Impact-resistant windows and doors, which can sometimes be referred to as hurricane windows and hurricane doors, are a great alternative to having to shutter up windows any time there is a storm threat. What some people may not know is that these windows and doors also carry other benefits; intruder protection, noise reduction, and even energy efficiency. Impact-Resistant windows and doors are becoming increasingly popular around the country, especially in storm-prone South Florida. For over 20 years, the experts of Window & Door Replacement Company have been serving the South Florida area, and our remodel consultants know impact windows inside and out, literally. But what makes impact-resistant windows and doors different from non-impact?

Well, there are many factors that come together to make an impact product. The most well-known difference, and arguably one of the most important, is the makeup of the glass. Impact-resistant glass, aka laminated glass, can be a bit misunderstood, but we are here to break it down for you (not literally, no glass shattering here).

Laminated glass is made by ‘sandwiching’ a vinyl inner layer between 2 layers of annealed or heat-strengthened glass. The vinyl inner layer is most commonly made out of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), but is sometimes also made out of SentryGlass Plus® (SGP). This construction creates extremely strong glass that prevents objects from penetrating the window, within test load parameters. A common misconception is that people think impact glass is indestructible, but this is not the case. The sacrificial piece of the glass on the outside will shatter, but the vinyl inner prevents the entire pane from breaking which allows the seal to remain intact. The video below shows the testing of impact glass in a CGI window, one of WDRC’s premier manufacturers. It will show that even though parts of the glass will break, the home will stay secure.

Impact windows and doors don’t just stop at the glass. In order to make an approved impact product, the frame and components are subjected to numerous cycles of testing to meet the standards of Miami Dade Notice of Approval (NOA) or Florida Product Approval. These certifications help consumers determine whether or not a certain product meets the building codes in their area. Code requirements for your windows and doors vary by location.

One of the main factors considered in a product approval, after missile testing, are design pressures (DPs). Design pressure indicates the maximum positive and negative pressure a unit can withstand while still within tolerance. These DP requirements are determined by a myriad of factors, including distance from the coast, how many floors your building/home has, how close to the edge of the building your window/door is, and what region you live in. Below is the most recent map of Florida Wind Zones. Knowing your zone is helpful both in window and door shopping, as well as hurricane prep and possible evacuation.

Shopping for Impact Windows and Doors can be daunting. The remodel consultants at Window & Door Replacement Company have extensive knowledge on these products so they are sure to help you select the solution that is right for you. Your products will meet the required code, match your design vision and protect your home for many years to come. To get your estimate, please call 561-623-8446.