Impact vs. Nonimpact Windows: Is The Price Worth It

If you’re building or upgrading a home in Florida, you’ve probably heard this question: Should I go with impact or non-impact windows? On the surface, it seems simple—impact windows cost more, so why bother?

But here’s the deal: in a state where hurricanes are an annual sport, the decision isn’t just about dollars. It’s about peace of mind, long-term savings, and protecting your home like a grown-up should.

Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference?

Impact Windows

These bad boys are built like a tank. They’re made with two layers of glass and a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in the middle—kind of like a glass sandwich with a bulletproof filling.

Even if the glass cracks under pressure (like from a flying patio chair at 120 mph), the inner layer holds it all together. That means no glass shards flying through your house, no breach in your home envelope, and no sudden waterpark in your living room.

Non-Impact Windows

Your standard, off-the-shelf glass. They’re fine in normal weather and cheaper up front—but they shatter easily. To make them storm-ready, you’ll need to add shutters or panels and hustle to put them up every time Jim Cantore shows up on your TV.

Why Impact Windows Might Be the Better (and Smarter) Choice

1. Year-Round Protection (No Shutters Required)

Non-impact windows need help. You’re either putting up metal panels in the blazing heat, hoping the tape job holds, or trusting your neighbor to install your shutters while you’re out of town. Impact windows? They’re always working, 24/7, rain or shine.

2. Cost vs. Value

Sure, impact windows can cost 30–50% more upfront than regular windows. But when you factor in:

• The cost of hurricane shutters

• Labor and hassle to install them

• Insurance discounts (more on that below)

• Increased resale value

…it starts to look a whole lot smarter financially.

3. Insurance Discounts

Florida insurance isn’t cheap, and it’s only getting uglier. Most insurers will offer serious discounts if your home has full impact protection (windows and doors). Over time, that adds up—sometimes thousands per year in savings.

4. Break-In Protection

Impact windows don’t just keep the storm out—they keep the bad guys out, too. A burglar with a crowbar is going to have a hell of a time getting through that laminated glass. Bonus security at no extra cost.

5. Energy Efficiency

Most impact windows are double-paned and often come with low-E coatings. That means better insulation, less heat transfer, and a break for your A/C unit. Your electric bill will thank you.

6. Noise Reduction

Live near a busy street? Got loud neighbors? Impact windows can muffle outside noise significantly. It won’t turn your house into a recording studio, but it’ll feel a lot more zen.

When Might Non-Impact Make Sense?

Let’s be fair—non-impact windows can work if:

• You’re on a strict budget

• You’re flipping the house and won’t own it long

• You’re okay installing and storing shutters

But remember: if you’re going to install shutters, make sure they’re up to code, installed properly, and actually used when storms roll through.

Final Take: Impact Windows Are the Long-Term Play

If you're living in Florida long-term—or even medium-term—and you care about your property, family, and sanity, impact windows are worth every penny. The up-front cost might sting a little, but what you get in return is priceless: safety, lower insurance, peace of mind, and no more last-minute hurricane prep marathons.

It’s not just about windows. It’s about keeping the chaos outside, where it belongs.