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Home : Best Window Replacements : Hurricane Impact Options
Best Hurricane Impact Windows
Explore our picks for the very best hurricane impact windows currently available from a variety of manufacturers and at different price points. Our selections include the Simonton Impressions 9800, Viwinco OceanView, Simonton Stormbreaker Plus, Wincore StormForce 8800, ViWinTech Shoreline, Stanek UltraExtreme, CWS Windpact, PGT WinGuard, and the Loewen StormForce series.
My Take On Hurricane Windows:
(Always Get 3 to 4 Local Price Quotes)
Dane - Site Editor
Original Publish Date - February 20, 2015
Page Last Updated On October 8, 2024
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Simonton Impressions 9800 Window
The Simonton 9800 Impressions is not technically an impact window, but it considered a good option by many contractors. It is one of the few Simonton models that gets a thumbs up in terms of how it looks. It offers solid performance when it comes equipped with the proper glass package and the Super Spacer. Many installers also give the 9800 Impressions a thumbs up in terms of build quality.
The window should come standard with Sensor Glass, Super Spacer and argon gas fills. It has a U-Factor of around 0.30 and an SHGC of 0.26. In order to be hurricane code compliant, the 9800 series must be upgraded with an aluminum sill reinforcement and laminated glass, which will of course add to the cost of the window.
Bottom Line:
Viwinco OceanView Series
The OceanView impact window is made for coastal applications that require a more robust and durable window. This hurricane-resistant window comes standard with laminated glass (a .90" interlayer thickness), a beveled frame, aluminum reinforced sill, tilt and lock on the hungs, a constant force balance, a true sloped sill, and an upgraded extruded screen. Performance wise, the Viwinco Oceanview series delivers a DP50 rating and an STC rating of 34.
Bottom Line: The Oceanview window is a good pick for consumers who want a mid range impact window without breaking the bank.
Simonton Stormbreaker Plus
The Simonton Stormbreaker Plus is the company's certified impact window and will cost more than their 9800 Impressions option, even with the upgrades. The Stormbreaker Plus has a .90 thick glass interlayer, compared with a .60 thick glass interlayer on the 9800 series. The Stormbreaker has several nice upgrades, including tempered glass that will resist impact for rain and debris, as well as a steel reinforced sash rail.
The Stormbreaker has a Design Pressure rating of 65, which should be more than enough to stand up to most storms. The Stormbreaker is well designed and sturdy, although like many Simonton windows, is a pretty bland looking window. In terms of it's intended purpose, the Simonton Stormbreaker Plus window is a great option that is comparable in price and quality to the CWS Windpact series. Read all of our Simonton window reviews.
Bottom Line: a well made unit and often priced quite reasonably.
Wincore StormForce 8800 Series
The Wincore 8800 series is an impact window that is also called StormForce. The beveled frame has a 3.25 inch thickness, uses impact-resistant laminated glass, has an upgraded sill dam, cam locks and lift handle. This model is often sold through Window World and because of this distribution channel has gained quite a bit in popularity.
Performance wise, the 8800 double hung has a .06 AI, DP65 rating, .32 U-factor, and .22 SHGC. The 8800 StormForce impact window is a solid second tier hurricane window. I would give the Wincore StormForce Series Window a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating.
Bottom Line: One of the best values in the market today. Often sold by Window World branches.
ViWinTech Shoreline Series
The Shoreline series (3000 series) is considered a quality impact window that will be more affordable than many other options from companies like PGT, CWS, and Simonton. I might rate the 6000 series a 7.5 out of 10 compared to other impact window series.
Bottom Line: A reasonably priced unit and one that is also well made.
Stanek UltraExtreme Window
The UltraExtreme impact window offers DP70 ratings, which is pretty impressive, as well as a .21 U-factor. The window has laminate glass, nice corner welds and exterior screen. Again, the warranty doesn't cover glass breakage and is not transferrable. Stanek requires that you use their installers - this will add to the final price, but if there is an issue down the road you know who to blame. Read more Stanek reviews.
Bottom Line: If the UltraExtreme is available in your area, this is one of my favorites.
CWS Windpact Window
CWS Windpact windows uses an 18 multichambered frame, Duralite spacer, dual pane 7/8" laminated glass with a .090" PVB interlayer and thick vinyl walls for a strong window that can stand up to significant storms and weather. The Windpact series is built for coastal applications on the East Coast as the company is headquartered in Ocala Florida. This hurricane window can be ordered in a number of configurations, including a single hung, casement, horizontal slider and picture window.
The 8100, 8200 and 8400 (available series or model numbers) can be ordered in a standard white, adobe or boronze, as well as an upgraded veneer color options that include natural cherry, anodized, golden oak, bronze, black cherry and medium maple. The Windpact also comes in a number of vinyl door options. Read all of our CWS windows reviews.
Bottom Line: Custom Window Systems is a good brand and the Windpact is a nice option.
PGT WinGuard Window
The PGT Winguard is a well made impact window and one that should serve most homeowners well (if you can afford the price tag). PGT tends to be quite well made, but also quite expensive. The WinGuard impact windows and doors are available in either a vinyl or aluminum window frame.
PGT windows reviews.
Bottom Line: Well worth a bid though if you are considering or you require hurricane windows.
Loewen StormForce Window
The Loewen StormForce is not cheap, but if you can afford it and need the durability then it can be a great investment. The interior is very close to the Standard series, but these are designed for coastal areas that face serious weather and need a window that can handle it. The engineering is upgraded to include impact resistant glazing and laminated glass with a DP50 rating, while still offering the style and great looks that Loewen is known for. Read Loewen window reviews.
Bottom Line: A very nice option, but it will be quite expensive.
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