most consistent, durable, and high-performing windows in the nation. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of installing our beautiful, tough, impact windows, contact a dealer near you.