Material decision card
Aluminum Impact Windows
Laminated glass in a reinforced aluminum frame with a product approval number. Meets large-missile impact requirements without shutters and typically earns a wind-mitigation credit.
Verified August 2026
Is aluminum impact windows worth it?
30–40 year service life
Best for: High-wind and wind-borne-debris zones, and insurance premium credits. Maintenance is low and durability rates 5/5.
Decision card
| Service life | 30–40 years |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low |
| Durability | 5 / 5 |
| DIY difficulty | 5 / 5 (5 = hardest) |
| Warranty | 10-20 year, laminated glass warranty separate |
| Relative installed cost | 145% of the typical job |
Climate suitability
Only the exposures that actually change this material's performance.
Handles well: Design wind speed exposure
Handles well: Named-storm exposure
Handles well: Coastal / salt-air exposure
Shortens its life: Cooling load / heat exposure