In hurricane-prone areas, many builders opt for impact windows. These windows meet the stringent design requirements of Florida’s strict building code and withstand the force of heavy wind-borne debris.
They also resist forced entry by burglars, who often use sledgehammers and crowbars to break through standard windows. You can see how well these windows hold up to abuse in online videos.
Glass
Impact windows blend laminated and tempered glass with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) to create a window that can resist heavy impact, such as flying debris during a storm. Unlike traditional windows that shatter into sharp shards, impact products shatter into small pebbles that, reduce the chance of injury. They also offer greater security by deterring burglars who try to break windows, as they will find it much more challenging to enter a home through impact-resistant glass.
Depending on the needs and location of homeowners, manufacturers design different impact windows with various ratings, such as design pressure (DP). A DP rating measures how well a window can withstand sustained high wind speeds without breaking. It’s important to note that while impact windows are a good investment for anyone, they are instrumental in hurricane zones and areas with a high risk of damage from flying debris. They provide safety, security, peace of mind, and energy savings.
Frame
Airborne debris is hurled against windows and doors at high speeds during impact testing. It can shatter traditional windows and cause serious injury, but impact resistant windows stay secured in their frames.
Choosing the correct type of window depends on your needs and your home’s location. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms can generate debris that can pierce standard glass and cause damage to homes. That’s why it is essential to install impact products if you live in areas prone to severe weather.
Aside from protecting against property damage, provide added benefits such as increased security and reduced noise pollution. The thicker glass and sturdy laminations of Impact Resistant Windows are also harder to break open, making it difficult for burglars to gain entry. They are also more energy efficient than standard annealed glass. This means you’ll save on cooling costs and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment.
Seals
We’ve all seen the terrible post-storm photos of 2x4s speared through windows, shattered glass covering possessions and furniture, and other catastrophes caused by wind. These disasters are more than just a nuisance — they cause severe damage that puts lives in danger.
Impact windows rely on safety glass to protect against flying debris, heavy winds, and even home intruders. These windows feature a thicker plastic interlayer than traditional ones, making them far less likely to break or shatter during severe weather.
The frame of an impact window is also made of a firm material, such as aluminum or reinforced vinyl. The window frame is critical because it helps keep the impact glass in place during high winds.
Hardware
Hurricanes and high winds create massive damage that can destroy buildings, and windows are often the weakest point. That’s why many homeowners spend hours putting up plywood covers or storm shutters to protect their homes from destruction and break-ins.
But with impact-resistant windows, you can save time and money on these measures. Unlike traditional windows, impact-resistant windows are more robust and more secure. Plus, they’re much more energy-efficient than standard windows and doors, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Impact glass, or hurricane glass, is safety glass on steroids. It’s made of tempered and laminated glass with an interlayer of plastic that helps keep shards in place when the window breaks and holds up to hurricane-force wind speeds.
