Over the last few years, impact-resistant windows have become more and more popular in South Florida, and with good reason. Impact-resistant windows are often called impact windows or hurricane windows because of their ability to protect your home and family from storm damage. With so many names used, there tends to be some confusion as to what impact-resistant windows and doors are capable of, so we answered some of the most common questions.
Can Impact Windows Break?
There is a common misconception that hurricane windows and doors are “impact-proof”, but that is not true. They are called impact windows because they are impact-resistant, not impact-proof. The glass may crack when it’s hit, but it will not break into pieces, or break away from the frame. This prevents any debris, wind, or rain from entering your home and causing further damage.
How Do Impact Windows Work?
While all components of a hurricane impact window are crucial to keeping your home safe, the most important piece is the laminated glass used. Laminated glass is made of a vinyl interlayer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlass Plus (SGP), sandwiched between two pieces of annealed or heat-strengthened glass. It is the same basic composition of a car’s windshield, simply many times thicker and therefore much stronger.
Next, the frame is made of stronger materials than non-impact windows, like extruded aluminum, reinforced vinyl, or a combination of solid wood and extruded aluminum (also known as wood-clad products). The glass is inserted into the frame with high-strength structural silicone, also helping to keep the window intact after an impact.
Are Impact Windows Bulletproof?
No, hurricane Impact windows are not rated as bulletproof. For a window or door to be rated and sold as a bulletproof window, it must undergo ballistic testing, which is different from impact testing. However, there have been some examples of impact doors and windows stopping intruders, which shows that hurricane windows can help prevent burglary.
Intruder protection is just one of the additional benefits of hurricane windows and doors due to their unique makeup. To learn more about impact products and how they can benefit your home and family, request a free estimate or call 561-623-8446.
