Impact Windows and Environmental Sustainability

Environmental sustainability has become more than just a trend, it’s becoming a necessity in today’s world. Not only does environmental sustainability mean you’re creating less of a carbon footprint, but it also tends to equate to money savings of some sort. Going green is a win-win for homeowners, and thanks to the many choices available today, it’s also relatively easy to make environmentally sustainable choices and decisions.

There are plenty of ways to make your home more environmentally sustainable, but one you may not have thought of is installing impact windows. Impact windows are designed to withstand even the strongest storms, providing homeowners with the peace of mind that traditional windows can’t offer. But what makes them an environmentally sustainable choice?

Here, we’ll take a look at what impact windows are, the benefits offered, and how that makes them an environmentally sustainable choice.

What are Impact Windows – How Do They Differ?

To better understand the benefits of impact windows, it’s important to understand what makes them different from standard windows.

Times Have Changed

Traditionally, windows were made of single-pane glass. While these did a “good enough” job, times have changed, and technology and products have evolved. For homeowners living in states where severe weather is common, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, strong winds, hurricanes, and tornados, standard windows probably won’t cut it.

Impact Resistant Means Better Protection

Impact windows are unique in that they won’t break or shatter during strong winds. As their name suggests, they are impact-resistant. Manufacturers use shatter-proof, impact-resistant glass that is layered and blended with laminated glass. The result is something very durable that won’t typically break even in severe weather.

It’s not just the windows themselves that offer added protection; even the frames are specifically designed to withstand severe weather. The fear of a window breaking during a bad storm, with glass shards ending up in the home is no longer a concern.

What Makes Them Environmentally Sustainable?

Impact windows are certainly durable and wise to invest in from a safety standpoint, but what makes them environmentally sustainable? There are a few important features to recognize.

Insulation is Vastly Improved

Firstly, impact windows are known for being extremely energy efficient, which is one of homeowners’ main benefits. Thanks to the multiple layers used in the windows, they are superior in insulation. Impact windows do a great job of keeping cool or warm air in the house. The heat exchange is very little with impact windows. When homeowners improve insulation through better-quality windows, the results are evident in reduced home heating and cooling bills.

Eliminate Cold and Hot Spots in the Home

This superior insulation also means the home remains a more consistent and comfortable temperature throughout. You will have fewer cold or hot spots in the home. Because of that, your furnace or air conditioning unit will not need to work as hard or as often.

Heat Transfer Is Reduced

Another interesting feature about these impact windows is that the composite used can block heat transfer. So not only do you have added layers of insulation, but the material itself can cut down on the amount of heat entering the home during the hot summer months. The opposite holds true in the winter months, as that same material blocks the heat from escaping your home.

Increase the Lifespan of the Windows

Let’s also point out another environmentally sustainable feature: impact windows have a much longer lifespan than standard glass windows. If you replace your windows less often, you’ll create less waste in landfills.

You can also up the sustainability factor by ensuring the frames are made of recycled vinyl, which is known for being eco-friendly.

There’s No Need to Make a Sacrifice in Style

A big concern homeowners can have if they’re considering impact windows is what that will mean for the overall aesthetics of the home. The good news is that it isn’t a sacrifice, as so many styles, designs, and sizes are available. You’ll be able to find something that complements the entire home.

How About the UV Rays?

Something homeowners don’t often worry about is UV rays inside the home. We all know how damaging UV rays can be to our skin if we get too much sun, but those same UV rays can damage interior items in the home. Excessive UV rays can lead to faded flooring, furniture, wall color/paint, and so forth. Once again, impact windows have the edge on the competition as they can block up to 99% of the harmful UV rays.

What’s even more alarming is that UV rays in the home can still damage your skin. No one wants to wear sunscreen inside because they are afraid of damaging UV rays. Let the windows protect you while you stay comfortable and carefree.

Noise Pollution Is a Thing of the Past

Creating a greener home wherein you leave behind a smaller carbon footprint is a wonderful goal, but impact windows still take the top prize in terms of personal comfort.

Noise pollution is becoming a more significant factor as populations rise in cities and towns across the country. What may have been a “quiet neighborhood” originally may have grown and changed and has now become busy and noisy. Noise from traffic, barking dogs, people outdoors, and so forth can make your once quiet home not so serene anymore.

Noise Pollution Is Adversely Affecting Millions

As the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, noise pollution negatively affects millions of people. Studies have shown a strong link between a person’s health and noise.

Going back to the construction of impact windows, they do a great job of noise reduction because multiple layers are used. Thanks to impact windows, homeowners don’t have to worry about noise pollution in the house. Reducing noise pollution will continue to be an important factor for homeowners as populations continue to rise.

Are You Ready to Make an Environmentally Sustainable Decision?

If you’re ready to make an environmentally sustainable choice for your home, then it may be time to install impact windows. We encourage you to give us a call at 305 925 0818 for a free quote. We even offer homeowners financing options. We’ll be happy to discuss all the advantages of impact windows.