Wondering what the typical lifespan of a hurricane-rated window is? Get the answer in this informative article and learn tips on how to make your window last even longer.
Standard windows give you a view and some insulation. Hurricane impact windows give you that, plus the ability to withstand 170-mph winds and flying debris without shattering into your living room.
The difference comes down to construction: two panes of glass bonded with a layer of polyvinyl butyral, the same stuff that keeps car windshields intact during crashes.
Regular windows might last 15 to 20 years before the seals fail and fog sets in, but impact windows are, as the kids say these days, just built differently.
Most manufacturers rate their hurricane windows for 20 to 25 years. That's the baseline if you live in a coastal area and maintain them properly.
But that assessment can be a bit conservative; the glass itself can last 30 years or more. What gives out first is usually the seals, the hardware, or the frame material. Aluminum frames hold up better than vinyl in salt air. The laminate layer between the glass panes can yellow or degrade if it's constantly baked by direct sunlight, but most products from top brands resist this pretty well.
Location matters too. A house three blocks from the beach will see more corrosion than one five miles inland, and windows that face south or west take more UV punishment than north-facing ones.
Of course, you’d want to make your impact windows last as long as possible, as these can be costlier than regular windows. Thankfully, caring for them is not as difficult as it seems.
Clean them the right way. Mild soap, warm water, soft cloth. That's it. People get fancy with chemicals and scratch up the glass or destroy the seals without realizing it.
Check the seals annually. You're looking for cracks or gaps where the glass meets the frame. This is the kind of thing you can fix early with some caulk and save yourself a few thousand dollars later.
Lubricate the hardware. Hinges and locks need silicone-based lubricant once or twice a year, and not WD-40, which dries out and attracts dirt. This keeps everything working and stops corrosion before it starts, especially on coastal properties where salt is constantly in the air.
Trim nearby vegetation. Branches whipping against your windows during a storm will scratch the glass and wear down the seals. Keep plants back at least three feet.
Rinse after storms. Salt spray corrodes metal and degrades seals. After any tropical storm or hurricane, get out there with a hose and rinse everything down. It takes ten minutes and can add five years to your windows' lifespan.
Hurricane impact windows are an investment that pays off in safety and insurance savings. Treat them right, and they'll protect your home for decades; ignore them, and you'll be shopping for replacements in 15 years.
It's not complicated; just consistent attention to the small stuff.
