If you live in a hurricane-prone area, chances are that city guidelines require you to have impact-resistant windows to protect your home from strong cyclone winds. Debris propelled at high speeds can not only damage your home but also endanger your loved ones. Hurricane winds can damage your windows and even weaken the foundation of your home by causing uneven air pressure.
Impact-resistant or hurricane rated windows provide an optimal level of protection against high winds and debris. Made from laminated glass and sealed with multiple layers of durable material, these windows are engineered to withstand strong winds and avoid shattering when hit by debris. To better understand how hurricane windows can keep you and your loved ones safe, let’s take a look at how they work.
Shatter Prevention
Unlike normal windows, impact-resistant windows don’t easily shatter during hurricanes. While you may think that it may have something to do with the glass, it is more about the fabrication of the materials. While some impact-resistant windows use two layers of laminated glass that have a special resin tucked between them, others use tempered glass or sentry glass plus technology (SGP).
All of the above options are great options due to their added strength and the ability to not shatter easily. Impact-resistant windows are specially engineered to withstand high winds (up to 170 miles per hour). Furthermore, they come with a sturdy frame to protect the unit. Laminated glass is unlikely to break from the impact of small debris or strong winds but if they do, they won’t shatter easily. The inner membrane holds the pieces of glass together. They are quite effective against an onslaught of debris.
Windows that use SGP consist of interlayers that are at least 3-5 times stronger than laminated glass. They are significantly stiffer and the filler material used in them is clearer than the one used in laminated. This allows them to maintain their transparency even after years of use. They are typically used for commercial applications and can be found in office buildings and such.
Heavy Duty Frame
Some of you may already know this but the glass is only as good as the frame that is keeping it in place. Hurricane winds can easily knock the glass out of its frame causing water, debris, and wind to enter your property and even cause bodily harm. In some cases, the window might get pushed through entirely, resulting in a big opening which can let the storm in.
Fortunately, impact-resistant windows come with frames that are thicker than standard ones. They are made from durable materials such as aluminum or vinyl that are not easily breakable. Furthermore, the glass used in these windows is specially treated to avoid shattering easily adding an extra layer of protection.
Protection Against Intruders
Besides protecting your house against elements of nature, impact-resistant windows also boost the security of your house against intruders and vandals. Windows are the most common units that burglars rely on to break into a house. Since breaking through an impact-resistant window is not easy, it hinders the invader’s ability to enter your house.
While impact-resistant windows are a great way to protect your home against hurricane winds, they can also double up as a security measure against vandals and intruders. At Panorama Windows and Doors, we understand how important it is to have hurricane windows installed in your home if you live near the coast. We help the residents of Stuart, Florida prepare their home for the hurricane season by providing them the best-in-class impact-resistant windows and doors. To get your quote, contact our amazing team today!