Hurricane Season Prep: Why Impact Windows are Houston’s Best Back-to-School Investment
- Longhorn Windows
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 10
As summer winds down in Houston, there are two things on every family’s mind: the start of a new school year and the looming arrival of hurricane season. While back-to-school shopping might include backpacks and supplies, there's one home improvement that deserves a spot on your checklist this year: impact windows.
In a city like Houston, where tropical storms and hurricanes are part of the seasonal landscape, investing in storm-ready windows isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a family-first decision. Let’s break down why now is the perfect time to install impact windows and how they offer more than just hurricane protection.
Houston’s Storm Reality
Houston-area homeowners can expect a tropical storm or hurricane to make landfall somewhere along the Texas coast approximately once every year and a half. That means your home is likely to face high winds, torrential rain, and flying debris multiple times throughout the season.
Traditional windows, even double-pane ones, can shatter under pressure or debris impact, exposing your home and family to water damage, glass shards, and even structural risks. Hurricane windows in Houston are engineered specifically for our region’s weather—built with laminated glass and reinforced frames that stand up to Category 5 winds.
This isn’t just about statistics; it’s a lived reality. Just ask homeowners in neighborhoods like Meyerland or Westbury, where repeat flooding and storm damage have made resilience a priority.
So, while kids are packing lunches and sharpening pencils, smart Houston homeowners are preparing their homes for the worst.
The Dual Benefit of Impact Windows
Yes, storm protection is the headline—but it’s far from the full story. Installing impact windows creates a safer, more comfortable, and more energy-efficient environment, which is especially important during back-to-school season.
1. Built for Storms
These windows are tested to withstand high-speed winds and impacts from flying debris. That means even when the power goes out or evacuation isn’t possible, your home remains secure. The glass may crack upon impact, but it stays in place—no dangerous shards, no water intrusion.
2. Sound Barrier = Better Study & Sleep
Houston neighborhoods are rarely quiet, especially if you live near busy roads, schools, or commercial centers. Impact windows block out much of the outside noise, creating a quieter space ideal for kids to focus on homework and get restful sleep.
Families with students, especially those learning at home or attending school virtually, will notice the difference immediately. One Longhorn customer in Sugar Land mentioned that after installing their windows, their daughter with ADHD found it much easier to stay focused during study hours.
3. Lower Energy Bills During the Heat Spike
September in Houston is still brutally hot. With ACs running overtime, energy bills can skyrocket. Storm-ready windows in Texas help maintain indoor temperatures by reducing thermal transfer, easing the load on your HVAC system.
The result? A home that’s better protected, more comfortable, and more affordable to cool. Plus, the energy savings add up fast; in fact, related products like Low‑E storm windows are shown to deliver 10%–30% operational savings on heating and cooling, and impact windows share many of the same thermal-saving technologies.
More Than Just Glass: What Makes Impact Windows Different
It’s not just thicker glass. High-quality hurricane windows are made using multiple layers of laminated glass, often sandwiching a clear, shatter-resistant interlayer like polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This ensures that even if the outer layers break, the window remains intact.
The frames are also stronger, made from reinforced aluminum, or composite materials that resist warping and cracking under pressure.
Plus, most impact windows are tested and rated according to national standards, including:
ASTM E1886/E1996 for impact resistance
Miami-Dade County certification, considered the gold standard
When shopping for storm-ready windows in Texas, it’s worth checking for these certifications to ensure maximum protection.
Why September is the Sweet Spot
You might be thinking, "Why not wait until a storm is on the radar?" Here’s the thing—waiting until the last minute can mean long installation wait times, emergency pricing, or even total unavailability of materials and installers.
September is the calm before the storm. Families are settling into routines. The summer remodeling rush is winding down. And hurricane season still has months to go. Now is the window (pun intended) to get high-quality protection before the peak.
Financial Advantages
Immediate energy savings as AC use continues into fall
Possible insurance premium reductions for impact-resistant installations
Avoid costly repairs or temporary boarding-up services later in the season
Plus, Longhorn Windows offers flexible financing options designed to work with your back-to-school budget.
Available Installer Bandwidth
By mid-fall, contractors often get booked out weeks in advance due to storm repairs and seasonal projects. September installations are more likely to fit your schedule without delay, helping you stay ahead of the weather.
Long-Term ROI & Safety
When you invest in impact windows, you’re not just buying peace of mind for one storm season—you’re upgrading your home for the next 20+ years.
Insurance companies often offer discounts for homes with certified impact-resistant features.
After a storm, homes with hurricane windows typically require fewer repairs, avoiding expenses like water damage remediation or window replacements.
Adds resale value and curb appeal to your home.
Let’s not forget about daily comfort. Reduced UV exposure protects furniture and flooring. The added insulation helps in winter, too. And unlike temporary solutions like plywood or accordion shutters, impact windows are a one-time upgrade that pays off for decades.
Houston's Unique Needs
Houston’s subtropical climate brings year-round heat, humidity, and severe weather. Between hurricane threats, spring hail, and scorching summer temperatures, your windows do a lot of heavy lifting.
Adjacent communities like Galveston, Pasadena, Pearland, and League City see frequent storm activity and are particularly prone to wind-driven rain and salt-air corrosion. Standard windows simply can’t keep up. That’s why more Houston-area homeowners are turning to Longhorn for custom, impact-rated window solutions built for Texas homes.
Why Choose Longhorn Windows?
We’re not just another national brand with a Houston ZIP code. Longhorn Windows is a locally owned, Houston-proud company, serving homeowners throughout the greater metro area and Gulf Coast.
Our team understands the unique weather challenges Houstonians face and offers window solutions that meet the highest standards of storm resistance, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
We’re known for:
Custom window options to match your home’s look
Fast, professional installation
Honest, upfront pricing
Flexible financing plans
Expert guidance on insurance and code compliance
And yes, we handle everything from start to finish—including permits, inspections, and cleanup.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Before the next storm warning hits—or your energy bill climbs higher—get your home ready with Longhorn Windows.
Call us today at (832) 530-4485 to schedule a free consultation. Secure your home. Support your family. Save money. Longhorn Windows has you covered for back-to-school and beyond.
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