Hurricane-proof windows are a wise investment for anyone in a hurricane-prone region. Some counties and states require homeowners to install them.
Most impact-rated windows are constructed by sandwiching some impact-proof material between two panes of glass. Window companies test these windows by hitting them with baseball bats and other missiles.
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Strength
Many people assume that any high-quality windows labeled “Hurricane Rated” will be able to withstand hurricane-force winds, but the truth is much different. Most high-quality windows that claim hurricane-rated have a Design Pressure Rating of 50psf and are not designed to withstand debris from storms or home invasion attempts.
The best hurricane impact windows are made from a combination of tempered and laminated glass, with plastic laminations between the glass panes and frames. This creates a more solid unit that is tough to crack or shatter and less likely to ding or dent under pressure.
These windows must undergo a series of tests to be certified as impact-resistant. One test involves launching two 2x4s at the window at over 35 mph, while another test blasts the glass with steel balls traveling up to 90 mph. The result is that they are tough to break and deter intruders.
Flexibility
There’s more to a hurricane-resistant window than glass alone. To receive a Design Pressure (DP) rating, hurricane windows and doors must also have strong frames and jambs.
When purchasing impact windows, you want to work with a knowledgeable and experienced hurricane installer. They will help you make sure your new windows meet the necessary DP requirements and will install them properly.
The original purpose of hurricane windows was to save structures from damage. They do this by preventing wind, rain, and projectile entry points. This is the only way to preserve a home and its contents from a storm. In addition to protecting homes and families, hurricane windows keep burglars from entering through a broken window. Standard windows are easy to smash with a crowbar, but hurricane-resistant glass is nearly impossible to break through. This is why they are often recommended or even required in certain areas.
Durability
Hurricane impact windows are stronger than traditional windows and are designed to resist the damage that severe tropical storms can cause. This is because they feature a layer of polymer between the panes that will keep the glass from shattering into sharp pieces during a storm, which can cause serious injuries.
In addition, the polymer layer prevents wind-borne debris from entering a home. Such debris entering a house can pressurize the building and cause catastrophic damage.
These windows offer advantages beyond storm protection, such as sound dampening and deterring intruders. Many online videos show impact windows surviving brutal tests against baseball bats, sledgehammers, and even crowbars. This makes them a good choice for homeowners interested in improving their homes’ security while reducing energy costs. Plus, impact windows provide protection 365 days a year without messing around with boarding or operating shutters on a ladder.
Security
In addition to protecting your home from the damage that leaves 2x4s speared through a window or shattered glass covering your belongings, impact windows also protect your home from intruders. The glass and frame materials used to make up impact-rated windows are sturdier than standard windows, meaning they can withstand the kinds of handheld bludgeoning instruments burglars use.
The thick glass of impact windows also reduces noise pollution, so you can enjoy a quieter home for working, relaxing, and sleeping. Revving motors, honking horns, and construction noises are all things that can keep you awake or distract you from relaxing at home.
If you live in a hurricane-prone region, investing in protecting your home with impact windows makes sense. This investment will not only protect your home from severe weather, but it can also save you money on energy costs and help lower your insurance premiums, boosting your property value at the same time.
