Recent storm seasons in Florida have shown why there is such a need for homeowners and businesses to have storm protection. There are several storm products on the market, including impact windows, hurricane shutters, and hurricane screens. Impact windows are a popular choice because they offer strong protection and are very convenient. But it is rightfully tough to believe that glass can withstand something as powerful as a hurricane. So the question becomes, can impact windows STAND UP TO A HURRICANE? We answer that question in this quick article.
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Table of Contents (What we Will Cover)
What Are Impact Windows?
Impact windows are created to resist the impact and intense pressures experienced during a hurricane. The windows are composed of laminated, impact glass as well as a strong polymer interlayer. This component is usually made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The polymer interlayer ensures that the glass panels are held together even if the glass is impacted hard enough that it fractures. This prevents your home being exposed to wind, rain, and debris. It prevents glass shards from flying around the home. And it maintains the window’s structural integrity.
The materials and design used in impact windows make them highly effective at preventing the penetration of rain, wind, and debris, all of which can create huge damage during a hurricane. The flexibility and strength of PVB or EVA interlayers distribute and absorb the impact energy. This reduces the chances that the window will beak and offers a strong defense against serious weather conditions.
In addition to the impact glass this type of windows is made with impact resistant, highly durable materials and components. The frames are constructed of impact resistant materials, such as vinyl and aluminum. They have special glazing that increases their performance. And their components are made from durable materials, such as stainless steel.
Benefits of Impact Windows
In addition to offering excellent hurricane protection, impact windows also provide other benefits. Some of these benefits are discussed below.
Safety and Security
Impact resistant windows can increase home security by making it more challenging for an intruder to get into your home. The same strength that allows them to prevent hurricane debris from entering your home also prevents break-ins and adds an extra level of safety for your family.
Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency is also a key feature of impact windows. The multiple layers of their construction make them highly insulated so your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. You can also choose low-e impact windows for even more thermal performance. The improved thermal performance can create lower utility bills and reduced your home’s energy use. All in all, this makes impact windows a cost-effective option over time.
Increase Home Value
Installing impact windows on a home in the Southwest Florida area can also increase the overall value of the property. Many buyers that are looking for homes in hurricane zones look specifically for homes with hurricane protection features. Impact windows can be a desirable extra that makes it even easier to market your home if you choose to sell.
Discounts on Wind Insurance
If you live in Florida you may benefit from both the protection impact windows offer as well as savings on your wind insurance premiums. This will help reduce your insurance expenses and also help you to recoup some of the costs of the windows themselves. If you are wondering how much, read our guide on How Much Are Insurance Discounts For Installing Hurricane-Proof Windows?
In summary, impact windows offer multiple benefits for homes in hurricane-prone areas. Their durable materials and construction make them very effective against severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. But they also improve energy efficiency, provide better security, and even help to reduce outside noise.
Read more: Do Hurricane Impact Windows Add Value To Your Home in Southwest Florida?
Impact Window Strength
When you want to know whether impact windows can stand up to a hurricane, you need to look at how they are designed and constructed. Not just any window is an impact window. That is very important to understand. Regular windows will cripple and break under the intense winds and flying debris of a hurricane.
Impact windows, on the other hand will not cripple.
They are tested rigorously and need to comply with specific building codes, especially in areas with hurricanes. These include the Florida Building Code and Miami Dade requirements in Florida, as well as other local and international standards.
To be classified as impact windows the windows must pass tests that replicate conditions during a hurricane. The first type of test are missile impact tests. These tests simulate the impact of a heavy object hitting the windows at around 35 miles per hour. The window needs to resist penetration and not lose integrity.
The second test is the cyclic pressure test. After the impact test, the windows are put through this testing to simulate the way pressure changes during a hurricane. They need to handle thousands of cycles of negative and positive pressure to prove they can stand up during major storms.
When a window passes both tests, it is certified and rated as an “impact window” and can be used for use in hurricane zones.
Have questions about impact windows? Check out our ultimate guide that answers all FAQs: Impact Windows FAQ: Ultimate Guide
Performance in Severe Hurricanes and Storms
Impact windows vs hurricane wind and debris
Impact windows are designed and tested to be able to withstand the intense winds and flying debris experienced during even the worst hurricanes. The most severe hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is Category 5 hurricane. This is a storm that has sustained winds of at least 157 miles an hour. These storms can create impressive wind speeds and large amounts of flying debris, which can be a huge challenge for any structure. While unprotected, standard glass is not capable of withstanding these conditions, appropriately classified impact-resistant windows are.
Impact windows that meet the above standards can handle winds of up to 200 miles per hour. That means they can endure the forces associated with a Category 5 hurricane. No window is guaranteed to handle every situation, but a properly installed impact window makes it much less likely you will deal with serious damages during a hurricane.
Impact resistant windows vs rain and water
Impact windows don’t break, which means your home will not be exposed. In other words, you will not have any holes due to broken windows. This will keep the elements out, preventing water intrusion inside your home and it’s expensive consequences. Water damage can weaken the structure of the home, destroy personal belongings, and promote the growth of mold. Impact windows lessen these risks by staying in tact, which helps to keep a home safe during and after a storm.
Conclusion
There are no protective methods that can ensure full safety vs a natural disaster. However, impact windows are one of the best hurricane window protection options you can have when it comes to protecting your home and family against severe weather and storms.
Investing in excellent impact windows from Eurex Shutters will give you peace of mind during hurricane season. You can be sure your home is prepared for even the worst storms. Our company offers high-quality windows that meet stringent safety standards and provide excellent protection.
So get peace of mind and protect your family and home now. Contact Eurex Shutters and learn more about our windows, schedule a free in-home consultation, or start your window project.
There are no protective methods that ensure full safety, but impact windows are one of the best hurricane window protection options you can have when it comes to a severe weather and storms.
Investing in excellent impact windows from Eurex Shutters will give you total peace of mind. You can be sure your home is prepared for even the worst storms. We offer well-crafted windows that meet stringent safety standards and provide top protection.
Protect your family and home by contacting Eurex Shutters and learning more about our windows, schedule a free in-home consultation, or start your window project.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
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