Looking for Home Security Near Me, Miami? Consider Impact Windows

Chapter I

Introduction

Home security is more than just having an alarm system. It means every part of your house works together to keep you and your family safe. While overall trends in home invasions have declined in the past decade, Miami residents must remain vigilant in safeguarding their property.

Burglary remains the second most common serious crime in the United States (just behind larceny-theft), accounting for 18 percent of all serious crimes.

While it's simpler to not think about the potential for a break-in, it's smarter to take proactive steps to protect your property. Installing impact windows and doors offers one of the best ways to enhance home security in Miami.

Let's explore why.

Chapter II

The Key Components of Home Security

Security systems have become increasingly popular with the rise of intelligent technology. Nowadays, you can lock your doors, monitor activity, and get notified about both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detector alerts from an app on your phone.

While these systems are hugely impactful and beneficial, they lack one thing: point-of-entry fail-safes.

That sounds complicated, but it comes down to ensuring your windows and doors are as secure as possible to prevent bad weather and people from entering your dwelling. Studies show that your home's openings are the most vulnerable aspects of your structure.

Criminals focus on two main aspects when targeting a property: time and effort. The more time it takes for them to break in, or the more effort required, the less likely they will try. So, in addition to window alarms, you need high-impact windows to keep threats at bay.

That's why impact windows are such a great option—they are impact-resistant and help deter potential intruders from even attempting to enter your home.

Chapter III

What Are Impact Windows and Doors?

Impact windows, or impact-resistant windows, are designed and fitted with special glass that can withstand extreme weather conditions and attempts at forced entry from intruders.

This impact-resistant glass comprises multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between two pieces of glass. PVB is the same material car windows are made of — so that every piece of the window or door works together to remain intact.

This impact glass is rated to withstand hurricane-force winds and debris impact. In other words, impact windows can protect against severe weather conditions and burglaries.

The product's strength comes from its design: the impact-resistant glass is structurally sounder than standard window panes and frames, thereby making them more difficult and time-consuming to pry open.

In addition to their impact-resistant nature, impact windows are also equipped with built-in locking systems that provide additional home security. The frames on impact windows also tend to be more durable, making them difficult to break or twist open.

Types Of Impact Windows

Many options exist when selecting the right windows for your home. Here are some of the most common window styles for you to choose from:

Single-Hung-Window-1Single-Hung Windows

These windows come with a bottom sash that can be opened and closed up and down. Consider this type if you're looking for an option that quickly opens and closes.

Double-Hung Windows

These impact windows come with both a bottom and top sash, giving you more ventilation options. They are also easier to clean than single-hung impact windows because you can open both sashes from the inside. The top and bottom window sash can be opened on these windows to let in more air.

Casement Windows

Casement windows swing out or to the side and usually have fewer obstructions to show more of the view. Consider this option if you want more natural light and visibility or the highest security ratings for your windows.

Awning Windows

These windows swing out by pushing a handle to enjoy a breeze without getting rain inside. If you enjoy more ventilation but want to keep the rain out, then awning impact windows are the right choice for you.

Fixed/Picture Windows

These impact-resistant picture windows don't open but offer a great view and plenty of light. Consider this style if you're looking for impact protection while enjoying the view outside your home.

Each window type can be made with impact-resistant technology and fitted to your home. So, it doesn't matter if you have a particular window type or many varying styles around your house.

The window you need can be designed and installed exactly where you need it.

Of course, each window's framing and installation costs may vary, so you'll want to get an accurate breakdown of each part of the process before signing a contract with an installation company. You'll also want to consider the functionality you need in each part of your home before nailing down which windows you want.

What Are Impact Doors?

Impact doors are often the companions of impact windows as they protect your property.

Hurricane-rated doors can withstand up to 100 mph winds and are tightly sealed to keep dirt, dust, water, and other foreign substances out of your home.

Comparing these doors to other "storm prep" options, like plywood covers or metal bars, they are superior in functionality. And they also offer significantly more insulation than a traditional wooden door.

While they are made as functional items, they are also designed to look beautiful on your home's exterior. Nowadays, you can find them in almost any style, including patio doors, french doors, sliding doors, front doors, etc.

That means you never have to sacrifice quality protection for aesthetics.

While they are made as functional items, they are also designed to look beautiful on your home's exterior. Nowadays, you can find them in almost any style, including patio doors, french doors, sliding doors, front doors, etc.

Types of Impact Doors

The same impact-resistant glass used in impact windows is also applied to impact doors. Here are a few types of options available:

Entry Doors (single and double)

Your classic front door option comes in single and double-door designs. Double-impact doors are great if you have a larger opening for your entryway, as they can provide more space for people to move in and out of the home. Impact glass in your entry door allows for more natural light to come into the home, while still providing superior protection.

Sliding Doors

Sliding impact doors are great for any patio or balcony opening you want to protect from impact and intruders. These impact sliding glass doors can also be used as room dividers if needed.

French Doors

These impact-resistant windows are great for any larger opening that needs impact protection. French impact doors are also often used to join the indoors and outdoors, but without sacrificing security and impact resistance.

Pocket Doors

These impact-resistant pocket doors slide into the wall and help maximize space. They are perfect for any smaller room where you need to keep impact protection but need more room for a swinging door.

Folding Doors

These hot new options create a door system you can use to create large openings that create even more accessibility into your home. Folding doors are great for any impact protection and are typically used for bold looks or an easy option to move large items in and out.

No matter what impact windows and doors you choose, they are a great way to enjoy the beauty of your home while also providing superior impact protection and security for you and your family. Impact windows and doors are available in Miami, so don’t hesitate to contact a local impact window provider today!

Chapter IV

Unique Benefits Of Impact Glass

With these design features in mind, let's look at some of the benefits of impact glass so that you can know exactly how they protect and add value to your home.

1) Home Protection

We've said it before, but it's worth repeating: Impact windows are essential to home protection.

Standard windows can easily be smashed, leaving you on the hook for costly repairs. Not only that, but traditional glass can leave shards of glass everywhere, which can be dangerous for your family and difficult to clean up.

During Storms

Because of the storm surges and hurricane-force winds that are so common in South Florida, insurance companies also want to see these features built into a home.

Also, when a window or door collapses during a storm, it causes pressure to build up inside the home, and the roof pops off. If the roof goes, there's less than a 10% chance of saving the rest of the structure. That's a significant problem.

During Attempted Burglaries

In addition, it's essential to remember that there's a burglary in Florida every five seconds. That means your windows aren't the only concern.

Doors are the desired home entry point and are likely the first target during a home invasion. Therefore, they need to have the same impact-resistant features as your windows.

When you have both impact doors and windows installed on your home, you have increased peace of mind when you leave your home or tuck your family in at night.

2) Operational Reliability

When you consider how they are designed, you can rely on impact windows to function exactly how they need to.

This is important for the longevity of your windows, but it's also safer in the case of a fire. For example, if you and your loved ones are trying to climb out a window during an emergency, you want to know that that window will open with ease and keep fumes locked in a contained area as you escape.

3) Protection From Harmful UV Radiation

Regarding heat, impact windows can protect against UV rays entering your home.

Why is this important? UV rays create a chemical reaction in furniture and other household items to discolor materials. That's why you often see faded curtains, rugs, and sofas in the direct sunlight that lines your home's windows.

In addition, things can get downright hot in the Florida sun. Without proper protection on your windows, you could be unintentionally heating the interior of your home.

On that note...

4) Lower Utility Bills

The correct impact windows will lower your utility bills.

These windows permanently reduce Kwh usage and protect from future price increases. But they also fix the causes of over-consumption instead of finding ways (like solar) to supply the same amount.

In addition, they lengthen the life of your HVAC unit because it has to work less to maintain the temperature you have set on the thermostat. While this protects your home, it protects the environment as well.

5) Better Noise Reduction

Home security is more than just adding a security system, sturdy locks, and high-impact windows and doors.

Home security can also mean giving you and your family more privacy. You keep exterior noise outside with impact windows while creating a peaceful environment.

So, impact windows are essential, whether a storm rages, you want some privacy, or a burglar is trying to listen for the best point of entry.

6) Healthier Homes

Traditional windows and window frames break down over time due to moisture accumulation.

On the other hand, high-quality impact windows do not have moisture build-up, extending the life of your windows, frames, and home exterior.

That means, while it's still important to do yearly inspections of the exterior of your home, you can rest assured that your high-impact windows are doing their job.

In addition, by reducing moisture accumulation and retention and pollen and dust, you also reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

Supporting Content

How Impact Glass Protects Your Home Compared to Traditional Options

Six Benefits of Impact Windows for Home Security

What's Better for Home Security: Window Bars or Impact Windows?

Chapter V

Breaking Down Cost Vs. Benefits Of Impact Windows & Doors

Now that we've looked at the benefits of these types of windows and doors, let's focus on the costs associated with installing them in your home.

While costs will vary depending on the number of windows you need to be installed, whether or not you choose to add impact doors as well, and the company you hire to do the installation, here is a basic breakdown of what an impact window may cost:

• A single-hung window costs around $40-60 per square foot, which means you'll be paying between $500-600 before labor costs.
• Once you add installation and product manufacturing costs on top of those numbers, you're looking at about $3,000-5,000 per window.
• Keep in mind that you'll want to hire a company that uses marine-grade sealants and superior screws and takes the time to fill any gaps so that the window fits as securely as possible.

Taking the time to look at customer reviews and testimonials is a great way to ensure you're working with a company that values you, your home, and your financial commitment.

Though it can be easy to get sticker shock when you start adding those numbers up and multiplying them by the number of windows you have in your home, remember that the initial investment is worth the lifetime of benefits, such as UV protection, lower utility bills, and security.

Choosing An Impact Window Installer You Can Trust

If you're searching for "home security near me" in the South Florida area, Alco can help.

It's never too early to prepare for the unexpected — or the not-so-unexpected — things like hurricanes and looting.

Our communities can be safer and more robust by understanding how best to protect our homes, families, and livelihoods. For us, that starts with equipping your home with the highest-quality materials to get the job done right.

In our area, we know how severe weather, hurricane-force winds, and thieving individuals can wreak havoc on your peace of mind and property. So, when it comes to protecting your family, we want to ensure everything runs smoothly with sound installation and reliable service.

Our impact windows and doors are designed to provide all of the benefits mentioned in this article. And our company offers support every step of the way so you can get the right windows chosen, installed, and guaranteed.

At Alco, we are also licensed, insured, and accredited, which means we meet all the requirements to operate effectively for our customers. Not only that, but we have dedicated account managers who follow your project from start to finish.

Have questions about which products are suitable for your home? We'd love to chat. So visit our website to book a time with a consultant today!