Impact windows are engineered to stand up against extreme weather conditions. This makes them perfect for Florida homeowners as they are ideal for protecting properties from the intense effects of hurricanes and other large storms. One common question we get about these windows is, “Can you break impact windows?” If you are wondering if they break, you are in luck as this is the question we answer in this article. We’ll also talk about impact windows’ construction, design, and materials. So keep reading to find out if these incredible windows can break, and why.
What Are Impact Windows?
When impact windows are made, they are made in a way that allows them to resist high winds and other factors associated with storms. This is why they are a common investment in areas where hurricanes occur regularly.
Impact resistant windows are made using laminated glass. This special type of glass is made of at least two layers of glass with a high-strength polymer material inside called an interlayer. The glass and interlayer are sandwiched together and laminated together. Most of the time, the interlayer is made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film.
It is the interlayer that holds the glass together and prevents it from breaking into a million pieces. So even if the window is struck hard enough to fracture it still stays in tact. This prevents openings in your home that are exposed to rain, wind, and flying debris. It also eliminates glass shards from becoming projectiles that can harm people.
You may also like: Impact Windows and Benefits: Guide for Florida Homeowners and our Impact Windows FAQ: Ultimate Guide
Is It Possible to Break Impact Windows?
While impact windows are resistant to breakage and highly impact resistant, that doesn’t mean they can’t break in any situation. With significant force or under extreme conditions, the glass can fracture. However, what makes impact windows unique is what happens when they do break. Unlike standard or tempered glass windows, impact windows do not break into dangerous, sharp pieces. Instead, the glass fractures, but due to the polymer interlayer it holds together to create continuous protection and maintain the barrier.
In the video below you can see how impact windows are tested and what happens with a direct hit of a 2×4 wood shot at the dead center of the window at 34 mph.
High Resistance to Breakage
Impact windows have a very high resistance to breaking. And even if they do break, they remain in tact (together). They are made to withstand the extreme force of high-speed flying debris. They are also designed to withstand the extreme positive and negative pressures windows experience during a hurricane.
Testing standards and requirements are carefully established by organizations like Miami-Dade County, the Florida Building Code, and others. And the windows are put through rigorous testing using standards from organizations like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). These windows are required to handle the impact of a 2×4 of lumber being shot at them at 34 mph during what they call missile tests. Then they are subject to cyclic pressure testing to ensure they can handle the extreme pressures experienced during a hurricane. Only when the windows pass these brutal tests are they given Florida Product Approval and other classifications, such as HVHZ approval, etc.
You may also like: Can Impact Windows Withstand a Category 5 Storm?
Break vs. Damage
Cracks and/or fracturing, chips, and other sorts of damage can happen to impact windows. However, the laminated interlayer between the glass prevents it from breaking into small pieces and exposed openings in your home. This ensures the window remains intact and protects against water, wind, and also intruders.
Multiple Layers of Protection and Seriously Tough Components
There are a ton of different types of impact windows. But all of them are built to be impact resistant.
As we mentioned above, impact windows have 2+ layers of glass and a strong interlayer between them. So even if the outside glass layer becomes damaged, the other layers provide integrity and strength. The interlayer holds the glass portion together, even if it fractures.
The rest of the window is also designed and constructed to take serious impacts as well. Impact window frames are made from impact resistant materials, such as aluminum frames and vinyl frames. They also have high-strength glazings and components.
If you are considering impact windows you may benefit from our guide on Choosing An Impact Window Frame: Aluminum or Vinyl?
Final Thoughts
While impact windows can be damaged, breaking them entirely is unlikely. Their construction and design keep them in one piece, protecting your home and family even under the worst conditions. These windows are a strong choice for Florida homeowners who desire storm protection, security, and safety.
EUREX SHUTTERS has been a leading impact window installer in Southwest Florida for 38+ years. Investing in impact windows from Eurex Shutters can provide you not only peace of mind, but also enjoyment and curb appeal. You’ll benefit from knowing that your home is well-protected against potential intrusions and natural disasters. While UV protection (e-glass coated windows), soundproofing, and energy efficiency make these windows a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
Call us at (239) 369-8600 or fill out our contact form below with any questions or to start your impact window installation project!
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