Impact-resistant glass, also known as hurricane-resistant or storm-resistant glass, is a type of glass designed to withstand severe impacts, high winds, and other extreme weather conditions. It offers enhanced protection to buildings and their occupants during hurricanes, storms, or any other events that could cause flying debris and structural damage.
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you might be familiar with impact-resistant glass. It’s used in home-hardening products such as windows, doors, and shutters to insulate homes and businesses from the detrimental impact of hurricanes and strong winds. If you are curious about what makes this type of glass so special, here’s everything you need to know about impact-resistant glass:
- Laminated Glass
Impact-resistant glass is typically made using a sandwich-like construction called laminated glass. It consists of two or more layers of glass glued together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) interlayer between them. The interlayer holds the glass fragments together when the glass breaks, preventing it from shattering into dangerous sharp pieces.
- Impact Performance
Impact-resistant glass is rigorously tested to meet specific performance standards, such as ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886 in the United States. These tests assess the glass’s ability to withstand high-velocity impacts from debris and simulate hurricane or storm conditions.
- Wind Resistance
Apart from impact resistance, this type of glass is engineered to withstand high wind pressures typically experienced during severe weather events like hurricanes. It helps prevent the glass from being blown out of the frame and protects against structural damage caused by wind-driven debris.
- Code Compliance
In regions prone to hurricanes and severe storms, building codes often mandate the use of impact-resistant glass for windows and doors in residential and commercial buildings. This is to ensure the safety of occupants and reduce damage to properties during extreme weather events.
- Design Options
Impact-resistant glass is available in various designs, tints, and styles, allowing homeowners and architects to choose from a wide range of options to match their aesthetic preferences while maintaining safety and protection.
- Sound Insulation
Impact-resistant windows, particularly those made with laminated glass, offer improved sound insulation compared to regular glass windows. The sound insulation properties are an additional benefit of using impact-resistant windows, in addition to their primary function of providing protection during hurricanes and storms.
- UV Protection
Hurricane windows offer a combination of safety features and energy-efficient properties to enhance the comfort and well-being of occupants in homes and buildings located in hurricane-prone regions with intense sun exposure. UV protection in hurricane windows comes from the special coatings applied to the glass during the manufacturing process. These coatings are designed to block a significant portion of harmful UV radiation from the sun.
- Maintenance
Impact-resistant glass does not require any special maintenance beyond regular cleaning with mild soap and water or a glass cleaner.
- Cost
Impact-resistant glass is generally more expensive than regular glass due to its manufacturing process, advanced features, and safety benefits. However, the added protection it provides during severe weather events can make it a worthwhile investment in vulnerable areas.
- Energy Efficiency
Some impact-resistant glass products come with additional energy-efficient coatings that help reduce heat transfer and improve insulation, contributing to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling.
Trusted Dealers of Home-Hardening Products
If you are considering remodeling or upgrading your home with impact-resistant doors and windows, Panorama Windows and Doors is where you can buy the highest-quality products in Stuart, Florida. From contractors, window dealers and installers, and homeowners, we serve everyone who is looking to undertake their own quality installation. Call us today for a quote!