Hurricane Windows or Hurricane Shutters for Villas and Townhouses

With many older condominium buildings in Florida, the protection against destructive hurricane-force winds has become a law mandated by Florida Statutes. This became a necessity for Florida legislators in aftermath of the devastation caused by the 1992 Hurricane Andrew. Eventually, most Condominium Boards of Directors opted for the installation of hurricane shutters. This left many other owners of one or two-story villas and townhouses to fend for themselves. Considering the undeniable risk of hurricane damages owners and their Board of Directors have to decide between the installation of either hurricane windows or hurricane shutters.

Hurricane Windows vs Hurricane Shutters

The cost and levying assessments on unit owners are some of the difficulties that the Board of Directors face when analyzing a project. In the case of storm protection, the cost of hurricane windows is generally higher than shutters in the beginning but installing hurricane windows may become more cost-effective in long run. The following is some of the advantages offered by hurricane windows:

• Lower Insurance Premiums with Hurricane Windows - The discounts offered by insurance companies for hurricane windows can pay for the cost of replacement much earlier than one may think. We advise all our clients to factor in this cost-cutting vehicle by consulting with their insurance carriers. This will also facilitate an easier path to bring all unit owners onboard to agree with the cost of installing hurricane windows in their townhomes or villas

• Appreciation of Property Value with Hurricane Windows – Villas or townhomes with hurricane windows appreciate and sell faster. This is another way for the unit owners to recuperate some of their investment when hurricane windows are installed

• Hurricane Windows Protection All Year Round – Unlike hurricane shutters, the impact windows do not need to be installed and taken down any time a storm is approaching. This is very important considering the abundance of part-time and absentee villas and townhouse owners in Florida. Furthermore, installing hurricane shutters on second-floor windows of townhouses bears the risk of falls and injuries which can be avoided by installing hurricane windows

• Lower Electric Bill with Hurricane Windows – Unlike ordinary windows, hurricane windows create a barrier between the interior and exterior of the homes. The reduction in transfer of air through windows will have a direct result in lowering the air conditioning use and lower electric consumption

As we can see, the initial cost should not be the sole determining factor when it comes to installing hurricane windows. Call for a free condominium impact window and door quote today!