If you own a home in Florida you may have experienced new building codes and inspections being put into place at several apartments, condos, and hotels. The Florida Building Code requires that certain items get updated like impact windows and doors. Its is important that your home is safe and protected from hurricanes and therefore according to Florida Statute 627.0629 insurers must provide a discount for their homeowner’s insurance after they install “effective wind storm protection.”
What is Considered Effective Wind Storm Protection?
If you are located in the “wind-borne debris region” of Florida it is required that you install impact windows. Impact windows are designed to withstand high pressure winds, keep in cool air, and increase property value.
According to the Florida Building Code it, “requires windows to be impact-resistant or protected if located within one mile of the coast where the wind speed is 110 mph or greater.” This way residents are kept safe while enjoying the other perks of having impact windows.
Effective storm protection also means the glass can withstand objects and debris hitting them. They need to be able to withstand a certain amount of impact along with the high wind speeds.
When Do I need to Replace my Windows?
In order to avoid fines in the state of Florida, check if your home is located in a coastal region, or in specific counties that require strict window and building codes. As soon as your windows need to be replaced, legally you must install new high end impact windows and doors.
Since high end impact windows and doors go through so many security checks they are considered necessary to have in storm and hurricane regions. This is why homeowners can receive so many benefits from simply replacing their old windows.
What are the other Benefits of Impact Windows?
Having impact windows is great not only for your protection but also for your electricity bill and the homeowners insurance discounts. Impact windows are tested by the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM), and have to meet all requirements before a window is considered certified as being impact-resistant.
They also have to be installed a specific way according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that they are sturdy against strong winds. This helps protect companies and homeowners by making sure everything is installed according to building codes and regulations.
How Do Impact Windows Reduce Your Electricity Bill?
Another amazing thing to know about high end impact windows and doors is that they help lower your electric bill. To double check your impact glass and the level of insulation it will provide you can contact the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). The NFRC offers voluntary testing and a certification program for thermal performance for windows and residential door products with glass.
The NFRC tests for lots of qualifications including: U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), Visible Transmittance, Air Leakage, and Condensation Resistance.
Even if your impact windows have NFRC certifications make sure to see where they rank for energy efficiency. Not all windows will save money on your electric bill. Double check which window manufacturer is best for the area you live in. Living in warm environments like Florida means the SHGC factor will be very important to determine energy efficiency.
Can You Really Lower Your Homeowners Insurance?
It is now part of Florida law that homeowners can receive discounts on their homeowners insurance for replacing their windows. To calculate what benefits you can receive check out this online wind insurance savings calculator. These benefits and tax reductions are also beneficial to other sections of your home.
Remember that the discounts estimated with the calculator are for single family houses, and owner-occupied units of multi-family dwellings.Building factors that reduce hurricane and storm damage will help you receive the maximum benefit on your insurance because it provides the insurance companies with the assurance that your home will stay intact.
Do They Increase my Home’s Value?
Impact glass and windows can add value to the resale price of your home just like renovations. Homeowners have seen increases between 70-85% when they go to sell or refinance their homes. Impact windows enhance the curb appeal of your property, ensuring new buyers or renters that the property they would like to live in is safe. Impact windows will not always increase the selling price of your home. However, they can encourage homeowners to buy your listing vs other outdated homes that will need these upgrades.
Prepare for the Next Hurricane
Protect your family and receive proper window and door installation with our team at LockTight. LockTight Impact Windows & Doors offers several financing options and valuable warranties for your home. Get a free consultation today by filling out the form on our website! Let us know what we can do to make your home more secure.