Impact or no impact, that is the question.

A new year brings new changes. And for the Connecticut Shore Line, this could be a big one! We can all agree, building along the coast isn’t cheap, so we tend to look for cost savings wherever we can. Windows are one of those big ticket items that shouldn’t be comprimised. 

Let’s break it down. The International Residential Building Code (IRC) determines Connecticut is within the Impact Zone 3. This relates to the wind speeds, past and predicted, during a storm and how fast debris will be flying around. How does that affect you? Well, if your property is south of I-95 and you’re looking to replace your windows you’ll be required to use Impact Zone 3 rated units. This can add up to 30% – 40% more cost than your average window! ($ Cha-Ching! $)

But! In 2020, that could all change. We’ve heard the IRC is changing their mapping and removing Connecticut from an Impact Zone 3 rating.

When living on the coast, maximizing your views is always a must!

<< Check out this Essex Modern home and imagine how much all that glass must cost (a fortune right?!) Then add 30% to that number and that is what you’d be faced with pre-2020 update.

Town Officials Getting Ahead of the Game!

In our own office we’ve experienced this first hand with Building Officials initiating and granting code modifications to allow the use of non-impact rated windows in previously known impact rated zones.

Check With Your Insurance First!

This all sounds like great news, right?! Well, maybe. The question is then posed to the insurance companies. Will rates go up without impact rated glass even if the code doesn’t require it? That’s a conversation to be had before jumping for joy with your 30% material cost savings.