Hurricane windows offer extra protection against high winds and flying debris, providing peace of mind. Many homeowners consider the cost of hurricane windows worth it, even though these specialty windows are pricier than standard windows.
In this definitive guide, we explore the costs of upgrading your windows to hurricane windows and the benefits of putting them on your home.
Key takeaways
Hurricane windows cost between $300 and $1,600 to install.
Hurricane windows are designed to crack and not shatter, making them safer for your home.
Hurricane windows are over double the cost of storm windows.
Installing hurricane windows can save you money on your home insurance premiums.
How much do hurricane windows cost?
The cost of hurricane windows depends on the size of your home and its location, the brand of windows you want and the installer. A standard-sized hurricane window costs between $300 and $1,600 to install retrofit. For a full-frame replacement, you may spend upwards of $2,500 per window.Specialty and oversized windows can cost $2,000 or more for the window and installation.
What are hurricane windows?
Hurricane, or impact, windows withstand intense wind and flying debris from severe storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. They’re made of laminated, impact-resistant glass with a polymer interlayer between the two panes. This glass construction has multiple benefits, such as durability, noise reduction and energy efficiency.
Unlike standard windows, the glass in hurricane windows won’t shatter even if the window cracks during a storm, preventing injuries and property damage.
Factors that impact hurricane window cost
Window style
Window type is one of the most significant factors that determines the cost of impact windows. For example, a single-hung window (one of the most common home window types) may cost $400 to $1,200 per window installed. In contrast, a casement window, which swings out like a door, costs between $700 and $1,800.
Window size
As you might expect, the larger the window, the more expensive it’ll be. Larger and oversized windows require more material and labor to install, raising the overall price.
As an illustration, installing a standard 37-inch by 50-inch single-hung hurricane window costs between $900 and $1,150. However, if you buy a larger 53-inch by 63-inch single-hung window, that price spikes to a range of $1,540 to $1,725.
Window Material
Similarly, window material significantly affects the bottom-line cost. A vinyl window frame is less expensive than a wood window frame. On average, the vinyl frame for a hurricane window costs between $100 and $300, but wood window frames cost more, usually between $200 and $400.
Do you need hurricane windows?
Buying hurricane windows is a wise idea if you live in a hurricane-prone area, and sometimes you’re legally required to install them. Many counties and states — like some coastal areas in Texas — have specific building codes requiring impact windows or windows reinforced with hurricane shutters to protect their residents.
Hurricane window benefits
The primary benefit of hurricane windows is that they withstand intense atmospheric conditions, such as high winds and flying debris.
However, hurricane windows provide multiple benefits for your peace of mind and finances:
- Noise reduction: Hurricane windows reduce outside noise because they’re thicker and have multi-layered glass construction.
- Greater security: Hurricane windows have laminated glass and reinforced frames, making it more challenging for burglars to break a window to get into your home.
- Increased property value: Potential buyers often pay more for the peace of mind that hurricane windows bring and the added energy cost savings.
- Energy efficiency: Hurricane windows have tight seals and durable glass, which reduces air leakage. Those traits translate into lower energy bills and a more comfortable home temperature. Many impact windows even feature low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, which block dangerous UV rays and bring more significant energy savings.
Hurricane windows vs. storm windows
Hurricane and storm windows are often used interchangeably in conversation, but there’s a difference between the level of protection each offers and how they provide it. Storm window costs are much lower overall, making them a solid option for homeowners on a budget.
|
Hurricane window
|
Storm window
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $300 - $1,600 |
$100 - $700 |
| Purpose | Heavy-duty windows that protect against extreme weather |
Installed over existing windows for added protection from storms |
| Material | Reinforced frames and impact resistant-glass |
Single-pane or double-strength pane of glass |
| Pros | Impact-resistant |
Improved energy efficiency and noise reduction |
| Cons | More expensive than other types of windows |
Not impact-resistant |
Hurricane window certifications
What certifications are critical when shopping for high-quality, durable hurricane windows? We asked the experts.
“When searching for a hurricane/storm window to protect your home, it is important to look for ones that have ASTM [American Society for Testing and Materials] certifications,” said Andrew Prchal, the co-founder and president of Connecticut-based Gunner Roofing. “This organization covers many tests, including wind load, durability and impact resilience.”
Prchal also suggested looking for a certification from the Miami-Dade County Product Control Approval, which industry experts call a “Miami-Dade” certification. Windows that earned this credential endured thorough testing and quality assurance evaluations.
We also recommend consideringother ratings and certifications, such as design pressure (DP) ratings and energy performance certifications.
- DP ratings indicate how much wind pressure your impact windows can withstand, so look for higher ratings for a more resilient window. Experts recommend considering every 10 points in the DP rating as the equivalent of a hurricane level. Therefore, a DP rating of 30 should be able to survive a Category 3 hurricane, a DP rating of 40 should withstand a Category 4 hurricane, and so on. A DP of 50 is the minimum requirement for basic windows, but impact windows should have a DP rating of 100+.
- Energy performance ratings, like certifications from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and Energy Star, indicate how energy efficient the window is, which can save you money in energy costs.
When to install hurricane windows
Homeowners should prioritize installing hurricane windows in their area before hurricane season.
“The best time to install hurricane windows is during the off-season, typically in the spring or early fall,” said Pete Duncanson, the vice president of training and development at ServiceMaster Restore. “This allows for installation before hurricane season begins, avoiding potential delays and ensuring your home is protected when storms hit. During storm season, the windows of your home are especially vulnerable, so it’s important to be prepared.”
How to save money on hurricane windows
Hurricane windows are a significant investment that protects your home and family, but they’re more expensive than standard windows.
Here are our top tips for saving money on impact window costs:
- Always shop around. Shopping with multiple window companies exposes you to different rates and special discounts and deals each company may offer.
- Avoid peak season for installation. Many homeowners install hurricane windows during spring and summer to avoid overlapping with hurricane season. While this timing is wise, early fall is usually an advantageous time to hire a window installation company because of lower demand. But, it’s a balance to stay ahead of hurricane season while getting a budget-friendly price.
- Choose standard sizes and designs. Custom-sized or specialty windows significantly increase hurricane window costs. For the most savings, go with standard windows and simpler designs.
- Choose cost-effective materials. Vinyl window frames are often cheaper than alternative materials, like wood. Choose a balance of durable, high-quality materials, but don’t be afraid to choose alternative materials to save some money.
- Claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. The federal government offers tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, including impact windows. File IRS Form 5695 with your tax return to claim the credit.
pro tip
- Installing hurricane windows should save you money in the long run. They can boost property value, cut energy costs, protect your home from storms and burglaries and save you significant money on your homeowner’s insurance — all of which could save you money.
