How Much Do Hurricane Windows Cost? (2024 Guide)

Typical Cost Range: $100–$500

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Written by Jessica Wimmer + 1 other Reviewed by Mark Howey Updated 04/17/2024

Hurricane windows cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per window and total $1,128–$10,298 to replace the windows on your entire home. Though a significant investment, these windows are a good choice it if you live in a hurricane-prone area. The window type is specially designed to protect your home against forceful winds and flying debris and is popular among those living in coastal areas.

Many window replacement companies install hurricane windows, with the price differing based on your chosen material and size. Our guide breaks down how these factors impact hurricane window costs to help you budget properly.

*Average cost figures in this article are based on 2023 reports from The Home Depot, Window Price Guides, and Mister Window.

What Exactly Are Hurricane Windows?

Hurricane windows withstand extreme weather conditions better than standard windows. They’re engineered with laminated glass treated with a protective layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) to protect your home against Category 5 winds of up to 200 mph. Hurricane windows are also made with reinforced frames. This design is meant to safeguard against wind force cracking your window or flying debris breaking through the glass and entering your home.
The best hurricane windows comply with Texas Department of Insurance and Florida Building Code requirements for homes in high-velocity hurricane zones. Top window companies adhere to the standards set by these two organizations to ensure that hurricane windows offer proper storm protection. Check that windows have Energy Star and National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) labels indicating their performance before buying.

You’ll likely come across the term “impact windows” while researching hurricane windows. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re different products. Hurricane windows are mainly designed to withstand Category 5 winds, while impact-resistant windows also offer increased resistance to flying objects.

Hurricane windows may break when hit with direct force, but they’re designed to shatter more safely than standard windows. Impact windows are built to have the glass stay in place when broken by flying debris, keeping out the wind and rain even when hit. Impact-resistant windows have thicker frames and heavier glass and tend to cost significantly more than hurricane windows.

Hurricane and storm windows are also different. Hurricane windows are full window units with their own glass and framing, so you’ll find them in the lineup of window types on a brand’s website.

Storm windows are installed over your existing windows on either the interior or exterior side. They offer additional insulation, energy efficiency, and noise reduction. Storm windows are cheaper than actual hurricane windows but offer less protection, so we don’t recommend them if you live in a hurricane zone.

What Are Hurricane Window Installation Costs?

Hurricane windows typically cost between $100 and $500 per window, including installation. The national average cost to upgrade an entire home with hurricane windows is between $1,128 and $10,293. Your total project cost depends on several factors, the most impactful being your chosen window material and size. For example, large hurricane windows with wooden frames will put you on the higher end of the range, while small hurricane windows with aluminum frames will put you on the lower end.

Cost by Material

Hurricane windows come in wood, vinyl, and aluminum frames. Each material has pros and cons. Small price differences can quickly become significant when buying multiple windows, so be mindful of your budget.

Aluminum frames ($90–$290): Aluminum is the strongest material and has a 45-year life span. It’s also the cheapest and easiest to clean and maintain. The downside is that aluminum doesn’t insulate as well as other materials, so your energy costs won’t decrease as much as with other options. Aluminum is also prone to rust and corrosion.
Vinyl frames ($100–$300): Vinyl frames are an excellent middle-ground option, lasting 20–40 years. Vinyl insulates better than aluminum and is low-maintenance.
Wood frames ($175–$400): Wooden frames offer excellent insulation but require more maintenance than aluminum and vinyl frames. They can last as long as 30 years with proper maintenance but could easily warp or rot in coastal locations with humid, salty air. Some wood frames come with exterior cladding to protect the wood from outside elements.

Cost by Size

Window costs vary greatly by size. The larger the window, the higher the price will likely be. Average prices for standard window sizes are as follows:

24 x 30 inches: $100
32 x 36 inches: $140
48 x 44 inches: $190
52 x 44 inches: $200
52 x 60 inches: $225
60 x 60 inches: $250
60 x 96 inches: $350

Other Installation Cost Factors

Window size and materials have the biggest impact on hurricane window costs, but keep the following variables in mind when budgeting as well.

Many window manufacturers offer extra features to increase performance at an added cost. For example, weatherstripping can improve a window’s ability to withstand a hurricane’s impact. You’ll probably pay more for windows with durability features such as stabilizer bars or double-pane glass or energy-efficiency components such as low-emissivity (low-e) glass. These features vary according to brands’ window lines.

Window brands have different prices, warranties, features, and customer support options. Top-rated brands such as Renewal by Andersen offer more customization options and comprehensive warranties, but they cost more.

Like other window types, hurricane windows can be made with different glass varieties. Here are some common options and their average prices.

Plexiglass ($100–$250): Plexiglass is an affordable, flexible plastic pane. It’s usually stronger than a glass pane but can scratch easily and turns yellow over time.
Standard glass ($150–$350): Standard window glass isn’t treated, altered, or tinted. This is the most popular glass type for hurricane windows.
Acrylic ($200–$275): Acrylic window panes look similar to standard glass but are stronger. They’re also flexible and lightweight.
Tempered glass ($200–$400): Tempered glass is often used on hurricane windows in high-risk locations. It’s put through a chemical process that increases its strength and durability.
Low-e ($200–$500): Low-e glass has a transparent coating that reflects heat and ultraviolet (UV) rays. This glass helps to maintain your home’s temperature, increasing your energy savings.

Window installation prices depend on the window’s size and location but typically range from $80–$400 per window. Some companies may offer discounts for installing several windows at once.

Permit requirements and costs vary by state, county, and city but are typically $50–$200. A window installer will often acquire the necessary permits for the project, but you should confirm that everything is up to local building codes.

Windows on the second floor or higher take twice as long to put in and are riskier for installers, increasing labor costs. Obstacles that make installation harder, such as landscaping features, also drive up prices.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

You may be able to install hurricane windows by yourself if you’re experienced at home improvement projects, have the right equipment, and follow reliable instructions. Still, we recommend hiring a professional to ensure that windows are properly fitted and sealed in the event of extreme weather. Impact windows are thicker and heavier, generally requiring a team of people to install.

A professional installer will check that your windows are correctly sized, sealed, and secured. You’ll also receive a warranty for nonglass materials and workmanship for up to 10 years, protecting your investment. The time it takes to complete the project depends on the number of windows in your home and their sizes and types.

What Are The Benefits of Hurricane Windows?

Hurricane windows have several benefits beyond storm protection, including the following:

Better safety and security: Hurricane windows aren’t indestructible, but their multilayer, laminated glass makes them much harder for intruders to break.
Enhanced energy efficiency: Hurricane windows can help reduce energy costs due to tight sealing and laminated glass that controls heat transfer.
Improved market appeal: Having hurricane windows installed on your house could make it much more appealing to buyers, especially in coastal regions.
Noise reduction: The multilayer design will reduce sound transmission from outside noises.
Potential insurance discounts: Having windows less resistant to storm damage and break-ins makes your home less of a risk for insurance companies, so you may get a reduced premium on your homeowners insurance policy.

How To Save on Hurricane Window Installation

Hurricane window installation is an expensive but often necessary home improvement project. You can save money by following these tips:

Check your home insurance: Home insurance companies often reward homeowners in high-risk regions for adding hurricane protection. Check if your insurance policy offers a discount for installing hurricane windows.

Get multiple quotes: Request quotes from local window installers and negotiate to make sure that you get the best price.

Opt for offseason ordering: Many window installers offer a discount if you install your new windows outside of hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Look for tax credits: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 lets you claim a tax credit for installing hurricane windows. The maximum credit is $200 per window.

Our Conclusion

Hurricane and impact-resistant windows are a substantial financial investment, but they may be what saves your home if a hurricane hits. We recommend looking into reputable brands that sell hurricane windows, such as Renewal by Andersen and Pella. It’s best to get at least three quotes to compare pricing and to review warranty details, product features, and customer reviews.

FAQ About Hurricane Window Costs

Do hurricane windows increase home value?

Hurricane windows can add to your property value, increase your home’s appeal to prospective buyers, and lower your home insurance rate. Having high-quality hurricane windows made of impact-resistant glass may boost your home’s value in high-risk regions such as Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina.

Do hurricane impact windows really work?

Yes, hurricane windows really work. These windows are engineered to withstand Category 5 winds, offering more protection from severe storms and flying debris than standard windows.

What is the cheapest way to hurricane-proof windows?

Windows aren’t considered hurricane-proof unless they’re specifically designed to withstand high winds. There isn’t a shortcut equivalent to installing this type of window. Adding storm windows is more affordable, but these aren’t made to be as protective as actual hurricane windows.

Our Rating Methodology

We back up our window ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each provider. We conduct research by speaking with company representatives, browsing product selections, analyzing window line specifications, and conducting focus groups and consumer surveys. We then score each provider against our review standards for window variety, value, trustworthiness and transparency, window features, and customer service to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.