The best hurricane impact windows or storm windows are a crucial addition to any home in storm-prone areas. Offering robust protection against fierce winds and flying debris, they have become an indispensable home feature and your first line of defense in extreme weather conditions.
Don’t put your home and family at risk by settling for subpar windows that crumble under the wrath of Mother Nature. Luckily, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the 21 best hurricane impact windows and top manufacturers in the US.
Trust us. This is one investment you don’t want to put off any longer.
In This Guide
Top 21 Hurricane Impact Windows & Top Manufacturers
Navigating the market for hurricane impact windows can be daunting, given the plethora of options. Here are the 21 best ones available in the market:
Features:
- Contructed out of proprietary Fibrex material twice as strong as Vinyl
- Many excellent designs to choose from
- Energy efficient products available for purchase
If you’re looking for a renowned manufacturer of high-quality impact-resistant windows, Andersen Windows and Doors is one of the best options.
The brand boasts Fibrex, a proprietary material twice as strong as vinyl, making them more durable than other hurricane-proof windows.
They’re also known for their A-Series windows with Stormwatch protection that prevents damage from severe hurricane winds and debris, while adding style to your home.
They are more costly than alternatives, but they pass the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA) toughest wind and impact tests.
Andersen’s designs also use less energy, which helps lower energy costs.
Features:
- High-quality impact windows at an affordable price
- Offers 10 feet tall windows
- Rated for winds up to 290mph
With CGI Impact Resistant Windows, you can ensure you’re getting some of the best impact windows in the market. The company specializes in creating hurricane impact windows, so you know you’re getting one of the leading brands.
To build trust and transparency, they even offer public testing so you can verify their products’ strength yourself. They’re designed to meet strict Miami-Dade requirements and even pass the tough large-missile standard.
These guys are serious about testing their products to make sure they’re giving you unbeatable protection against hurricanes and all those extreme weather events.
And, it’s not just about protection, right? Their Sentinel impact windows look amazing too! So whether you’re building a new home or just giving your place a little makeover, these windows and doors are the perfect choice to keep your home safe and stylish.
Features:
- Offers a limited lifetime warranty
- Keeps home quiet during severe storms
- Customizable styles and options
Their WinGuard series is a crowd favorite, available in both aluminum and vinyl frames, and comes with a 10-year warranty to boot.
PGT doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality, either. They hold the most Miami-Dade certifications for hurricane impact windows, boasting a perfect record.
The WinGuard series offers more than just good looks and impact resistance, though. These storm windows are air and water-resistant, tough enough to handle high-speed debris impacts during severe hurricanes, and they block over 99% of the sun’s UV rays.
Plus, they’ve got some awesome energy-saving features to help keep your home comfy and your bills low. And they’ve got lots of options – choose from aluminum or vinyl windows in various styles like single-hung, awning, casement windows, and more.
Features:
- Provides options for installation and replacement
- Multiple frame material options
- Can exceed US energy efficiency guidelines
When you choose Pella, you’re getting more than just gorgeous windows and doors. As an innovation leader since 1925, Pella goes the extra mile to create products that make you proud to be a homeowner.
Their Pella Hurricane Shield Series features windows engineered to stand strong against hurricanes and meet the strictest coastal requirements. Engineered to handle the harshest coastal conditions, these windows offer unparalleled protection.
They also reduce noise, block 99.7% of harmful UV rays and boast exceptional energy efficiency. Plus, they even help deter intruders, giving you that extra peace of mind.
These impact-resistant windows are tested to exceed Florida Building Code’s toughest standards. They’re approved for use throughout Florida, even in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
Features:
- ImpactZone-certified, UV-resistant windows
- Extensive collection of ambitious window designs
- Does not require additional protective accessories
The Marvin Coastal Solutions series is all about weathering even the harshest storms. Its corrosion-resistant hardware and construction meets the demanding AAMA 2605 standard for extruded aluminum cladding. So you can count on these windows to stand firm.
But there’s more to Marvin than just solid construction. Their impact-rated windows and doors are all about safeguarding your home from the elements. And they are rigorously third party tested to meet the strictest coastal codes.
These impact products shield your home against flying debris, driving rain, fluctuating pressure, intense UV rays, and extreme temperatures.
With a 100-year experience and expertise under their belt, Marvin’s impact windows and doors are built to last, offering the ultimate protection you can trust.
Features:
- Offers limited lifetime warranty
- Uses the latest technology in vinyl extrusion and fabrication
- Available with StormArmor for added durability
MI features StormArmor, a game-changing window protection upgrade. StormArmor provides top-notch protection against hurricane-force winds and extreme storms. They are approved by AAMA and NFRC. (National Fenestration Rating Council)
Constructed with double dual-pane glazed glass and metal-reinforced sashes. They offer a choice between vinyl or aluminum windows to perfectly match your home’s design.
With MI, you’re getting more than just windows and patio doors. Their meticulous manufacturing process and innovative designs ensure dependable, high-performance windows and doors that stand the test of time.
Plus, you’ll enjoy unmatched service and quality, all backed by a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.
Features:
- Laminated glass offers superb noise reduction
- Deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays
- One-piece frame for added durability
When you choose Simonton’s StormBreaker Plus line of impact windows, you’re getting the highest standard in building codes. These windows are designed specifically for coastal areas with an increased risk of hurricanes.
But they aren’t just built tough – they’re certified to meet the stringent Missile D specifications in Florida making them permitted for use in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. you can rest easy knowing your home is protected by the best.
The StormBreaker doesn’t skimp on style. It also features various window shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from—but the perks don’t stop there. Simonton’s StormBreaker Plus windows are UV-resistant, blocking up to 50% of external noise for a more peaceful living space
Plus, their durable interlayer ensures that debris won’t shatter the glass, giving you the ultimate protection you need in the face of severe weather.
Features:
- Huge discounts with free installation
- High-performance energy-efficient glass options
- Meets the nation’s toughest hurricane requirements
This Florida-based company doesn’t only have good-looking windows, they’re put through a series of rigorous tests to ensure they can stand up to the toughest conditions.
Their high-performance impact windows provide peace of mind knowing your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
Their windows can withstand water resistance, forced entry, wind resistance, flying debris and impact resistance. Plus, it can endure 9,000 internal and external pressure cycles.
The brand offers high-impact windows for a variety of styles such as folding, single hung, sliding, casement and others.
Features:
- Can withstand high-intensity winds and deter intruders
- Has available soundproof windows
- Offers quick, efficient, and professional service
If you’re searching for a window design that offers unbeatable sound and storm protection without interfering with your current window system, look no further than CitiQuiet’s windows.
Not only are their windows hurricane-resistant, but they also boast one of the top STC ratings in the industry, making them up to 95% soundproof.
CitiQuiet Windows and Doors has built a strong reputation by committing to their clients and providing Boca Raton and South Florida residents with top-notch windows and doors designed to handle the harshest weather.
With double-laminated construction, these windows can be effortlessly integrated with your current windows for an extra layer of protection. These impact windows and doors are engineered to withstand high-intensity winds and even deter intruders, ensuring your home stays safe and secure.
Features:
- Among the most high-tech and reliable windows on the market
- Comes with an exterior glazed with silicone for greater strength and seal
- Fully weather stripped
If you’re seeking specifically designed hurricane protection products in Florida, look no further than Storm Smart Industries. It’s a trusted company since 1996, offering aluminum and storm panel, hurricane impact windows and doors, and catcher screens,
You’ll appreciate the expertise and reliability of Storm Smart when it comes to installing hurricane protection products on your property. With years of experience under their belt, they’ve helped countless property owners prepare for hurricane season.
Their windows are meticulously crafted with two low-E panes of glass and a reinforcing plastic layer between them.
Storm Smart products do more than just protect you from storms. They also enhance your property experience during fair weather by blocking UV rays and keeping pesky bugs at bay.
Features:
- Offers high-performance glass options
- Strong and durable aluminum-clad products
- Comes in different stylish types and designs
Weather Shield Windows & Doors feature the Premium Coastal Series, an aluminum-clad wood collection specially engineered to withstand high impact and extreme climates.
Built to resist high-speed winds, the triple-layer design of their windows ensures your home is protected from flying debris, impact damage, UV rays, and external noise.
The aluminum-clad wood construction not only looks luxurious but also offers top-notch protection.
Features:
- Has ImpactGard that features the industry's leading laminated glass technology
- Resists forced entry and a potential intruder's glass cutter
- Meets the nation's toughest building codes
When it comes to top-notch U.S. window and door companies, Jeld-Wen is your best bet. While Jeld-Wen doesn’t offer a specific hurricane window series, many of their windows can be fitted with ImpactGard glass.
Their ImpactGard® Protection ensures your home remains safe and secure from heavy rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. It is engineered to withstand strong impacts from windborne debris and harsh coastal conditions.
These windows can endure a 9-pound piece of lumber striking head-on at approximately 34 miles per hour. Plus, they reduce sound transmission, block up to 95% of harmful UV rays, and enhance your home’s security.
Features:
- Offers products that provide the best performance
- Products require less maintenance
- Numerous customization options available
Mr. Glass, one of South Florida’s top manufacturers, features their highly sought-after MG Impact line that is popular for its residential and commercial customers.
The company’s team of engineers conducts thorough quality assurance inspections on each product to ensure the highest standards are met.
Their dedication to using superior materials and implementing strict quality control measures guarantees exceptional performance, low maintenance, and an extended product life cycle.
Offering a diverse range of six residential impact window styles and four patio door designs, Mr. Glass has the perfect solution for every home or business.
Not only are Mr. Glass products are tough and durable, but they’re also designed to enhance the aesthetics of new or remodeled constructions.
Features:
- All custom vinyl windows are AAMA Gold Label and NFRC certified
- Laminated insulated glass reduces exterior sounds
- Forced entry resistance keep intruders out
If you’re living near the Tampa Bay area, Rollshield is the go-to choice for securing your home or commercial building with impact-resistant products.
With decades of experience in the hurricane protection industry, Rollshield understands the crucial role their products play for homes and businesses in Clearwater and throughout the Tampa Bay area.
These windows aren’t just strong—they’re eco-friendly too with its low-E glass and Duraseal spacers. Rollshield’s hurricane impact windows are among Florida’s finest.
Offering vinyl and aluminum framed impact windows, you can pick the perfect fit for your home’s design. But that’s not all – Rollshield also specializes in sliding glass doors, shutter doors, retractable screen systems and other top-quality home products.
Features:
- Windows are available in multiple glazing options
- Heavy duty stainless steel four-bar hinge
- 10-year SGP warranty and 5-year PVB warranty
Available in 27 countries, the ES Windows Elite line offers unparalleled storm protection to keep your home safe and secure.
It’s the number one brand for high-rise buildings, specializing in designing and manufacturing windows, facades, and architectural aluminum systems.
Choose the ES Windows Elite line for the ultimate combination of durability, style, and protection. Boasting a large missile impact rating and an impressive water infiltration rating of 12 psf, the Elite line ranks among the best hurricane impact windows on the market.
Designed with coastal homes in mind, the corrosion-resistant frames are built to last at minimum of ten years, ensuring your windows remain a beautiful and functional addition to your home for years to come.
Plus, with a 10-year SGP warranty and a 5-year PVB warranty, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that replacement window costs are covered in the rare event of breakage.
Features:
- Absorb noise and significantly reduce common disturbances
- Provides a barrier against UV rays
- Laminated impact glass remains intact even if it’s cracked
ECO Window Systems is among the top manufacturers in the U.S. for impact windows and doors. They are known for their outstanding after-sales services and exceptional customization options, they truly stand out in the market.
The company offers a unique PVB internal layer between the glass panes, providing superior impact damage resistance. Their windows also come with UV resistance and energy-efficient coatings.
With ECO Window Systems, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is well-guarded without compromising on style or design.
Features:
- Windows are crafted by state-of-the-art machinery and processes
- Offers an extensive line of vinyl and aluminum windows
- High-quality materials
For top-notch aluminum and vinyl protection, the Eastern Architectural Systems is your best bet. Their Bertha line of windows is your solution, especially if you’re living in a high-velocity hurricane zone. It also features the ideal blend of style and security to suit your needs.
Not only are EAS windows backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and proudly made in the USA, but they also come more affordable. They come in at lower price than many other popular impact window brands.
Features:
- Available in different types and styles
- Offers multi-chambered profiles that trap air and reduce heat or cold transfer into your home
- Option of vinyl or aluminum windows
CWS features the StromStrong series specifically designed for impact resistance in Florida and the coastal market. These windows have a maximum Design Pressure of DP +/-50, making them an excellent choice for any location outside of the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ).
Crafted with multi-chambered vinyl frames and top-quality glass options, these windows are built to withstand high winds and heavy impacts while also providing energy efficiency and reduced sound transmission.
You can trust that these windows will keep your space safe and secure in the event of a severe storm.
Features:
- All windows meet the standards for FEMA P-361
- Offers to create the highest caliber custom aluminum windows
- Nearly all windows are stackable and can be configured
WINCO Window features top-rated tornado and hurricane rated windows that meet the strict standards set by FEMA P-361, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s third edition of Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes.
With the ability to withstand 250-mph winds and impact from flying debris such as a 9-pound 2×4 traveling at 100-mph, these windows will keep you and your loved ones safe during even the most severe tropical storms.
Features:
- Has windows that offer excellent function and style
- Comes in different styles and types
- Offers customized designs
Kolbe’s impact-certified windows and doors combine stunning aesthetics with unbeatable protection. With no unsightly brackets, visible rods, or extra locks needed, you’ll get the best of both worlds—beautiful windows and doors without sacrificing safety.
Choose from three impressive series: Heritage, Ultra, and Forgent.
The Forgent series features a robust Glastra hybrid material, combining UV stable polymer and fiberglass for lasting durability. On the other hand, the Ultra and Heritage series provide efficiency and strength, ensuring your home remains safe and stylish.
Kolbe Windows & Doors custom crafts each product to meet your unique requirements, delivering both architectural appeal and essential protection.
It also offers a range of impact-certified options, including casement, awnings, double hung, sliding and direct set windows, as well as swinging, sliding, and folding doors in various designs and materials.
Features:
- Products offer optimized security features and extreme weather and impact resistance
- Available in different styles and hundreds of colors
- Triple weather seals for weather-resistant finish
As the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum architectural solutions, Origin brings innovation and style to your doorstep. The company offers bi-fold doors, awning windows, casements, fixed windows, and French doors.
Origin’s products don’t just look good—they’re designed with optimized security features and built to withstand extreme weather and impacts.
You can choose from hundreds of colors to suit your style, and even go for dual colors to give your exterior and interior a unique touch.
With a focus on quality, Origin sources top-notch materials and rigorously tests their products, providing a 10-year warranty for your peace of mind.
What Are Hurricane Impact Windows?
Hurricane impact windows are storm windows designed with layers of glass and protective films to shield homes from disastrous winds and projectiles.
They are designed to withstand violent weather conditions.
In addition to being weather-resilient, these windows also offer noise reduction, adding another layer of utility and comfort to your home.
They’re made of aluminum, vinyl, or steel frames and strong glass to resist strong winds and flying debris.
These types of windows also help lower energy bills by keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Choose the right impact windows and enjoy a more comfortable home you can always get back to.
Benefits Of Having The Best Hurricane Impact Windows
The best hurricane impact windows offer a plethora of advantages from protection to energy efficiency. They also offer energy efficiency and noise reduction. Aside from that, here are more of its other benefits:
- Protection from hurricanes and wind-borne debris.
- High energy efficiency—your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Helps in noise reduction by cutting down on noise from the outside.
- UV ray protection to protect your furniture and floors from fading over time.
- It can raise the value of your house and make it more appealing to buyers
- Hurricane impact windows have strong impact glass and frames for enhanced security
- Reduced insurance premiums, saving you more money
- Wide range of styles, so you can find one that fits your home’s construction and design
- Impact-resistant windows keep water out during floods and heavy rain, keeping your home dry and safe
Incorporating these windows isn’t just a proactive measure against storms. It’s also a strategy for a quieter, more energy-efficient home, leading to reduced bills and a better quality of life.
What To Look for When Buying Hurricane Impact Windows
Knowing the criteria for selecting hurricane impact windows can drastically improve your buying experience.
Here are some key features and considerations to keep in mind when shopping for hurricane impact windows:
1. Certification and Ratings
Always prioritize windows with reputable certifications, showcasing their quality and efficiency. The window should meet certain industry standards and certifications. Look for a window that has been tested and certified by associations like the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) or the Florida Building Code (FBC). The window should also have a design pressure (DP) rating, which indicates its resistance to force.
2. Glass Quality
High-quality glass ensures a longer lifespan and better protection against impacts. Such top-tier glass often incorporates tempering processes that reinforce its strength and safety. Look for glass that has the following attributes:
Laminated Glass: This consists of two pieces of glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in between. This design ensures that even if the glass shatters, the fragments remain adhered to the interlayer, preventing flying shards.
Impact Resistance: Ensure the window has been tested for impact resistance, typically using large and small missile tests which simulate flying debris.
3. Frame Material
The window frame should be made of sturdy materials like vinyl, aluminum, or steel. The quality of the frame is just as important as the glass since a strong gust of wind can dislodge an entire window if the frame isn’t strong enough.
4. Installation
Proper installation is important to harness the window’s full protective potential. Even the best hurricane impact window will be ineffective if not installed correctly. Ensure that you hire a professional with experience in installing impact windows, and check their references or reviews to guarantee a secure fit and finish.
5. UV Protection
UV protection in hurricane impact windows filters harmful rays while allowing natural light. With the integration of low-E coatings, these windows also reduce the risk of interior fading. This can prevent fading of your furniture and flooring, as well as offer some energy efficiency benefits.
6. Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient windows contribute to a sustainable environment and cost savings. Incorporating thermal insulating materials, these windows drastically cut down on heat transfer.
7. Noise Reduction
Noise reduction is an underrated advantage of impact windows, offering a serene indoor atmosphere. The design, especially the multi-pane structure, acts as a barrier against external sounds. If you live in a noisy area or value quiet, this is a factor to consider.
8. Warranty
Comprehensive warranties highlight a brand’s confidence in its product. Check the warranty terms. A good quality hurricane impact window should come with a substantial warranty that covers both the product and installation.
9. Cost
While hurricane impact windows are an investment, they can save you money in the long run by preventing damage during storms, reducing energy bills, and possibly even reducing homeowners insurance premiums in some areas. However, prices can vary widely based on size, quality, and manufacturer, so shop around and get multiple quotes.
10. Appearance and Style
Modern impact windows offer a blend of function and style, enhancing your home’s curb appeal.
Integrating design elements like custom frames can tailor the windows to your architectural preferences.
FAQs About The Best Hurricane Impact Windows
What are the strongest hurricane impact windows?
The strongest hurricane impact windows feature impact-resistant glass, durable window frames, and are designed to withstand high wind speeds and wind-borne debris.
Brands such as CGI, PGT Custom Windows and Doors, and Andersen Windows and Doors are known for their high-quality hurricane impact windows.
Are impact or hurricane windows the same?
Impact and hurricane windows are often used interchangeably, as both provide protection against extreme weather conditions.
What is the rating on hurricane impact windows?
Hurricane impact windows are rated based on factors such as wind speed resistance, water penetration, and impact resistance.
Ratings vary depending on the product and manufacturer. It’s essential to choose windows that meet or exceed the building codes and requirements for your region.
Key Takeaways: The Best Hurricane Impact Windows
Equipping your home with the best hurricane impact windows is a wise investment in safety and efficiency.
By choosing one of the best hurricane impact windows from one of the top 21 manufacturers we’ve mentioned, you can ensure that your home is well-protected from the wrath of severe storms. These windows not only offer robust protection but also save energy, reduce noise, and increase the value of your home.
Take action before a catastrophe strikes. Remember, the safety and well-being of your family and property are at stake. Act now because when that storm comes, and it will, you’ll be thankful that you made this wise and urgent decision.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Angie Montgomery is the co-founder of Monday Day Prepping. She and her husband Bill have been "prepper's" since 2008. When she's not helping manage the homestead, she enjoys teaching her two boys how to cook and make natural alternatives to cleaners and other household items.
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