Vinyl Impact Windows

Vinyl impact windows are just one product in the broad category of impact-resistant windows and doors.

As a whole, impact windows come built to withstand the most severe hurricanes and storms.

The strong frames and impact resistant-glass work together to prevent breaches into your home, which can cause debris damage and a rise in pressure that could tear off your home's roof.

Whether you choose aluminum or vinyl impact windows, you'll enjoy the following benefits:

1) Lower Utility Bills 💸

Due to inflation, finding ways to lower home heating and cooling costs permanently is a top priority for many families. Fortunately, investing in impact windows for your home can make a big difference in your utility bill each month.

These impact windows come designed to keep your home at an even temperature, which helps you rely less on your HVAC unit to keep your home feeling comfortable. You are less likely to deal with costly HVAC unit repairs due to the design of these windows.

2) Superior Storm Protection 🛡️

One of the main benefits of impact windows is that it provides superior storm protection. Investing in these windows is especially important for anyone living in Florida due to the frequency of hurricanes and severe weather.

On the other hand, traditional single-pane windows are much more likely to get destroyed in a severe weather event, creating enough pressure inside your home to cause your roof to blow away during a hurricane. 

Once your roof is blown off, trying to save the rest of the structure is next to impossible, which is why impact windows are such a significant investment for homeowners in Florida.

3) Operational Reliability 👍

Vinyl impact windows are manufactured to last for years while requiring minimal maintenance. Another benefit is that these products are much more fire-resistant than wood or aluminum windows. Due to its durability and strength, installing vinyl windows is an excellent long-term investment for homeowners in South Florida.

4) Stronger Home Safety & Security 🚓

Creating a safer environment for your family is always a top priority. Unfortunately, a burglary happens every fifteen seconds in the United States. One way to give your home an added level of protection is to install impact windows throughout your house.

These windows make it nearly impossible for criminals to break, as they are much more likely to focus on an easier target. You can rest much better at night by installing impact windows for your home.

5) Exterior Noise Reduction 🔇

Impact windows are an excellent option for anyone looking to reduce outside noise due to the laminated glass design. Installing these windows for your home is especially beneficial if you live close to a highway or have loud neighbors.

These windows are also great if you always deal with barking dogs in your neighborhood or a neighbor who enjoys early morning yard work. You can easily relax with your family while watching movies or get a good night's sleep without constantly having to deal with noisy interruptions.

6) Healthier Homes 👨‍👩‍👦

Hurricane windows can even create a healthier indoor environment. For example, you won't have to worry about the build-up of moisture or condensation on your windows and in your home, which is an all too common problem with cheap aluminum windows. Impact windows are well-insulated.

Pollen and dust are less likely to enter your house, which can lessen asthma symptoms and create a much cleaner environment in your home.

7) Less Environmental Impact ♻️

Vinyl impact windows are an eco-friendly choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home. These windows are designed to improve energy efficiency by lowering heating and cooling costs. 

Vinyl windows are also a sustainable, recyclable material. You can easily maintain these products with simple soap and water to ensure they will look great and last for many years.

8) Protection From Harmful UV Radiation 😎

Another drawback of traditional windows is the presence of UV rays. These harmful UV rays can cause discoloration in your furniture, floors, walls, drapery, and artwork over an extended period. 

Installing impact windows for your home is one of the most effective options for limiting the impact of UV rays. The Low E coating on the glass protects your household items against UV rays, as you won't have to worry about them fading due to exposure to the sun.

9) A More Comfortable Home 😌

Keeping your home feeling comfortable can often be a challenge with traditional windows. The summer months are always hot in Florida, so hurricane impact windows are a worthwhile investment.

10) Increased ROI 💰

An added benefit of installing vinyl windows is that it offers a great return on investment. In the Southeastern part of the United States, you can gain an ROI of roughly 67% with vinyl, according to Remodeling Magazine.

Installing impact windows throughout your home is a great way to enhance your home's curb appeal, making it much more attractive to potential buyers.

Vinyl impact windows differentiate themselves mainly in the frame and grille material. Window frames are constructed with a Vinyl overlay that wraps around a strong aluminum interior to offer a structurally strong frame while providing unique benefits. 

The Unique Benefits of Vinyl

Vinyl impact windows provide specific benefits that customers may not find in other window types.

1) Reduced Heat Transfer 🌡️

Compared to aluminum, vinyl doesn't capture and transport heat into the home as metal would. Vinyl can provide better energy efficiency if your home has sparse tree cover.

2) Fade-Resistant Material 💪

Vinyl windows are not as susceptible to fading as other materials when exposed to UV rays. This benefit means that the color and appearance of your windows will remain consistent over time, even if placed in direct sunlight.

3) Easy to Customize 🌈

Vinyl impact windows generally open up the option to choose two tones to match the color and look of your home. For example, a vinyl window would allow a homeowner to select a bronze frame and grille color on the outside with white color on the interior.

4) Warranties Last Longer 📝

Manufacturers often couple a 30-year product warranty for vinyl impact windows. Aluminum impact windows usually get a 10-year warranty.

5) More Cost-Effective 💵

In terms of price, vinyl impact windows typically cost 20-30% less than their aluminum counterparts. When looking for an estimate, compare quotes from different companies to get the most accurate pricing for your area.

6) Easier to Clean 🔧

Vinyl impact windows are generally easier to clean. Why? The grilles are in-between the exterior and interior glass panes instead of located on the glass's exterior. You'll have a smooth service to clean rather than having to navigate over bumps and ridges.

While vinyl could be the right choice for your impact windows, there are a few factors you should keep in mind during the shopping process:

1) Start By Educating Yourself 🎓

Doing plenty of research is critical in helping you find the best vinyl impact windows for your home. Be careful when finding information online, though. The impact glass industry is heavy on marketing at the expense of accurate information. We recommend starting with the following sites:

• The National Glass Association
• Energy Star Publications & Reports
• Information from trusted manufacturers like Custom Window Systems (CWS)
• Resources from highly-rated impact window Installers (like us!)

Conducting your own research and building a self-knowledge base is vital before beginning conversations with sales professionals.

2) Look for Vinyl Windows Made in North America 🌏

When looking for quality, it's often best to stick with products made in North America. The new vinyl used in windows is typically sourced from Canada, so look for products that proudly display this origin. Options from China do exist, but the quality is usually inferior.

3) Avoid "Recycled" or "Reclaimed" Vinyl ♻️

Some companies may try to sell you the idea of using recycled or reclaimed vinyl in their windows. While this might sound good at first, the reality is that these products are usually of lower quality. The recycled vinyl isn't as strong as new virgin vinyl, so it's more likely to warp or crack over time.

4) Ask About the Installation Details 🔎

Even the highest-quality vinyl impact window will only perform as well as it's installed. Make sure to ask the company about its installation process. Specific questions to ask include:

• What types of screws do you use to secure my windows?
• What grade of sealant do you use during installation?
• What do you do to fix structural gaps or issues before installing the new windows?

By keeping these tips in mind, you can be sure to find the best vinyl impact windows (and installer) for your next home upgrade.

Since our beginnings in 2017, Alco Windows and Doors has committed itself to making South Florida communities stronger.

We believe our friends and neighbors deserve a better path to protecting homes and families. This is why we stay laser-focused on two goals: 

• Superior product quality
• Outstanding customer service

Don’t wait! Contact Alco Windows & Doors today to learn more about installing vinyl impact windows for your home.