Protecting your home from the breakneck winds of hurricanes is essential, especially if you live in a coastal region prone to these natural disasters. Hurricane windows can help keep you and your family safe, ensuring your windows don’t buckle under the battering force of winds and wind-thrown objects sailing through the sky.
On average, impact windows cost $800–$2,800 per unit, leading many homeowners to pay between $2,700 and $15,721 per project to install multiple hurricane windows.
- The price tag attached to hurricane window installations isn’t cheap, with most homeowners paying approximately $800–$2,800 per window, depending on the size and material.
- Hurricane windows can feature various types of pane materials — although many primarily use glass.
- While you can DIY this project, it can be tricky, especially for inexperienced individuals.
How Much Do Hurricane Windows Cost?
The price tag attached to hurricane window installations isn’t cheap, with most homeowners paying approximately $800–$2,800 per window, depending on the size and material. Vinyl hurricane windows typically cost $500–$1,000, while large aluminum models often exceed $2,000 per unit. Labor costs tack on an additional $40 to $65 per hour, although more complex installations can be up to $400+ per window.
We retrieved cost data on RS Means, a contractor-trusted estimate system, to find accurate industry pricing for hurricane windows. We also researched top window company prices to determine what manufacturers and retailers charge for impact-resistant window materials and installation.
Average Price for Impact Windows
Most homeowners pay approximately $1,800 per window to outfit their homes with hurricane impact windows. The national average varies, ranging from $800–$2,800. This means a project to replace four windows with impact-resistant units could cost up to $11,200, based on numerous factors, such as permitting, labor, window sizing, track types, and available discounts. Projects to install more windows or commercial-grade models would raise the price higher.
Hurricane Storm Windows Cost per Square Foot
On average, hurricane windows cost approximately $55 to $62 per square foot. However, various factors — such as custom designs, unique shapes, unusual sizes, and multiple additional factors — can affect pricing. Because of the variability, pricing may be higher or lower for your installation.
What Are Factors that Impact Hurricane Windows Cost?
The cost of your hurricane impact windows can fluctuate dramatically based on factors specific to you, including the window size, shape, style, window material, track style, and more.
Brand
Like most products, the window brand you choose will raise or lower your price. Some brands offer lower rates than others, while some offer promotional deals and discounts after a minimum purchase to entice customers.
Here’s what you can expect for pricing from a few popular, reputable hurricane window brands:
- Pella: $1,630 per window
- Marvin: $1,400 per window
- Jeld-Wen: $1,185 per window
- Kolbe: $800 per window
- Affordable Storm Windows: $500 per window
- Larson: $340 per window
Labor Costs
Unless you DIY your hurricane window installation, labor costs will significantly affect your final bill. Although labor costs can vary drastically from location to location, most installers charge between $40 and $65 per hour, per installer. Labor rates may be slightly higher during their busy season — as in not hurricane season.
The installation difficulty of each window will determine how long the process takes, but for standard hurricane windows, most installers can complete the job in two hours. This comes out to approximately $60 to $130 per window in labor. More complex installations will require extra time, potentially driving labor costs to $400 per window or higher.
Number and Location of Windows
Sometimes, window dealers and installers offer discounts to customers installing multiple hurricane windows. For example, if you’re outfitting your entire home with hurricane windows, you may have access to various promotional deals and discounts that cut the overall cost. However, if you’re installing a single window, you probably won’t have access to these deals, as they usually have a minimum number.
In addition to the number of windows you install, the location where you install them will impact the project’s cost. Windows on higher home floors require additional tools and equipment for safe installation, so labor costs are usually higher.
If you’re installing your hurricane windows inside, you can expect to pay approximately $24 per square foot. Conversely, you can expect to pay roughly $62 per square foot for exterior storm windows.
Permits and Licenses (If Applicable)
Before installing your hurricane windows, you’ll need to pay a permit fee in some states, counties, and cities. Costs vary by location, but most permit prices range between $50 and $200. If you DIY the project, this responsibility falls to you.
However, if you hire a professional to install the windows, they’ll likely include this in their quote. That said, it’s best to double-check instead of assuming, as some installers may require the homeowner to obtain the permit.
Window and Frame Material
Customers have multiple options for add-on and frame materials. They can add extras like weatherstripping, which costs approximately $80 per window, and window film, which usually costs roughly $350 for 75 square feet of film (which can cover about ten 24×36-inch windows).
In addition, frame materials make a considerable impact on the price. Standard hurricane windows usually feature vinyl, aluminum, or wood — each with their own benefits. Here’s what you can expect for pricing from each window frame material.
Steel or Aluminum Framed Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows featuring steel or aluminum frames are usually the best budget pick, as they cost between $90 and $275 per window. This material isn’t as fade-resistant or insulating as other options, but it’s an excellent budget-friendly pick. On top of that, these materials are low maintenance, requiring very little upkeep.
Vinyl Framed Hurricane Windows
Vinyl framed hurricane windows usually cost between $100 and $300 per window, although pricing depends on the size and style. This material has a more limited range of color options but offers better insulation than aluminum. Vinyl frames are relatively low maintenance, requiring little upkeep throughout the years.
Wood Framed Hurricane Windows
While popular, the natural look of wood hurricane window frames comes at a price. These windows often cost between $175 and $400 per window, as the aesthetic looks and exceptional insulating properties make these a popular pick. They’re a higher-maintenance option than other options, routinely requiring stripping, sanding, and repainting to maintain their good looks.
Window Shape and Style
The shape and style of your window can drive its cost higher or lower, as some feature more complex designs than others. More complex shapes and styles often cost more than their simpler counterparts, so you can expect to pay more for intricately-designed windows. Here are a few examples based on popular window styles:
- A fixed hurricane window features a single pane of glass, doesn’t open, and usually costs between $100 and $1,600 per window based on sizing.
- Architectural hurricane windows come in an array of sizes and shapes with a style that complements architecturally-inclined homes. On average, these windows cost between $350 and $2,100 per unit.
- Single-hung hurricane windows slide vertically, with a stationary upper sash and a mobile lower sash. They usually cost between $300 and $1,500 per window.
- Like single-hung windows, double-hung hurricane windows slide vertically, except both the upper and lower sashes are mobile. These windows usually cost between $450 and $1,700, with price fluctuations based on size.
- Sliding hurricane windows feature a sliding sash that enables them to slide horizontally, often costing between $550 and $1,400 each. Sliding glass door windows typically cost closer to $2,800.
Window Size
The size of the impact-resistant window plays a significant role in the final cost of the installation. On average, high-impact windows cost between $55 and $62 per square foot, although these costs may vary based on location. If you choose the custom route, you may pay up to three times more for your windows.
The larger the window, the more you’ll pay. Windows featuring unusual shapes, sizes, or custom designs will drive the cost even higher, so you can adjust your expectations based on your particular project.
Here are a few average costs based on standard hurricane window sizes:
- 24 x 36 inches: $300
- 36 x 48 inches: $600
- 48 x 60 inches: $1,000
Track Style
Hurricane window manufacturers offer even more selection through various track styles, including fixed-track, two-track, triple-track, and two-track sliding configurations. The track lets the window slide open and close, although some tracks prevent movement altogether.
Each option comes at a slightly different price based on the size, design, and difficulty:
- Fixed-track hurricane windows are generally the most budget-friendly pick, coming in at between $100 and $300 per window. These windows — including picture and casement windows — remain shut, as the track doesn’t allow movement.
- Triple-track hurricane windows are similar to two-track windows, with two panes of glass and a screen. However, all three components are mobile in a triple-track window, moving up or down to allow better airflow. These windows usually cost between $150 and $400.
- Two-track hurricane windows have a screen plus two panes of glass, with the exterior pane at the top and a screen at the bottom. The interior pane is mobile, while the outer glass and screen remain fixed. On average, these windows cost between $100 and $350.
- Two-track sliding hurricane windows feature a similar design to the others, but the mobile panes of glass slide horizontally instead of opening vertically. These windows usually cost between $150 and $400.
Shutters or Film Instead of Windows
If the windows throughout your home are still in good shape, tossing them out to replace them with pricey hurricane windows might not be an appealing path. So, you may choose a different route, employing the protective qualities of shutters or window film instead of hurricane windows.
Installing a protective film on your existing windows helps prevent the glass from shattering and falling everywhere during heavy storms and strong winds, but it doesn’t offer impact resistance. If you go this route, you can expect to pay around $350 for a 75-square-foot roll. This is enough to cover approximately ten 24-by-36-inch windows. You may need more or less depending on your type of window.
Alternatively, you could install hurricane shutters or panels to protect the window glass. While these shutters will protect the windows from impacts, they don’t offer the insulation or sound-dampening benefits of hurricane windows. On average, installing hurricane shutters costs approximately $4,022, or between $1,950 and $6,094 total.
New vs. Replacement Windows
If you’re starting from scratch with a new home construction featuring new windows, removal costs aren’t a concern for you, as there’s nothing to remove. However, if you’re replacing existing standard windows with hurricane windows, you must factor in removal costs. Generally, installers charge about $50 per window to remove old windows, although costs may vary based on the project’s size, difficulty, and location.
Additional Customizations
Homeowners can add extra features to improve their window’s insulating properties, ventilation, and durability. While these add-ons can be beneficial, they come at a cost. Here’s what to expect from common customizations:
- Adding ventilation stops allows homeowners to limit the movement of the sash and adds $10 to $50 per set to the final cost.
- Homeowners may opt for double-pane windows for an extra layer of glass. These windows usually cost between $50 and $100, although pricing varies drastically based on shape and size.
- Stabilizer bars aid by increasing each window’s overall strength and structural integrity, benefiting their durability and lifespan and tacking on $20 to $40 per bar.
- Weatherstripping hurricane-resistant windows offer improved insulation, trapping warmed or cooled air within the home. Homeowners can add it inside and outside their homes, with a complete installation costing approximately $275.
What Are Types of Hurricane Windows?
Hurricane windows can feature various types of pane materials — although many primarily use glass. Here are the most common pane materials in hurricane windows.
Acrylic Window Panes
Hurricane windows featuring acrylic window panes offer added impact strength, as acrylic plastic sheets offer impressive impact resistance compared to glass. These acrylic sheets don’t limit the amount of transmitted visible light, but they can provide up to 99% UV-blocking properties.
Double-Pane
Hurricane windows featuring a double-pane design have two sheets of glass or acrylic instead of a single pane. This offers added protection and security, as an extra barrier exists. Even if the first pane of glass breaks upon impact, the second might be left intact.
Laminated Window Panes
A window pane featuring a laminated sheet offers better shatter resistance, which is ideal for hurricane windows. If a sheet of laminated glass breaks, the plastic lamination keeps the glass pieces from scattering throughout your home, ensuring you and your family remain safe.
Low-E Glass Pane
A hurricane window featuring Low-E glass panes has a coating to make it more energy efficient. While the layer doesn’t make the window more durable, it adds to the energy efficiency of the glass, aiding in energy savings. The coating helps trap infrared light in cold climates but can also be beneficial in various regions.
Standard Hurricane Glass
A standard sheet of hurricane glass is specially manufactured to make it less susceptible to shattering and breakage during violent winds. The glass may shatter upon heavy impacts with airborne objects carried by the wind, but the glass is designed to remain intact, keeping you and your family safe.
Tempered Glass
Hurricane windows featuring tempered glass have solid tension and strength, but this isn’t usually suitable for hurricanes and severe winds. The process of making this glass involved heating and cooling the glass quickly to create tension and strength in the finished product. While strong, tempered glass is susceptible to breakage upon impact, shattering into tiny pieces.
Tinted Hurricane Glass
Adding tint to your hurricane windows can provide privacy. Like regular windows, homeowners can tint their hurricane windows if they prefer this look. Tinting the glass doesn’t negatively impact its structural integrity — so if you like your privacy, you can tint your hurricane windows.
Who Typically Needs Hurricane Windows?
There are a few areas of the United States where homes typically need the added protection of hurricane windows, primarily coastal states along the Eastern seaboard.
High Storm Risk Locations
Homes in areas with high storm risks can benefit from hurricane windows. The strong glass and durable frame help mitigate storm damage, keeping your home dry and secure. Homes in coastal states that are prone to hurricanes — like Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Connecticut, and Maryland — can benefit from these windows.
Mandated by Local or State Government
In some states, hurricane windows are required by law. The local or state government may mandate these laws, but if you reside in an area where they’re effective, you must comply. You can easily determine whether your home requires hurricane windows by checking with your local building authority.
According to the 2021 IBHS report, ten states outline statewide requirements for residential buildings to have windows with hurricane protection or impact-resistant glass. These states include Florida, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
Benefits of Hurricane Windows
Installing hurricane windows throughout your home, especially if you live in a high-risk region, can be highly beneficial. From improved safety to noise reduction, hurricane windows can be a worthwhile investment. Here are a few notable benefits of installing these windows:
- Improved security and protection: These windows are designed to withstand the battering force of heavy winds and objects hurled at the glass during harsh storms, so they offer better security and protection than regular windows. Not only do they keep your home secure during storms, but they also protect your home and its valuables year-round!
- Lower energy bills: Installing hurricane windows can positively impact your energy bills, potentially lowering them by a significant amount. Old, drafty windows let out heated and cooled air, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime to compensate, driving up energy costs. Your home will be even more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR-certified windows.
- No storm preparation: When you get the alert warning of a harsh storm barreling your way, there’s no need to prep your windows for the impact. Instead, these windows come prepared — once they’re installed, there’s no storm preparation needed (for your windows).
- Noise reduction: Hurricane windows feature thick, layered glass and tightly sealed framing to prevent leakage during storms. This translates to noise reduction throughout the year, as the glass mutes noise vibrations from activity around your home.
DIY vs. Professional Installation of Hurricane Windows
As mentioned, labor costs can contribute a sizable chunk to the final bill associated with your hurricane windows. While you can DIY this project, it can be tricky, especially for inexperienced individuals.
The installation process can be complex and involves removing existing windows, repairing the window frame, caulking the window opening, positioning the window, adjusting expanders as needed, and securing the window tightly. Due to the function and importance of these windows, it’s usually best to leave this process to the professionals.
If you outsource the installation to a professional, you can expect to pay between $30 and $65 per hour in labor. It usually takes around two hours to install each window, although complex installations often take longer.
How To Save Money When Buying Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows can be expensive, especially when installing them throughout your entire home. To cut costs, homeowners can take advantage of various discounts and cuts. As mentioned, some window installers and dealers offer promotional deals and discounts after a specific minimum purchase. So, while availability varies based on the provider, it doesn’t hurt to check.
In addition, homeowners can take advantage of a tax deduction provided through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. This act allows homeowners to deduct the cost of doors, skylights, and windows from their taxes, provided the windows boast an Energy Star rating. The tax cut is available for 10% of the installation cost, although cuts are limited to $200 per window.
To take advantage of this tax cut, you’ll need to fill out the Residential Energy Credits form (Form 5695).
Some homeowners insurance companies may offer discounts or lower insurance costs if your home has hurricane-proof windows. But it varies by provider, so check with your insurance agent.
Final Thoughts: Are Hurricane Windows Worth It?
Installing hurricane windows can be well worth it, especially for residents in coastal regions prone to inclement weather. They help keep your home dry and secure, thwarting the aggressive attempts of battering winds and wind-whipped objects flying at your home.
That said, these windows might not be a worthwhile investment for homeowners residing in areas that don’t experience natural disasters similar to these. It all depends on your situation!
FAQs About Hurricane Windows Cost
What Is the Difference Between Hurricane Windows and Impact Windows?
Hurricane and impact windows are often used interchangeably, referring to both as the same thing. However, a difference separates the two: while hurricane windows need to meet a specific level of resistance, impact windows must offer wind resistance and protection from impacts.
Do Hurricane Windows Prevent Mold?
Hurricane windows feature tight seals to keep moisture at bay, especially during inclement weather. Given their water-tight design, they should prevent mold. However, mold may take hold if the seal is damaged or the window is improperly installed.
What Is the Cost of Storm Windows?
On average, storm windows cost about $55 per square foot. Most homeowners pay approximately $8,200 for their hurricane window installation, although this may vary based on factors specific to your situation.
Do Hurricane Windows Reduce Insurance?
Since hurricane windows are designed to withstand heavy winds, they can lower your home’s insurance premiums. However, this varies depending on your insurance provider, as installing these windows may not drastically lower premiums through every provider.
Is the Cost of Hurricane Windows Worth the Investment?
Hurricane windows can be well worth the investment, especially if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or similar weather situations. However, installing these windows may not be worth the investment if you live in an area unaffected by natural disasters.
