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If you live along the Gulf Coast, you’ve probably asked yourself, “What windows survive hurricanes?” It’s an important question because your windows are one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during severe storms. While no window can guarantee protection against every possible storm, impact-resistant hurricane windows are specifically engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris far better than traditional windows. For homeowners in coastal areas, they can provide valuable protection, greater peace of mind, and year-round benefits. At Folkers, we’ve been helping Gulf Coast homeowners protect their homes with high-quality replacement windows for more than 50 years. Here’s what you should know. Why Ordinary Windows Often Fail During Hurricanes During a hurricane, it’s often windborne debris—not the wind itself—that causes windows to break. Common debris includes: Tree branches  Roofing materials  Patio furniture  Fencing  Outdoor decorations  Storm debris  Once a window breaks, powerful winds can enter the home, increasing internal pressure. This can contribute to additional structural damage during severe storms. What Are Hurricane Impact Windows? Hurricane impact windows are specially designed to resist breaking when struck by debris traveling at high speeds. Unlike ordinary glass, impact windows use: Laminated safety glass  Heavy-duty framing  Reinforced hardware  Multiple layers of glass bonded with a durable interlayer  Even if the outer glass cracks after a significant impact, the laminated interlayer is designed to help hold the glass together, reducing the chance of a large opening. How Impact Windows Work Think of impact glass like the windshield on your vehicle. When struck, it may crack, but the glass is designed to remain largely intact rather than shattering into dangerous pieces. This provides several important advantages: Helps reduce flying glass inside the home  May reduce the chance of wind entering through a broken opening  Helps protect your family during severe weather  Can reduce cleanup after storms  Features of Hurricane-Resistant Windows Today’s impact windows combine storm protection with modern energy efficiency. Common features include: Laminated Impact Glass Multiple layers bonded together to improve strength and help keep broken glass in place. Reinforced Frames Heavy-duty vinyl or other engineered frame materials help support the glass during high winds. Heavy-Duty Locks Strong locking systems help keep windows securely closed during storms. Weather Seals High-performance seals help reduce: Water intrusion  Air leaks  Drafts  Moisture  Energy-Efficient Glass Many impact windows also include: Low-E coatings  Double-pane construction  Argon gas insulation  UV protection  This means you receive storm protection while helping reduce heating and cooling costs year-round. Do Hurricane Windows Prevent Breakage? Impact windows are designed to resist breakage from windborne debris and to help remain intact if struck. However, no window is indestructible, and no product can guarantee protection under every storm condition. Their purpose is to provide significantly greater resistance than standard residential windows and to reduce the likelihood of dangerous openings caused by broken glass. Are Hurricane Windows Required? Building codes vary depending on where you live. Homes located closer to the Gulf Coast often have stricter wind-load requirements than inland homes. If you’re replacing windows, it’s important to choose products that meet the applicable local building codes for your area. A knowledgeable contractor can help you select windows that comply with current requirements. Additional Benefits Beyond Hurricane Season Many homeowners choose impact windows for reasons beyond storm protection. Benefits may include: Lower Energy Bills Energy-efficient glass helps reduce heat transfer, keeping your home more comfortable throughout the year. Improved Security Laminated glass is generally more difficult to penetrate than standard window glass, which can make forced entry more challenging. Less Outside Noise Impact windows often reduce: Traffic noise  Lawn equipment  Neighborhood sounds  Aircraft noise  Many homeowners notice a quieter indoor environment after installation. UV Protection Low-E glass helps reduce ultraviolet rays that can fade: Hardwood floors  Carpet  Furniture  Curtains  Artwork  Increased Home Value Many buyers appreciate homes that already have hurricane protection and modern energy-efficient windows installed. Replacement windows may improve both curb appeal and resale appeal. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows If your current windows have: Drafts  Rotting frames  Broken seals  Condensation between panes  Difficulty opening  Water leaks  Visible damage  it may be time to consider upgrading to impact-resistant replacement windows. Why Professional Installation Matters Even the strongest hurricane window performs best when installed correctly. Professional installation helps ensure: Proper structural attachment  Weather-tight sealing  Maximum energy efficiency  Smooth operation  Long-term durability  Improper installation can reduce the effectiveness of even high-quality impact windows. Why Gulf Coast Homeowners Trust Folkers For more than 50 years, Folkers has helped homeowners protect and beautify their homes. Our reputation has been built on: Family-owned company  Over 50 years serving the Gulf Coast  More than 1 million windows installed  High-quality replacement windows  Professional installation  Lifetime warranty options  Financing available  Outstanding customer service  Whether you’re replacing aging windows or upgrading for hurricane protection, our experienced team can help you find the right solution for your home. Frequently Asked Questions What type of windows are best for hurricanes? Impact-resistant windows with laminated safety glass, reinforced frames, and professionally installed systems are generally considered the best option for homes in hurricane-prone areas. Can hurricane windows break? Yes. Under extreme conditions, impact windows can crack. However, they are designed to resist shattering and help keep the opening protected, reducing the chance of dangerous wind intrusion. Are hurricane windows worth the investment? Many homeowners find value in impact windows because they combine storm protection, energy efficiency, noise reduction, UV protection, and enhanced security in a single product. Do impact windows lower energy bills? Many impact windows include Low-E coatings, insulated glass, and tight weather seals that can improve energy efficiency and help reduce heating and cooling costs. Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm Hurricane season comes every year, but replacing your windows before a storm arrives can help prepare your home for severe weather while improving comfort throughout the year. If you’re considering hurricane impact windows or replacement windows, the experienced professionals at Folkers are ready to help. Contact Folkers today for a free consultation and learn which hurricane-resistant windows are

If you’ve been wondering, “How much money do new windows save?”, you’re asking one of the most common questions homeowners have before replacing their windows. The answer depends on the age of your current windows, your home’s insulation, your local climate, and the type of replacement windows you choose. For many homeowners along the Gulf Coast, replacing old windows can significantly improve comfort while lowering monthly energy bills. At Folkers, we’ve helped homeowners throughout the Gulf Coast upgrade their homes with energy-efficient windows for more than 50 years. Here’s what you should know before making your investment. Do New Windows Really Save Money? Yes. Modern replacement windows are designed to reduce heat transfer between your home and the outdoors. Older windows often allow cooled or heated air to escape through: Worn weatherstripping  Gaps around the frame  Single-pane glass  Broken seals  Warped or aging window frames  When your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, your utility bills increase. New windows help keep conditioned air inside where it belongs. How Much Can You Save? While every home is different, homeowners often notice measurable reductions in heating and cooling costs after installing energy-efficient windows. Your savings depend on factors such as: The age of your existing windows  The number of windows replaced  Your home’s size  Local energy costs  Sun exposure  Quality of installation  Homes with older single-pane windows usually experience the greatest improvements. Why Gulf Coast Homes Benefit Even More Homeowners across the Gulf Coast face unique weather challenges. Our region experiences: Long, hot summers  High humidity  Strong UV exposure  Heavy rain  Tropical storms  Mild winters  Your air conditioner often runs for much of the year. Energy-efficient replacement windows help reduce solar heat entering your home, allowing your HVAC system to operate more efficiently and helping maintain a more consistent indoor temperature. Features That Improve Energy Efficiency Today’s replacement windows include advanced technologies that weren’t available decades ago. These features may include: Low-E Glass Low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings reflect unwanted heat while allowing natural light into your home. Benefits include: Cooler indoor temperatures  Reduced UV damage  Less fading of furniture and flooring  Improved comfort  Double- or Triple-Pane Glass Multiple panes of glass create insulating air spaces that reduce heat transfer. Advantages include: Better insulation  Reduced outside noise  Improved indoor comfort  Increased energy efficiency  Argon Gas Insulation Many premium windows contain argon gas between the panes. Argon provides additional insulation compared to ordinary air. Quality Weather Seals Modern windows are engineered with tighter seals that reduce: Air leaks  Moisture intrusion  Drafts  Water infiltration  Other Ways New Windows Save You Money Energy savings are only part of the value. Replacement windows may also help reduce: HVAC Wear and Tear When your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard, it may experience less strain over time. Maintenance Costs Modern vinyl replacement windows never require scraping or repainting. Many styles also tilt inward for easy cleaning. Interior Damage Windows that block UV rays help protect: Hardwood floors  Carpet  Curtains  Furniture  Artwork  Less fading means your home’s interior stays looking newer longer. Storm Protection Impact-resistant windows can reduce damage from wind-driven debris during severe weather. Many Gulf Coast homeowners appreciate the added protection and peace of mind. Increased Home Value Window replacement is consistently ranked among the home improvements that can increase resale value. Potential buyers appreciate: Lower utility costs  Updated appearance  Improved curb appeal  Better comfort  Modern energy-efficient features  New windows can make your home more attractive if you decide to sell. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows You may benefit from replacement windows if you notice: High energy bills  Drafts near windows  Difficulty opening or closing windows  Condensation between glass panes  Rotting wood frames  Outside noise entering your home  Water leaks  Fading furniture near windows  If your windows are more than 20 years old, upgrading to modern energy-efficient models may provide noticeable improvements. Why Professional Installation Matters Even the best windows won’t perform properly if they’re installed incorrectly. Professional installation helps ensure: Proper sealing  Maximum energy efficiency  Smooth operation  Long-lasting performance  Manufacturer warranty protection  At Folkers, our experienced installation teams ensure every window is installed with precision and care. Why Homeowners Trust Folkers For more than 50 years, Folkers has been helping Gulf Coast homeowners improve their homes with premium replacement windows. Homeowners choose Folkers because we offer: Family-owned company  Over 50 years of experience  More than 1 million windows installed  High-quality replacement windows  Energy-efficient products  Lifetime warranty options  Professional installation  Financing available  Our goal is simple: provide beautiful windows that improve your home’s comfort, efficiency, and value for years to come. Frequently Asked Questions Will new windows lower my electric bill? Energy-efficient replacement windows can help reduce heating and cooling costs by minimizing heat transfer and reducing air leaks. The amount saved depends on your home’s condition and the windows being replaced. Are expensive windows worth it? Higher-quality windows often provide better insulation, durability, quieter interiors, and longer warranties, making them a smart long-term investment for many homeowners. How long do replacement windows last? Quality replacement windows can last for decades when professionally installed and properly maintained. Which windows are the most energy efficient? Windows with Low-E glass, insulated double- or triple-pane construction, argon gas, and quality weather seals generally offer the best energy performance. Ready to Start Saving? If you’re ready to lower your energy bills, improve your home’s comfort, and increase its value, the experts at Folkers are here to help. We offer free consultations, professional installation, and premium replacement windows designed specifically for Gulf Coast homes. Contact Folkers today for a free estimate and discover how much new windows could save your home.