Impact Resistant Windows
Monday, September 19th, 2011Though we don’t see terribly severe weather in the Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia area, we just recently had a hurricane, which can do a lot of damage to your home. Did your windows get damaged? If you live in coastal regions, it’s critically important to have impact resistant windows. If you want to learn more about hurricane protection windows and other windows that are ideal for coastal regions, call Quality Window & Door today!
Impact Resistant Windows
If you live in a coastal area, there are a number of ways you can protect your home. One way is to install impact resistant windows that are designed specifically for coastal regions. When it comes to weather protection, some of the best window materials in general are:
- Aluminum – sturdy, wind resistant and doesn’t scratch easily
- Vinyl – durable and not easily damaged by flooding
- Fiberglass – like vinyl, also resistant to extreme moisture
We also offer Weather Shield windows that, as the name suggests, offer protection against extreme weather – hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain, blizzards…you name it! These hurricane protection windows include:
LifeGuard® EnduraShield® (not only impact resistant but energy efficient and extremely low-maintenance as well!)
LifeGuard® Weather Shield® insulating glass
LifeGuard® Weather Shield® single pane glass
Visions® 3000 vinyl windows
Even if you have a waterfront home in Ocean City, MD, you won’t have to fret about boarding up your door or hassling with shutters if you get Weather Shield impact resistant windows! It may still be a good idea to board up, but you can still rest assured your windows will be protected.
Contact us to learn more about impact resistant windows and the best kind of windows for coastal regions – or visit one of our showrooms! We have one in Beltsville, MD and one in Merrifield, VA. Our window experts in Virginia and Maryland want to help you get the best windows for your home!



Double hung windows – these new home windows have upper and lower sashes that slide up and down to allow air into your home. New sash designs allow for easy removal and cleaning from both the inside and outside of the window. Benefits include extremely easy cleaning and more versatile ventilation options.
Casement windows – casement windows are single sash windows that are hinged on one side. The handle crank opens the window to either the left or the right, towards your home’s exterior. If you like feeling the breeze from outside on a summer day, casement windows are perfect! They are also energy efficient, leaking less air due to the tighter seal created between the sash and the frame.
Picture windows – if you want a great view of your yard, picture windows may be what you’re looking for. Sometimes called fixed pane windows, picture windows don’t open, and come in many different shapes and sizes, sometimes used for just decorative purposes. If you want beautiful, energy efficient windows that let in lots of natural light, picture windows are the way to go.
Bay windows – popular new home windows, bay windows provide great views and can be used solely for aesthetics. Most often, a bay window is a picture window with two or more operating windows on both sides. Inside your home, an indentation is formed, which most people use as a window seat or a place to display plants and other decorations.
Transom windows – these are the types of windows you see above a doorway. They are usually hinged to a horizontal crosspiece over the door, and since these new home windows are smaller and don’t let in a lot of light, they are used as unique architectural details. You’ll find a good number of transom windows in historic neighborhoods – they aren’t as common in modern homes.
Awning windows – single sash windows that are hinged at the top, these new home windows swing out via a handle crank. They offer superior ventilation and let in the breeze when you want it on a warm day. Due to their tight sealing frames, awning windows also tend to be very energy efficient.

