How Much More Expensive Are Hurricane Windows?
If you live in Florida, chances are you’ve heard hurricane windows are a must-have if you want to protect your home during severe weather. Hurricane windows, also referred to as impact windows, keep your home’s interior safe from windblown debris and can deter would-be intruders all year long. However, some homeowners are wary about installing hurricane windows due to the potential cost. So, how much more expensive are hurricane windows when compared to standard windows, and are they worth the investment?
The Cost of Hurricane Windows
It’s true: Hurricane windows can cost several thousand more dollars to install when compared to standard windows. However, the exact cost depends on several factors, such as:
Material
On average, impact-resistant aluminum windows cost about $250 if you buy what’s in stock. If you purchase custom aluminum windows, that price jumps up to an average of $600. Stock prices for vinyl windows about $300, custom prices are about $700.
Additionally, most hurricane windows consist of two panes of glass with a layer of material between them for impact resistance. Windows with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) material are the most affordable type of hurricane window. Windows with a layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) are a little more expensive. Finally, hurricane windows with PVB reinforced by a layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are the strongest and will cost the most.
Size
The cost of hurricane windows—same as standard windows— typically rise exponentially in accordance with size. For example, custom manufacturers often sell their hurricane windows for up to $55 per square foot. A 2X4 window has 8 square feet of glass. Double that size to 4X8 and the window will have four times the square footage of glass (32 square feet), resulting in four times the manufacture cost.
New vs Replacement
Most installers will charge a homeowner around $200 or more for each window install if they are a sole proprietor. This price accounts for materials and labor. However, if a homeowner wants to leave the installation to a licensed professional contracting company, the price will increase because they service goes beyond materials and labor. A licensed contracting company also provides:
- Custom-sized measuring and ordering
- Approvals for permits and HOA applications
- Delivery and receiving
- Installation scheduling
- Insurance
- Inspections
- Repair and replacement services in accordance with their warranty
All of these services can bring the price of installation up to a range between $1200-$2800, with the cost falling somewhere in the middle for Florida residents. For example, the average cost for West Palm Beach homeowners is about $1800.
Style
Fixed windows, such as picture windows, typically cost less to manufacture than those with moving parts.
Will You Get Your Money’s Worth?
If you live in an area that is a high risk for hurricanes and severe storms, you will likely see a return on investment each hurricane season. While hurricane windows are not cheap, neither is repairing your standard windows each year when they shatter from windblown debris. Not to mention the hazard that shattered or faulty windows can present for your home’s interior.
Another factor to consider is whether or not your homeowners’ insurance policy contains “opening protection.” Opening protection language refers to the level of wind-resistant features protecting your home’s openings, including its windows. By installing hurricane windows that meet Florida Building Code requirements, you are mitigating the risk of wind damage. This can actually save you money because Florida insurance companies are required to offer opening protection discounts to homeowners taking the right precautions to reduce wind damage to their home’s openings.
Impact Windows From Max Guard Hurricane Windows
The fact remains that hurricane season is a yearly concern for Florida residents and it’s imperative that your home is equipped to withstand severe weather. For impact windows that will protect your home, trust Max Guard Hurricanes Windows. Our windows are designed for severe weather and are all High Velocity Hurricane Zone-rated. Even better, they are installed by our team of factory-trained technicians who receive ongoing extensive training to ensure all of our installations are up to the latest codes. Furthermore, our windows come backed by a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.
Contact Us Today!
If you’re interested in having high-performing hurricane windows installed at your home, contact Max Guard Hurricane Windows today and we can schedule a free consultation.
