Living on the coast offers breathtaking views and a unique lifestyle, but it also brings specific challenges when it comes to selecting the right windows for residential homes. Coastal areas are prone to severe weather conditions, including high winds and saltwater exposure, which can significantly affect the durability and performance of windows. Guardian Hurricane Protection understands these challenges and offers a guide to choosing the best window types for coastal homes.
At Guardian Hurricane Protection, your safety is our priority. Choosing the right window type for your coastal home is crucial in protecting yourself and your loved ones. One critical aspect of safeguarding coastal homes is the selection of appropriate window types, which can significantly impact a property’s resilience and energy efficiency.
Call Guardian Hurricane Protection at 239-237-1448 for free on-site estimates and consultation or message us online.
Impact-Resistant Windows: The First Line of Defense
Coastal building codes often mandate impact-resistant windows. These windows are specifically designed to withstand the high winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes. They typically feature laminated glass, which consists of two glass panes bonded together by a strong, transparent interlayer. Even if the outer pane cracks under the impact, the inner pane, and the interlayer hold everything together, preventing dangerous shards from scattering and creating an opening for wind and rain.
Materials Matter: Corrosion-Resistant Frames
The frame material is just as important as the glass. Coastal homes need frames that can resist corrosion caused by salty air. Materials like vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum treated for moisture resistance are ideal choices. These materials not only offer durability against the elements but also require minimal maintenance.
Framing Material:
1. Vinyl
A popular choice due to its affordability, low maintenance, and good moisture resistance. Vinyl frames are also energy-efficient, thanks to their insulating properties.
- Pros: Excellent insulator. High energy performance. Low maintenance. Low cost.
- Cons: Recyclability is still being fully researched.
2. Aluminum
- Pros: Stronger. Weather resistant. Lightweight. Aesthetically pleasing. Low maintenance. Recyclable.
- Cons: Needs to be painted.
Best Window Styles for Coastal Areas Homes
Coastal building codes often mandate impact-resistant windows. These windows are specifically designed to withstand the high winds and flying debris associated with hurricanes. They typically feature laminated glass, which consists of two glass panes bonded together by a strong, transparent interlayer. Even if the outer pane cracks under the impact, the inner pane, and the interlayer hold everything together, preventing dangerous shards from scattering and creating an opening for wind and rain.
1. Aluminum Impact Windows
Aluminum impact windows are ideal for coastal homes due to their exceptional durability and strength, crucial in environments exposed to harsh weather conditions. The aluminum frames are naturally resistant to corrosion, making them perfect for the salty and humid coastal air that can easily degrade other materials.
2. Vinyl Impact Windows
Vinyl impact windows are highly regarded for coastal area homes due to their exceptional resilience and low maintenance requirements. Vinyl is naturally resistant to corrosion and salt damage, which is a significant advantage in the humid and salty environments typical of coastal regions.
3. Impact Hurricane Windows
Impact hurricane windows are considered the best window style for coastal area homes due to their unmatched protection and durability. These windows are specifically engineered to withstand the extreme conditions typical of coastal regions, such as high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain associated with hurricanes and severe storms.
Energy Efficiency
Coastal homes benefit from windows that provide energy efficiency. By using windows with double or triple-pane glass and low-E coatings in coastal homes, homeowners can improve energy efficiency while also enjoying increased comfort, lower energy bills, and longer window durability, making it a wise investment for coastal living. Also, when choosing windows for your coastal home, look for products with Energy Star certification.
ENERGY STAR® is the government-approved mark for energy efficiency. The blue ENERGY STAR label delivers straightforward, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make sound decisions.
ENERGY STAR qualified windows:
- Are manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner,
- Are independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and
- Have NFRC ratings that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Best Window Glass for Coastal Areas
There are several types of window glass, each with its properties and uses. When you buy windows, you may find yourself encountering a lot of industry terms about different types of glass. From annealed glass to laminated glass, many different types of glazing have been used in windows over the years. The number of panes of glass does not enhance the window’s insulation factor; instead, the air between the panes of glass offers more insulation.
Selecting the right type of window glass is crucial for homes in coastal areas, where the demands of weather, humidity, and salt can be particularly harsh. Here are some of the best types of window glass to consider for coastal homes, designed to enhance durability, safety, and energy efficiency:
1. Impact-Resistant Glass
Also known as hurricane-resistant or storm-proof glass, impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds and flying debris. This glass typically features a laminated layer that holds the shards together if broken, preventing them from scattering and causing damage.
2. Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is heat-treated to be much stronger than standard annealed glass. It is designed to shatter into small, blunt pieces that are less likely to cause injury, making it a safer option in areas prone to storms
3. Low-Emissivity (Low-E) Glass
Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating that reflects heat. This type of glass helps to keep the interior of a home cool by reflecting away the sun’s heat while still letting in light. This is particularly beneficial in coastal areas where the sun can be intense but insulation from heat and cold is still necessary.
4. Tinted Glass
Tinted glass reduces glare and absorbs a significant amount of incoming solar radiation, which helps in controlling the heat gain inside the home. Colors like gray, bronze, green, or blue can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the windows while complementing the coastal views.
5. Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
Often referred to as double glazing (or triple glazing), these consist of two or more glass panes separated by a vacuum or gas-filled space to reduce heat transfer. This is ideal for coastal homes as it helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces energy costs.
6. Laminated Glass
Similar to impact-resistant glass, laminated glass consists of two or more layers of glass bonded with an interlayer, typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This type of glass not only holds together when shattered but also provides excellent sound insulation and UV protection.
Southwest Florida's Most Trusted Windows Installer
Choosing the right windows for your coastal home is a significant decision. Guardian Hurricane Protection is a fully licensed and insured State of Florida Certified General Contractor that offers a wide range of window types specifically designed for coastal living. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your home will be beautiful, secure, and energy-efficient.
For more information on selecting the perfect windows for your coastal residence, contact Guardian Hurricane Protection at 239-438-4732 or 239-237-1448 today or message us online and let us help you enjoy the coastal views with confidence and style.
