Updated: January 16, 2024
Storms and hurricanes are common in Florida and pose considerable damage to properties. As a homeowner, you should invest in superior-quality doors and windows to protect your property against damage.
Most people go for hurricane-impact glass, and the reasons are apparent. Hurricane impact glass offers excellent hurricane protection and can withstand force winds and other flying debris that can be destructive. Have you heard of hurricane-impact glass and are asking this question, what are hurricane-resistant windows? Well, Elite Impact Glass will provide the answers!
What Are Impact Windows?
The main contributor to the effectiveness of storm-resistant windows is impact glass. Impact glass is made up of 2 panes of glass laminated together. They are then additionally reinforced with a layer of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) between them, keeping the glass from shattering.
Materials and Design
Windows designed to withstand tropical storms, strong winds, and even hurricanes use impact-resistant glass that’s additionally treated with a PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) layer that serves as a protective barrier and ensures their effectiveness. If, in fact, the highly durable glass does crack due to coming in contact with flying debris, it will not shatter into a thousand minuscule shards like a standard window would. Instead, the window will crack but remain whole inside its frame. That means that even if damaged, it will continue to provide protection.
Impact Windows vs Regular Windows: Preparing For a Storm
Regular windows use only one layer of glass that can easily shatter under harsh weather conditions. If the glass breaks, your home becomes jeopardized by water and wind. Not to mention that little pieces of glass flying around can do some severe damage.
Hurricane impact windows are by default designed to protect your property from an incoming storm. During a hurricane watch, if you’re using regular windows, you’ll need to additionally reinforce them in an attempt to minimize the potential damage. You can board them up with plywood or install hurricane shutters beforehand. When a watch is issued, you’ll want to prepare your property as fast as possible and move on to stocking on crucial supplies and planning an evacuation plan. Having windows that are manned and ready can provide you with valuable time.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is a safety glass that undergoes various chemical treatment processes to enhance its strength. The regular untreated glass will shatter into tiny sharp pieces and cause injuries in extreme weather.
However, tempered glass prevents spalling, which improves safety during strong storms and hurricanes. When broken, tempered glass crumbles into small granular pieces lowering the risk of injury.
What is Laminated Glass?
Laminated glass is a component of impact glass created by sandwiching a nearly undetectable piece of plastic between two glass panes. The fundamental advantage of laminated glass is that the plastic binds the fragmented pieces together when it breaks. This solid plastic coating prevents obstacles from entering a house through windows, lowering the risk of injury.
Impact Glass is the Best of Both Worlds
Impact glass is also referred to as hurricane glass. Excellent impact glass is made of laminated and tempered glass. Wind speeds greater than 100 mph are used to simulate the effects of impact on the impact-resistant glass.
Impact glass manufacturers test impact-resistant doors & windows by hurling 2x4s at them at 35 mph and shooting steel balls at them.
How Does Impact Glass Help Prevent Storm Damage?
Impact glass works to prevent wind storms by establishing a barrier of defense. It endures strong winds (up to 170 mph) and can endure impact without shattering. It features laminated glass secured in place by thick layers of solid material. This glass remains intact after strong impact and will maintain its structural integrity in the frames even when it breaks.
Do You Need Impact Glass?
If you live in hurricane-prone areas, impact glass will come in handy. An impact glass window or door will avert damage to your property by offering the best protection against hurricanes. This level of protection will enhance your security and save on repair costs.
What are hurricane-resistant windows made of? Hurricane windows contain two tempered glass sheets and a thin plastic membrane. They are improved design windows that offer a firm boundary between your house and harsh elements on the outside.
Why Choose Elite Impact Glass for Door & Window Installation
A Job Done Right
Our crew comprises skilled and knowledgeable technicians who provide superior impact glass installation services. We are well-equipped and will offer unparalleled services. Moreover, we are keen on details, and you can count on us for outstanding services.
Local, Trusted, Passionate
We are local technicians and have been provided impact glass installation services in Miami for multiple years. We are aware of your demands and will guarantee quick and efficient installations. We are passionate about impact doors & windows, and you can trust us to complete your project successfully.
Trained, Licensed, Bonded and Drug Tested
Our installers boast the advanced training necessary to complete the installation project and offer excellent results. We are licensed and bonded, and you will not have to incur additional costs in case of injuries on your premises.
Moreover, you can count on the crew to operate with the utmost professionalism.
Professional Impact Window Installation Services in Miami
Is it time to install hurricane-proof windows and doors in your home? Elite Impact Glass has you covered! We provide our professional installers with adequate skills and expertise to handle your project successfully. Contact us online to get started!
Image Credit to: RapunzielStock
