In high wind coastal areas, we specify hurricane impact windows and doors but not necessarily for every opening. The reason is because impact resistant glass has size limitations. If a waterfront home has very large window or door openings, we opt for non-impact glass and specify an impact protective device such as lexan panels or hurricane fabric panels.

If you are building a new home in a high wind zone here are some things you should consider when deciding how to protect your windows and doors from hurricane storm damage:

Aesthetics is a big factor. An impact window or door is virtually indistinguishable from a traditional window or door.

However, most impact protective devices such as rolldown fabric panels have clips or housing boxes that are difficult to conceal with trim.

Convenience comes with a price! Impact resistant windows and doors are approximately 50% more expensive than non-impact and are significantly more than hurricane protective devices such as plywood, shutters and hurricane fabric panels.

Check with your building official to determine the hurricane protection requirements in your area.

Contact your insurance agent to determine if your policy mandates protection or conversely if it will provide mitigation credits and premium reductions for hurricane protection.