High impact windows are known by many names. These include “impact-Resistant windows”, hurricane windows”, and “laminated windows”. These windows are designed to withstand the stress of hurricane-force winds and various types of projectiles that are moving at very high speeds.
If you live in a hurricane-prone zone, it is important that you have high impact windows installed throughout your home.
What are High Impact Windows Made Of?
High impact windows are made with several different components. These include the following:
- Double Panes of Glass – High impact windows include two individual panes of glass that are shatter resistant. This means that if the glass is hit, it will not break into smaller shards of glass, which could be dangerous for anyone near the window. If the exterior pane is shattered by any type of projectile, the inner layer remains intact and protects the interior portion of the home.
- Adhesive Layer – The next component of high impact windows is an adhesive layer that is designed to hold the window panes together. This layer may be made of PVB, EVA, or even resin. It is the same as the substances that prevents the windows placed in cars from shattering.
- Strong Frame – The frame of a high impact window is made or metal or vinyl. Sometimes, wood. Most homeowners opt for metal frames because they are the strongest, but are often the most expensive. Wood is least expensive, but require a high level of maintenance.
How is a Window Classified as High Impact?
In order for a window to be considered “high impact”, they must pass several different rigorous tests and they then receive the designation from the American Society for Testing and Materials or the “ASTM”. The testing involves the following:
- Large Missile Impact – The window withstands the impact of a two by four going at a certain speed and of a certain weight.
- Small Missile Impact – Two-gram steel balls are projected at the window at a rate of 130 feet per second.
- Wind Simulation – This test exposes the window to hurricane winds simulations of up to 200 miles per hour.
If the window successfully passes all of these tests, it receives the “impact resistant” certification. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, these windows are an absolute must.
How Do Impact Windows Provide Protection?
There are three different ways that high impact windows protect people during a hurricane. These include the following:
- First, if the glass breaks, it does not break into shards and this helps prevent shards from flying in the air and causing injuries to people or property.
- The double-paned glass means that if the outer portion breaks, the inner portion remains intact and prevents wind and water from getting inside of the home.
- Thew high impact windows keep your home sealed and prevent winds from entering the home and increasing the pressure of the inside of the home, which has the ability to collapsing the walls and the roof.
If you are ready to have high impact windows installed in your home, contact us here at Southern Industries Home Improvements to set up a consultations by calling us at (833) 240-4900