When we hear "hurricane windows," the purpose seems pretty obvious. There's a hurricane, and we would very much like the hurricane to stay outside our homes.

But, impact-resistant windows have a few things going for them beyond the hours when a major storm is passing through.

For homeowners in hurricane-prone areas, they can provide year-round protection without making a mad dash for the shutters every time the forecast starts looking ominous.

And, depending on the windows we choose, there may be some everyday benefits, too.

Hurricane Windows Are Built for Flying Debris

During a hurricane, wind isn't the only thing our windows have to contend with. Branches, outdoor furniture, roofing materials, and other debris can become projectiles. 

If a window breaks, wind and rain can enter the home and cause even more damage. That's where impact-resistant windows come in. FEMA recommends impact-resistant windows and doors to protect a home's openings from windborne debris.

The glass can still crack upon severe impact, but laminated glass is designed to stick together, rather than leaving a wide-open hole where the window used to be.

You Don't Have to Put Them Up Before a Storm

Storm shutters can also protect our windows, and they're generally the less expensive option. The catch is that somebody has to close or install them.

FEMA describes hurricane shutters as active protection because they have to be deployed before a storm.  Meanwhile, impact-resistant windows are passive protection, meaning they're already there doing their job.

That eliminates one item from the pre-hurricane checklist.

They May Help With Energy Costs, Too

Here's where you need to read the label. An impact-resistant window isn't automatically an energy-efficient window. Those are two different jobs.

However, hurricane windows can include energy-saving features, such as multiple panes, insulated frames, and low-emissivity coatings.

The Department of Energy says low-e coatings can help reduce unwanted heat from coming in through the windows, which may lower air-conditioning costs.

In a hot climate, that can give the air conditioner a little less work to do. So, if you’re replacing your windows anyway, it's worth looking at both the impact rating and the energy-efficiency ratings, rather than assuming one guarantees the other.

They're Not a Cheap Upgrade

Impact-resistant windows come with one fairly obvious downside: the cost of replacing windows. FEMA says they're generally more expensive than hurricane shutters, and damaged windows may still need to be replaced after a storm.

That means this isn't a home project to tackle simply because hurricane windows sound nice to have. Where you live, local building requirements, the condition of your existing windows, and how much storm protection you need should all factor into the decision.

The Biggest Benefit May Be the Simplest One

Hurricane windows aren't magic force fields. A powerful impact can still damage them, and energy savings depend on the features built into the windows you buy.

But, if you live somewhere where hurricanes are part of life, there's something appealing about protection that doesn't need to be dragged out of the garage every time a storm approaches.

The windows are already there and, when the forecast takes a turn, that's one less thing to worry about.

Looking for stories that inform and engage? From breaking headlines to fresh perspectives, WaveNewsToday has more to explore.