Are Double Pane Windows Hurricane-Proof? (Find Out Now!)

Gary Evans
by Gary Evans

Keeping your home as safe and secure as possible must always be your priority. While coming up with ways to protect your home better, don’t overlook the importance of your windows.

A window can serve as the point of entry for a criminal or a projectile hurled by a powerful hurricane. It needs to be sturdy if you are leaning on it to provide protection. So, will double pane windows suffice if you want protection from those hurricanes?

Double pane windows are not that much better than standard single pane windows when it comes to protecting your home. They can still be broken with relative ease so you must reinforce them if you want more protection. If you’re looking for windows that provide better protection against hurricane debris and criminals, you’ll need impact-resistant windows.

Should you look to install double pane windows if you are worried about hurricanes? Find out if they are suited for that by continuing with the rest of this article.

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What Are Double Pane Windows?

You probably have a good idea of what double pane windows are just going by their name. Double pane windows do indeed utilize two glass panels, but the way they’re put together is rather interesting.

The two panes of glass aren’t actually glued directly to one another. Instead, there’s a gap in between the two glass panels. The gap between the two panes of glass usually comes out to either half or three-quarters of an inch.

The gap between the glass panels is a key feature of double pane windows. You see, manufacturers don’t just allow air to fill that gap. To make the most out of that gap, they inject it with some kind of insulating gas. Argon and krypton gases are what manufacturers typically use.

Manufacturers use argon and krypton because they are denser than air. That higher density is crucial. Since they are denser, they can help slow down the process of heat transfer.

Basically, installing double pane windows will make your home more energy-efficient. You’ll have an easier time maintaining the ideal temperature for your home with the aid of double pane windows.

Can Double Pane Windows Protect Your Home against Hurricanes?

We now know that double pane windows are ideal for the purposes of improving how energy-efficient a home is. What can they offer in terms of protection though? Can you rely on them to keep your home interior safe from hurricanes and other manifestations of extreme weather?

If you’re just installing double pane windows as is, then no, they aren’t going to offer sufficient protection. Double pane windows were not made with that kind of purpose in mind. As we already detailed above, double pane windows are about improving energy-efficiency above everything else.

Compared to the standard single pane windows, the double pane varieties don’t really offer that much in terms of added protection. They may get in the way a bit more, but that’s about it. You’ll be disappointed if you expect them to bolster your home security.

Can You Reinforce Double Pane Windows?

Double pane windows on their own won’t safeguard your home against projectiles hurled by hurricanes. However, you can alter them if you need added protection. For example, you can swap out the glass typically used in double pane windows to reinforce them. Replace the standard glass panes with tempered glass so your windows can hold up better to the force of hurricanes.

You can also opt to have some kind of film added to the double pane windows. The film will effectively reinforce the double pane windows and even change how they look.

To get better results, you can combine the reinforcements. Change the type of glass used in the double pane windows and add the film to make them significantly stronger.

What Are the Other Benefits of Installing Double Pane Windows?

We already know that double pane windows leave a lot to be desired when it comes to home protection. That said, there are still real reasons why you should consider installing them. Let’s highlight the other benefits of installing double pane windows below.

Double Pane Windows Regulate Noises Better

Ambient noise may be an issue where you live. That’s often the case for people who live near busy roads. If the home you bought is located close to a construction site, you will also have to struggle with ambient noise.

Double pane windows can reduce the amount of noise that enters your home. They could help you enjoy more peace and quiet.

Double Pane Windows Can Help You Save Money

Boosting your home’s energy efficiency is important not just for the sake of your comfort. It’s also potentially helpful because it could save you a decent amount of money. You won’t have to spend as much on heating or cooling with double pane windows installed on your home.

Double Pane Windows Are Good for the Environment

You can reduce your energy usage by installing double pane windows. The improved insulation you’re getting from the double pane windows allows you to reduce your energy usage. Cutting down on energy usage is one of the ways we can help the environment.

Double Pane Windows Can Provide Additional UV Protection

Double pane windows can potentially offer stronger UV protection. Get the individual panes of your new windows glazed if you want to enjoy that benefit.

Single pane windows can also be glazed if you need that extra layer of protection. You’re just getting more UV protection if you have glazed double pane windows in place.

Which Windows Offer the Most Protection against Hurricanes?

We’ve established that double pane windows are not what you should purchase if you need better protection against extreme weather. For the purposes of keeping your home safe against hurricanes, you must install impact-resistant windows instead.

Impact-resistant windows are made up of multiple layers of tempered glass. They are also reinforced by glass-clad polycarbonate.

Projectiles powered by hurricanes have a harder time breaking through tornado-proof windows. That’s because they now have to move through multiple layers of reinforced glass. The impact of the projectile can be effectively be absorbed by the layers of glass that have been set in place.

Now, are impact-resistant windows guaranteed to offer protection against all kinds of hurricane-powered projectiles? No, there’s no guarantee that they will be able to do that. Impact-resistant windows will still struggle against larger projectiles.

That said, impact-resistant windows are preferable to double pane windows if you need as much protection as possible. If you need more protection, consider making other improvements to your home. Reinforcing the siding of your home and performing routine maintenance can allow your home to stand up better to passing hurricanes.

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Related Questions

How Much Will It Cost to Double Pane Windows?

Are you interested in getting double pane windows installed? You’re in luck because they are easier to find these days. Most home improvement companies can install double pane windows for you.New double pane windows do not come cheap though. Expect to pay no lower than $390 for a new set of aluminum double pane windows. Do note though that the aforementioned amount already accounts for labor costs.If you want to go all out and purchase wooden double pane windows, prepare to spend big. Homeowners will typically have to pay close to $900 for a new set of wooden double pane windows. Labor costs are also included in that amount.


What Are Triple Pane Windows?

A lot of home improvement companies also offer triple pane windows. Triple pane windows are very similar to double pane windows in terms of how they benefit homeowners.Those triple pane windows improve energy-efficiency and reduce ambient noise. They can also help you save money and cut down on your energy consumption. They simply do better at providing those benefits compared to double pane windows.Unsurprisingly, triple pane windows also cost more. You may have to pay $1,100 if you want triple pane windows installed.

Gary Evans
Gary Evans

Gary Evans is passionate about home improvement. He loves finding out how to make improvements in the easiest, most practical, and most affordable ways. Upgrading his home kitchen is one of his ongoing hobbies. Gary is also a long-time content creator and enjoys spending his free time tending to his hydroponic vegetable garden.

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