What are impact windows?
Impact windows use laminated safety glass — two panes bonded with a polymer interlayer — set in heavy-duty aluminum or vinyl frames. When struck by wind-borne debris they may crack but do not shatter or breach, maintaining the building envelope. No deployment is required before a storm.
They're the most expensive upfront option but eliminate the need for any other storm protection and provide year-round benefits including noise reduction, UV blocking, and reduced energy bills.
PhotosSee them on a real home
Impact windows — home exterior
Replace with: modern Florida home with clean impact windows, no shutters, showing sleek uncluttered exterior appearance
Impact window — glass detail
Replace with: close-up of impact window glass edge showing the laminated interlayer, demonstrating construction quality
Pros and cons
✓ Advantages
- Zero action required before a storm — ever
- Highest insurance discount of any protection type
- Reduces energy bills — low-E glass option
- Noise reduction — especially near highways or airports
- Increases home resale value significantly
- No storage, no maintenance beyond normal window cleaning
- Qualifies for maximum FL wind mitigation discount
✗ Limitations
- Highest upfront cost of any hurricane protection
- Installation takes 1–2 weeks — permits required
- Cannot be opened for ventilation during storms
- Replacement after damage is expensive
- Older homes may need structural reinforcement
2026 installed cost
Prices below reflect 2026 contractor quotes across all 13 states we cover — Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts.
| Opening size | Low estimate | High estimate | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small window (24×36") | — | ||
| Standard window (36×48") | Most common | ||
| Large window (60×48") | — | ||
| Entry door (36×80") | — | ||
| Full home (avg. 8 openings) | Use calculator → |
⚠️ Get 3 quotes before signing anything. Use our free calculator to get your estimate first — homeowners who come in with a number save an average of 15–20%.