If you live in Florida you are probably know of impact windows. You may also know that they can protect your home and family against severe wind gusts and flying debris that happen during hurricanes. These windows have become increasingly popular in the Sunshine state for many reasons. But what they are made from and how they work remains a bit of a mystery. But if you are thinking about buying them you may be interested to learn more about them. So in this guide we discuss what impact glass is made of and what glass types are available for impact windows.
Impact Window Glass Types
There are two main types of impact glass. These included laminated glass and insulated laminated glass.
Laminated (Impact) Glass
Both types of impact resistant windows are made with laminated glass. This glass type provides impact resistance to the window. Below we discuss the different components of this glass type and how it is made.
Laminated Glass Components
This type of glass is made up of three layers. These layers include:
- Outside layer: glass panel
- Middle: a clear interlayer made of either PVB or SGP
- Interior layer: glass panel
How Laminated Glass Is Made
These three layers are put through a special laminating process. This process fuses the three layers together using a combination of heat and pressure. And once the process is completed the finished product is a sealed, laminated system known as laminated glass.
Insulated Laminated (Impact) Glass
Insulated laminated glass systems are used to make in high energy efficiency impact windows. Windows with this glass type include the laminated glass discussed above plus a few additional components. Insulated laminated glass is more energy efficient than standard laminated glass.
Below we discuss the components of this glass type. And then we discuss why they are so energy efficient.
Insulated Laminated Glass Components
Insulated impact resistant windows are made with insulated laminated glass. This type of glass is the same as laminated glass windows but with an additional layer. The components include:
- Impact Glass Panel
- Glass panel 1
- Middle: a clear interlayer made of either PVB or SGP
- Glass panel 2
- Air/gas space, used to for insulation purposes
- Glass panel 3
Insulated laminated glass is made up of the laminated glass bundle described above and an additional glass panel with a spacer in between.
How/Why Is It Insulated?
This glass window type is more insulating than standard laminated glass. This is because of the void/space between the laminated glass component and the third pane of glass. The gap (void) creates an air space. And this space significantly boosts the window’s energy efficiency by creating a barrier.
You can improve the energy efficiency even more if you opt to fill the space with argon. Argon is a non-toxic gas used to increase the thermal performance of insulating windows.
Conclusion: Glass Types For Impact Windows
Impact windows protect your home and family from hurricane wind gusts and flying objects. When you buy your windows you will have a choice between different glass types. Specifically, you can choose between laminated glass and insulated laminated glass. Which one is best will depend on factors like your budget and needs. Now that you know more about impact window glass types you can make a more educated buying decision.
If you would like to get a free estimate on impact windows for your Florida room in Southwest Florida then we would love to help. Eurex Shutters has been installing impact windows throughout SW Florida for 35+ years. And we have over 25,000 happy customers.
