When you think of impact windows, you probably picture a bulky, gigantic piece of glass that makes your house look like a bank and does little to keep the heat in or cold out. Well, you’ve been watching too much TV—impact windows come in many shapes and sizes these days.
Here at Starwood Distributors Window and Floor Coverings, we hear a huge amount of myths about Impact Windows. Everything from the windows being a fire hazard to they’re being too expensive.
There’s also the common misconception that all impact windows are big, bulky, and unattractive. In fact, impact windows are a great alternative to traditional wood and metal based windows. True, they are commonly misunderstood by the general public, but in reality they are much more versatile than people think.
Read on to find out more about the impact window: the common misconceptions.
What Is an Impact Window?
With so many benefits, it is important to understand what impact windows are:
Impact windows are a structurally sound, energy efficient type of window that can be more affordable than other, more common types of windows.
While impact windows are typically used in commercial buildings, they can also be used in residential homes. Impact glass is very strong, making impact windows great for hurricane regions.
The safety and security provided by impact windows is a great benefit to first responders in the event of a disaster. Additionally, impact windows are very energy efficient, saving homeowners money on their heating and cooling bills.
Impact Windows: Common Misconceptions
There are several common misconceptions about impact windows floating around out there, however, so let’s clear those up once and for all.
Impact Windows Are Big and Ugly
Impact windows are beautiful and stylish and make you feel good every time you look at them. They are flat and lightweight and when installed properly, provide solid protection for the home’s most vulnerable windows.
Most impact windows have small sliding windows. If you have larger windows, such as bay windows, sliding windows are a little tricky to install. However, there are specialized sliding windows that fit your windows perfectly.
You will have to do a little work on the inside to help them fit, but the results are worth the effort.
Impact Windows Are Difficult To Install
What’s really strange is that most of the people who install impact windows say it is difficult to install them. What we learned is that the biggest misconception about impact windows is that they are difficult to install.
In reality, if you take the time to learn how to install impact windows, they’re actually a fairly easy task. We understand that they are not for everyone, but the best solution is usually to get a recommendation from a certified impact window installer in your area.
The cost of a good impact window installer is fairly low these days, so it’s worth the effort to hire professionals who can help you. Consider scheduling a free consultation with our window experts.
Impact Windows Are Expensive
You’ve probably seen ads for impact windows in your local papers, or a home improvement show that made a big deal out of the latest and greatest impact windows. You might have noticed that most of those windows were big, flat, and square, with no windows.
But the most common misconception about impact windows is that they’re expensive. According to Impact Window & Door, there are many misconceptions about the cost of impact windows.
Some people think impact windows cost too much, but the truth is that impact windows are the most affordable option.
However, impact windows are becoming more popular these days. People are beginning to see the cost advantages of having them installed.
Impact Windows Are a Fire Hazard
That whole “they’re fire hazards” thing you heard about before has got to be true, right? It might seem like it, but we’ve found that this is nothing more than a myth.
There are a few major problems with the notion that impact windows are a fire hazard. For one thing, impact windows are specifically designed to be lighter than regular glass, which means they are less likely to give off an flamesome flareup.
What’s more, they are composed of a highly porous material—making them much less likely to catch fire in the first place. Even if a chip did get into the glass—and it would require an explosion of energy, not mere contact—impact windows would likely only burn and shatter, leaving little trace of damage.
Impact Windows Are a Security Risk
Believe it or not, a lot of people think that all impact windows are equally as high a security risk as window grills and port-in-windows. You hear about security locks that stop your window from opening up, but people have the same problem with a security lock on their whole window.
In reality, impact windows are just as secure as regular windows—if not more secure. This is because impact windows are generally made from tempered glass. Unlike regular glass that is thick and rigid, tempered glass is usually lightweight and flexible.
It can be easily screwed into place and repaired if it cracks or breaks.
Conclusion
And there you have it. We really hope you enjoyed reading about the impact window: common misconceptions. Before you get the word out that impact windows are lightweight, affordable, and energy efficient, you should familiarize yourself with the latest facts and statistics about them.
We reviewed what an impact window is, and we also discussed and disproved several myths about their various uses.
Starwood Distributors Window and Floor Coverings has served the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio areas for a long time now. Believe us when we say we’ve heard plenty of rumors when it comes to impact windows.
Something that’s not a rumor is our commitment to quality and our phenomenal customer service. We can fit your home with any type of window, something we’re extremely proud of. For more information contact Starwood Distributors Window and Floor Coverings today.
