Structurally, impact-resistant windows are made of:
- Two panes of shatter-resistant glass. If the exterior glass is shattered by a projectile, the inner layer remains, protecting the house. Because of the way the glass is designed, it doesn’t break into dangerous shards.
- An adhesive layer holding the panes together. This might be PVB, EVA, or resin. ...
- A strong frame. Frames may be either metal (typically steel or aluminum), vinyl, or wood. ...
Full Answer
How do I know if my windows are impact resistant?
- Search for a permanent mark in any of the corners of the glass. ...
- Check the glass for a temporarily placed label by the manufacture. ...
- Examine the reflection in the glass from both the exterior and interior. ...
How much does an impact resistant window cost?
While typical vinyl replacement windows may start at $250 fully installed, a hurricane or impact windows will start somewhere in the $400 - $500 range for a vinyl impact window fully installed. Mid range impact window costs will run anywhere from $700 - $1000 fully installed.
Do I need impact resistant windows?
With a strong frame and glass, impact windows can withstand winds of up to 200 mph! Although hurricane shutters are cheaper, impact-resistant windows are better because they have numerous benefits. It is important to note that you can have your windows customized to meet your preference.
What are the best rated hurricane impact windows?
What Brand of Impact Window Should I Buy?
- Weather Shield. Weather shield hurricane impact windows offer the best protection for Florida’s oceanside homeowners.
- PGT. PGT acquired the individual brands of CGI, CGIC, WinDoor, and Western Window Systems. ...
- Origin. ...
- Don’t Settle For Anything Less Than The Best: Hurricane impact windows and doors all have prices. ...
How do you make windows more impact resistant?
Here are four ways to hurricane-proof your windows:Add hurricane window film. Tough, clear plastic hurricane film is popular because you can't really see it, and you can leave it in place year-round. ... Shield windows with plywood. ... Add storm shutters. ... Install high-impact glass windows. ... Ask about home insurance discounts.
How can you tell if a window is impact resistant?
Many hurricane-proof windows are made with panes of tempered glass that often have a small insignia or label etched into one of the corners. This permanent mark helps to identify the type of glass, the manufacturer, where it was made, and the standards under which it was manufactured.
What makes a window hurricane-resistant?
Hurricane-resistant windows have frames that are made from higher-strength materials like aluminum or vinyl. Additionally, the impact glass is treated to a special silicone glazing process to keep the glass from breaking away from its frame.
What does impact resistant windows mean?
Impact windows are designed to resist the penetration of flying debris during a storm, thereby protecting a home or commercial structure from wind infiltration and resulting damages. Once a structure is compromised and penetrated by flying debris, internal pressure builds up, leading to serious structural damage.
Can impact windows be broken into?
Put simply, yes, impact windows can break. That is because they are impact-resistant and not impact-proof. Impact glass is designed to resist heavy blows, hence it became popular as windshields for vehicles. Like a car's windshield, however, it can break when struck by excessive forces.
Can burglars break impact windows?
While impact windows aren't indestructible, they are very hard to break. To get through, a burglar would create a ruckus and likely be caught. Breaking through impact windows typically proves to be considerable work and energy, forcing burglars to move on.
Is there a difference between impact windows and hurricane windows?
However, choosing impact windows is typically the better choice. A standard hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds, but it will shatter if struck by airborne debris. Impact windows are constructed with a durable laminate between the glass panes.
Can impact windows withstand Category 5?
Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it.
Can burglars break hurricane windows?
They Splinter, Not Shatter Rather than shattering like a traditional pane of glass, impact resistant windows will splinter, but not break through. What this means for your safety is that a person can not smash it and either reach or step in.
What material is the most impact resistant?
Here are some of the best impact resistant plastic options for creating tough parts.Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) ABS is known for its high impact resistance and mid-range cost, making it a popular choice in many different manufacturing industries. ... High-density polyethylene (HDPE) ... Polycarbonate (PC)
What wind speed do impact windows withstand?
Impact Windows Are Just for Looks Ultimately, hurricane-resistant windows are capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour. If flying debris does hit a window, the added protection will keep the glass from breaking up into large sharp pieces.
What is the best thickness for impact windows?
7/16-9/16 inchesHow Thick Should Impact Windows Be? Impact windows should be at least 7/16-9/16 inches (11.1-14.3 mm) thick. That width ensures they can withstand high winds and provide the best protection for your home. Some areas may require thicker windows, so it's essential to check with your local building code regulations.
How can I tell if my windows have safety glass?
Tempered glass must have a small label etched in a corner of the glass, officially known as the “glass monogram,” but called a “bug” in the construction trades. It is required to identify the glass as tempered, have the manufacturer name, and the ANSI and CPSC standards under which it was manufactured.
What is considered an impact window?
Impact-resistant windows (also sometimes called impact windows, hurricane windows, or laminated glass) are windows specifically designed to withstand the stresses of hurricanes, including high winds and projectiles moving at high speeds.
What kind of glass is impact-resistant?
tempered glassImpact glass is comprised of two different types of glass, one of which is called tempered glass, also known as safety glass. Tempered glass is manufactured in a way that makes it up to four times stronger than annealed (standard) glass.
What is the difference between regular windows and impact windows?
However, choosing impact windows is typically the better choice. A standard hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds, but it will shatter if struck by airborne debris. Impact windows are constructed with a durable laminate between the glass panes.
Who Needs Impact Resistant Windows?from kin.com
While anyone worried about storm damage can install impact-resistant windows, people in Florida’s most hurricane-prone regions can benefit most.
Why do impact resistant windows show two reflections?from kin.com
Because impact-resistant windows are made up of two panes of glass, they’ll show two reflections (instead of the single reflection a normal window will show). For best results, wait until it’s dark out to try this. Check the deed to your house.
Why do you need to seal your home for hurricanes?from kin.com
By keeping your home sealed, these windows prevent hurricane winds from getting inside and significantly raising the air pressure inside your home, which can lead to the collapse of walls and roofs.
How fast can a missile hit a window in Florida?from kin.com
Large missile impact: For South Florida homes, this test involves hurling a nine-pound wooden two-by-four at the window at 80 feet per second , first at the center of the pane and then at its edges. To pass, the glass must not shatter at either impact. (For homes outside South Florida, the missiles are lobbed at slower speeds.)
How to protect your home from a hurricane?from kin.com
Other ways to protect your home from a hurricane include these: Update your roof per wind mitigation guidelines. Certain types of roof construction can both reduce your risk of wind damage and lower your homeowners insurance premiums. Verify that you have flood insurance.
How much does plywood cost per square foot?from kin.com
Plywood. $5 – $6 / square foot. No. No. If a hurricane is on the way and you don’t have time to install impact-resistant windows, it’s better to do something (e.g., cover your windows with plywood) than nothing. But for superior long-term protection, impact-resistant windows can’t be beat.
What is impact resistant glass?from pella.com
Protect your home with impact-resistant glass. When strong hurricane winds enter a home through broken windows or doors, the increased pressure can lift off the roof and harm the structural integrity of your home. While completely hurricane-proof windows, doors and homes don’t exist, our impact-resistant products provide ...
How to achieve impact resistance in windows?
The most common way to achieve impact resistance in windows and doors is to select a product that uses laminated glass. “Laminated glass” is comprised of 2 panes of glass bonded together with a strong, clear interlayer. “Laminated insulating glass” is constructed as 2 panes of glass bonded together with a strong, clear interlayer — then includes an airspace followed by a third pane of glass for added insulation. The airspace between the 2nd and 3rd piece of glass is filled with air or other gas to reduce heat transfer. Source
What is impact resistant glass?
Impact resistant glass windows have advanced to the point where they are thoroughly tested to withstand Category 5 wind conditions and the debris that goes with it. What that means is that your home has a much better chance of remaining intact with minimal damage!
How Much Do Hurricane Windows Cost?
The price for hurricane windows varies greatly depending on where you live, how many windows you’re installing, the size of those windows, the type of those windows, and whether or not your installing impact resistant glass doors at the same time.
What is a hurricane resistant window?
Hurricane resistant windows or storm-proof windows are composed of impact resistant glass, containing a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between 2 slabs of glass. The most effective type of impact resistant window is the inner-membrane window. An impact-resistant glass will probably shatter on impact, but it will remain attached to the inner membrane along with the window frame. There is always the alternative of using a shatter-resistant film that covers window glass — that will prevent glass from shattering. Source
Why are impact windows important in hurricanes?
Impact windows also increase safety, noise reduction, and intrusion resistance. Burglars run once they try to smash one of these windows and realize that it is not going anywhere. Parents are not nervous when their small children play around a large picture window. And homeowners marvel just how much of the outside world’s noise no longer enters into the home. Impact windows are a great way to help reduce damage from severe thunderstorms that can have damaging wind. These types of storms can hit anywhere at any time. There is no replacing the peace of mind that a homeowner with impact windows goes to bed with. Source
What is impact window?
One type of impact windows is designed for small missile (projectile) impacts. These windows consist of multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between 2 sheets of glass. The glass is then placed in an autoclaveat least 600 degrees Celsius under high pressure — to temper the glass in order to increase its strength.
How fast does a missile hit a window?
The first test is called a large missile impact test. A 9-pound 2×4 wood stud is launched at 50 feet per second (fps), or almost 35 miles per hour, at the center of the window. If the window doesn’t shatter, another board is then shot at one of the corners of the window. Both the center and the corner of the window must be able to hold together to pass this test. Hurricane-prone Florida has slightly tougher testing standards, requiring windows to withstand boards launched at 80 fps.
What is Impact Resistant Glass?
Impact resistant glass is glazed with a special silicone to help keep glass from breaking away from it’s frame. It is comprised of 2 panes of laminated, insulated glass that is bonded together with a special interlayer of clear polyvinyl butyral. There is an airspace between the 2nd and 3rd glass layers that is filled with air or other gas to reduce heat transfer, then followed by a 3rd pane of glass for added insulation. High-quality impact resistant glass is specifically designed to withstand repeated impact, and tested with a 9 lb 2’ x 4’ beam traveling 34 mph.
Why are impact windows important?
When it comes to taking necessary safety precautions, impact windows are the best form of protection to keep you safe, while still preserving the aesthetic beauty of your home. Not only will the Impact Resistant Glass help protect your loved ones, it can raise the value of your home, as well as protect your home from extensive, costly water damage. ...
What are the areas that should be checked for vulnerabilities?
There are 4 areas that should be checked for vulnerabilities: (1) windows, (2) doors, (3) roof, and (4) the garage door (if you have one). For this article, we will be focusing on window protection and how Impact Resistant Glass can help protect you from bodily harm.
What is the purpose of glass in a home?
The flexible, laminated layer of glass acts as a barrier of protection, preventing wind-borne objects from penetrating the inside of your home at a specified wind velocity (depending on the object size and weight).
Is impact resistant glass unbreakable?
No, Impact Resistant Glass is not unbreakable. While a standard window can easily break into large, jagged shards of glass that can fly around inside your home at high speeds and cause serious injury, Impact Resistant Glass is designed to break in smaller, round pieces, and remain adhered to the heavy-duty frame. The flexible, laminated layer of glass acts as a barrier of protection, preventing wind-borne objects from penetrating the inside of your home at a specified wind velocity (depending on the object size and weight).
Can flying debris break windows?
During severe thunderstorms or hurricanes, flying debris outside can break your windows allowing high winds into your home, and creating a whirlwind of objects that can create a very dangerous situation. Not only can flying debris enter your home and cause bodily harm, the wind alone can cause weak areas in your home to fail.
How does tempered glass work?
This type of glass is heat-treated, meaning that when it cools, the surface and edges of the glass become compressed. The compression helps to make tempered glass about 5-10 times stronger than traditional glass.
What is SGP in PVB?
SGP is similar in construction to PVB in that a membrane is inserted in between panes of glass. However, SGP involves interlayers that are five times stronger and considerably stiffer than the laminate material that’s used in PVB construction. The result is a window that protects against extreme wind and impact from debris.
What is laminated glass?
Laminated glass is created by bonding together two or more panes of glass with a thin layer of film or vinyl in between , called Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB). This shatter-proof membrane is designed to catch broken glass, allowing it to stick like a fly on sticky paper.
What is hurricane resistant glass?
Hurricane-resistant windows have frames that are made from higher-strength materials like aluminum or vinyl. Additionally, the impact glass is treated to a special silicone glazing process to keep the glass from breaking away from its frame. Not only is the frame made from studier materials and affixed better to its glass, it’s also thicker.
What type of window is best for Florida?
Let’s break down each to help you look for the right impact window for your Florida home: 1. Impact-Resistant Glass. Impact-resistant windows are often made of both tempered and laminated glass:
How thick should storm windows be?
You can typically expect your storm windows to have a minimum frame depth of 2-3/4 inches with a minimal nominal wall thickness of .062, which aids the system in withstanding strong winds.
Why do you need a window inspection?
Have your windows inspected by our team to assess if they’re storm-safe solutions. Even if they are, a professional window inspection is a valuable resource to double-check the quality of your windows, and alert you to any repair issues that could become problematic down the road.
Why do we need windows and doors?
Whether it’s a bustling big city or a barking dog, your windows and doors can help block out the noises that bother you.
What is impact resistant glass?
Protect your home with impact-resistant glass. When strong hurricane winds enter a home through broken windows or doors, the increased pressure can lift off the roof and harm the structural integrity of your home. While completely hurricane-proof windows, doors and homes don’t exist, our impact-resistant products provide ...
Where is laminated glass located?
For the best performance, the laminated glass may be located on either the interior or exterior pane of insulating glass, depending on the product.
Does Pella glass protect against storms?
The interlayer cannot be easily penetrated, even if the glass shatters. This provides added protection from intruders and storms, meaning storm shutters are no longer necessary.
