Purchasing impact windows for your home can be a great investment. They can help increase the value of your home while simultaneously decreasing your energy costs and minimize the risk of damage from storms. In addition, when you install impact-resistant windows, you may also qualify for certain tax credits or homeowners’ insurance benefits. So, if you are looking to invest in something that will begin paying immediate and long-term dividends, installing new impact windows for your home may be the perfect choice. Not convinced yet, here are a few reasons why impact windows are a great investment.
Increase Home Value
In general, installing new windows in your home will increase its value. Since new windows may be more energy efficient and look nicer, prospective home buyers are willing to pay a little more for a home with newer windows. Installing impact windows can increase that value even more, since they are typically better at insulating a home, which translates to increased energy savings throughout the year. And since impact windows are designed to withstand high winds and don’t break as easily with impact, people may feel better protected against severe weather and intruders. When you factor in these additional benefits, impact windows have a broad appeal to both homeowners and home buyers alike.
Reduce Damage Costs
When it comes to impact windows there are two terms that are most relevant — Design Pressure (DP) and Performance Grade (PG). This impact window rating scale will help you determine the level of storm protection you can expect from a particular type of window.
Design pressure (DP) represents the window’s capability to withstand wind pressure. This rating, symbolized by a number, encompasses three different criteria: water penetration, air pressure, and structural load. The higher the number on the scale, the better the resistance.
All impact windows go through a design pressure test that ensures the windows will be able to hold up during dangerous major storms. Imagine 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.
Depending on the type of impact window you choose (they are rated differently based on their performance in different categories) will determine the level of protection your windows provide against storm damage. However, whether it be hurricane-force winds or a burglary, the cost of repairs should be minimized by your impact windows. On the rare chance that your impact windows sustain damage, they are designed to reduce the possibility of injury.
Lower Energy Costs
Impact-resistant windows are also highly efficient at managing extreme temperature changes, which is why many are rated as low-e (low emissivity) impact windows. Even if temperatures outside drop or increase drastically, the insulating properties of low-e impact windows will help maintain a consistent temperature inside. This means your HVAC system does not have to work as hard, or as often to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. This translates to lower gas and electric costs and improved energy saving year after year. Energy Star estimates that high-impact windows could result in a homeowner saving up to $500 annually. So even within the first year, your investment in impact windows will pay dividends.
Tax Credit Potential
Another compelling reason to install impact windows is the opportunity to take advantage of potential tax credits (can vary by state and year). Impact windows that meet Energy Star Standards may qualify for some form of tax credit. Homeowners may be eligible for this credit whether they replace all or just some of their windows with low-e impact windows (deducting a portion of the window cost). To learn more about the potential tax credits low-e windows offer, it is best to discuss the specifics of tax credits with your accountant or a certified tax professional.
Insurance Benefits
Since impact windows reduce the risk of storm damage to your home, many homeowners’ insurance companies offer incentives, and in some cases substantial policy discounts, to homeowners who install impact windows. Since insurance companies see impact-resistant windows as a beneficial safety measure during storm season. This could translate to significant yearly savings on your homeowner's insurance (depending on where you live).
Professional Installation
When you consider the insurance benefits, energy efficiency and potential tax credits, you can see why impact windows make good sense as an investment. In addition, impact windows provide better protection and peace of mind against damage from severe weather. When you combine all these factors, it makes installing impact windows a worthwhile investment.
If you are considering impact windows or want to learn more about different types of windows, such as low-e impact, contact your local glass specialist at Glass Doctor. We have the expertise and experience to help you choose the right windows for your home. We also offer professional installation that guarantees your window installation is done right. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call us or schedule an appointment online today!
