How Much Do Hurricane Windows Cost? (2024)

Hurricane-proof windows are designed to help protect your windows during storms with winds up to 200 miles per hour. That’s about the wind speeds found in a Category 5 storm. These windows are made with impact-resistant glass that’s treated with a protective layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

This resin offers protection from glass and other flying objects, but sadly, it doesn’t mean your windows won’t break in the event of a hurricane. But the advantage lies in the fact that when and if windows do crack as a result of flying objects or high winds, they’re built to remain attached to the window frame, creating much less of a hazard for homeowners.

The cost of hurricane windows can be prohibitively high in some cases, so if that’s not part of your budget as storm season approaches, you could consider simply adding a surface coating of resin-like material that will cover the window glass and improve the shatter-resistant quality of your home’s windows. While it may not be quite as effective as a window marketed as a hurricane window, it’s still better than a standard window when it comes to standing up to strong winds.

While natural disasters can hit just about anywhere in the U.S., the East Coast, in particular, bears the brunt of hurricane damage. The five states most likely to get hit with a hurricane, in order, are Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Carolina. And if you’re in Gulf Coast-hugging Mississippi, you’re not in the clear, either.

It’s estimated that when a hurricane does hit Mississippi, two out of five of them are major storms. Even places with high winds, like mountainous regions of Wyoming, Alaska and New Hampshire, sometimes experience winds that could require hurricane windows.

The average cost of installing hurricane-proof windows on an entire home ranges from $1,500 and $10,500, or $6,000 on average. That comes to about $60 to $120 per square foot of window. Each window, depending on size and customization, ranges between $300 and $1,000.

High-Impact Window Prices by Size

Interior Storm Windows: A Cheaper Alternative

If you’re not up for the high cost of hurricane-proof windows, you could consider installing panels of storm-resistant glass in the interior of your windows. Doing this means your outer windows would not be resistant to high winds, but if they were to break, the interior glass would provide a separate level of protection for your home. Interior storm windows cost about $24 per square foot, or $250 to $400 per panel. Doing this will save you as much as $30 per square foot over the more expensive exterior windows.

Hurricane Windows Cost Per Square Foot

Homeowners can typically expect to pay no more than $55 per square foot for hurricane windows. It’s also important to consider the window’s material whether it’s wood, vinyl or aluminum.

Additional Hurricane Impact Window Features and Cost

Depending on whether you go with triple-track hurricane windows or the double-pane option, the cost will vary. Double-track ranges from about $100 to $375, while triple-track may cost anywhere from $125 to $450.

If you’re interested in additional features, you can add ventilation stops, weather stripping and a bar for stabilization.

The frames of hurricane windows are just like any standard window; they’re available in wood, vinyl, aluminum or steel. Here, we’ll explore pros and cons of each type, along with typical pricing.

Aluminum or Steel Framed Hurricane Windows

These types of hurricane windows are the strongest you can buy. HomeAdvisor puts the average cost of materials for aluminum frames around $160 per window. This low-maintenance option can last up to 45 years.

Explore options on Home Depot.

Vinyl Framed Hurricane Windows

With an average price of materials around $200 per window, vinyl-framed hurricane windows are a good option that lasts between 20 and 40 years if well maintained.

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Wood Framed Hurricane Windows

Wood frames are a popular, attractive option for windows. They can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior, providing excellent curb appeal. Properly maintained wooden window frames can last as long as 30 years, but without regular painting and upkeep, 10 years is the more likely lifespan. The average cost of materials for a wood-framed hurricane window is about $290, making it one of the most expensive options.

Explore options on Home Depot.

There are a variety of factors that affect the cost of hurricane windows. The brand, window size and glass type are important considerations when determining cost. Furthermore, the installation also will affect the overall price tag.

Window Materials

Increased costs in hurricane windows and installation are due to the actual material used in the windows manufacturing. The best hurricane windows are made with quality materials, thus ensuring superior protection against harsh climatic conditions. As a homeowner, you need to understand that how you spend on your windows can affect their overall performance as protectors against violent storms.

For instance, to ensure that windows are hurricane-proof, they must have weatherproof features. Weatherstripping and window film can significantly improve a window’s ability to reduce the impact of a hurricane or other damaging storm. These features’ costs depend on your chosen brand, but you can expect it to run around$275 to $350to cover all the windows in a typical house.

Frame Materials

Typically made from vinyl, aluminum or wood, hurricane windows can help save your house from the damaging effects of a tornado or hurricane. Each material has its own qualities, appearance, benefits, maintenance level and price. Some frame materials provide better insulation than others. Listed below are the different frame materials and their average costs of installation.

• Vinyl:Vinyl frames offer good insulation and are low maintenance. They typically have less style and fewer color options. Still, combination vinyl-and-wood frames offer a higher level of insulation and are even easier to maintain. Vinyl window frames cost from$100 to $300 per window, depending on the style and size.
• Aluminum:The most budget-friendly option, ranging in price from$90 to $275 per window,depending on style and size. However, they aren’t as insulating as other materials and require repainting every few years or so.
• Wood:Wooden hurricane window frames are a popular choice for homeowners who want a natural-looking alternative to aluminum or vinyl frames. These frames require frequent maintenance, but many homeowners like their aesthetics and insulating benefits over other options. Wood hurricane window frames cost from$175 to $400 per window.

Size

The cost of hurricane-impact windows will vary depending on your windows’ size, shape and design. The larger the window, the more expensive it is to install. Custom designs, unusual sizes or oddly shaped windows will also cost more.

Window Brands

The price of hurricane windows will vary greatly depending on the type you choose; however, many brands offer a range of quality and budget choices. The important thing is to install appropriate protections in your home so that it can weather any storm.

Labor

A new impact-resistant window can be pricey but worth it in the long run. You’ll protect your home and family from storm damage, ensure increased energy efficiency, and give your house a more modern look. The installation cost will depend on the size and location of the windows; however, this service can typically range from$80 to $400 per window. Of course, some companies may offer discounts for multiple installations.

Hurricane windows are smart investments for anyone who wants to protect their home from extreme weather conditions and prepare for storms. Hurricane windows should be installed before any storm, as they help with noise reduction, increased energy efficiency and reduced home insurance costs. Installing hurricane windows has many advantages and helps make your house more energy-efficient

Storm Protection

When storms come, you’ll want hurricane windows on your side. Hurricane windows are designed to protect your home and family during severe weather and wind-borne debris. Made of stronger material than standard glass, building regulations require that these windows be used in areas where severe storms or hurricanes are likely to occur.

Noise Reduction

Hurricane windows are excellent at reducing exterior noise pollution and keeping the outside out. Installing hurricane windows in your home allows you to sleep more soundly, knowing that you aren’t disturbed by loud traffic or noisy neighbors.

One-Time Installation

One-time hurricane window installation is the most efficient, cost-effective way to protect your home from strong winds and shattering glass. All hurricane windows are custom-fit and built to last. Also, some brands provide a manufacturer warranty to ensure your hurricane windows are always intact.

The cost of having custom impact window glass installed will likely be significantly higher. But on average, expect to pay an average of $6,200 for installation. The range is quite expensive based on the service, material and professional you choose, but it can be between $2,600 and $14,000.

For storm window replacement, you should plan to pay more if you’re altering the aperture’s size or location. Otherwise, the replacement will likely cost between $100 and $450 per window .

When it comes to the cost of hurricane window film, expect to spend around $300 to $400 for about 75 square feet of material. You’ll likely be able to cover about 10 standard windows with that amount.

If your home’s windows are dated or aging, you might be tempted to simply wait until they sustain actual damage to replace them. But that can be a costly mistake. Pressure changes brought about by blown-out doors and windows can actually cause cracks in your home’s foundation and can even lead to roofs being blown off by high winds.

Both of these occurrences make it more likely that your house will collapse in a bad storm. So it’s best to replace your windows right away if you don’t think they could withstand high wind damage.

While it may cost more than standard windows, hurricane protection is worth the investment. Homeowners may experience sticker shock when finding out how much hurricane windows cost, not to mention the additional costs associated with the installation. But those costs must be weighed against the benefits of having stronger, safer windows.

• Get Multiple Quotes:If you’re planning on replacing your home’s hurricane windows, you should get multiple quotes to ensure you get the best deal possible for a home improvement project.
• Off-Season Scheduling:To get your replacement windows before hurricane season begins, schedule installation as soon as possible. Some companies offer installation discounts if you schedule before hurricane season begins.
• Tax Credit:The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 has made it possible for homeowners to claim a tax credit for replacing hurricane windows. The maximum credit is $200 per window. So after installation, you can expect a percentage back on your investment.
• Check Insurance: Hurricane windows significantly impact the price of your homeowner’s insurance, whether you have wind coverage or not. If your policy offers a discount for hurricane windows, upgrading may be in your best interest.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.