Impact-resistant windows are designed for Florida’s severe weather, offering protection against hurricanes, flying debris, and high winds.
Their strength comes from tempered glass combined with laminated layers and interlayers like PVB, preventing shattering and enhancing durability.
Visual indicators include thicker glass, multiple reflections, manufacturer etchings, and certification labels verifying compliance with impact standards.
Benefits include improved home security, as laminated glass resists forced entry, and enhanced energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer and drafts.
Impact windows protect homes from storm damage, lower insurance premiums, and increase comfort and property value in hurricane-prone regions.
When it comes to protecting your home from Florida’s unpredictable and often severe weather, choosing the right windows is essential. FAS Exteriors offers a wide range of impact-resistant window solutions designed to withstand high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain. Our expert installation and durable products are specifically engineered to meet Florida’s unique weather conditions, ensuring your home stays safe and secure. Beyond protection, our comprehensive services — including window replacements — are tailored to improve both your home’s efficiency and safety, giving you peace of mind no matter the forecast.
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Call for Consultation“Are my current windows impact resistant?” As a top-rated window replacement contractor, we’re asked this question quite often. In this blog, we’ll explore how to tell if your windows are standard windows or impact-resistant, as well as why upgrading to these advanced options is a wise choice for homeowners.
Impact-Resistant Windows and Their Importance in Florida
Impact-resistant windows are specially designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions commonly experienced in Florida, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and high winds. Unlike standard glass windows, impact-resistant glass windows are constructed with reinforced glass and durable frames that can resist shattering from flying debris, helping to protect your home’s interior and its occupants during severe weather events. This added layer of protection not only reduces the risk of damage but also helps maintain the structural integrity of your home by preventing rapid internal pressurization, which can cause roofs and walls to fail during storms.
In Florida, where hurricane season poses a consistent threat, meeting safety standards is more than just a luxury—weather-resistant impact glass is a critical component of home safety and resilience. Beyond their protective qualities, these windows also enhance energy efficiency by providing better insulation, reducing noise pollution, and increasing the overall comfort of your living space.
For Central Florida homeowners, installing impact-resistant windows is a proactive investment that can lower insurance premiums, increase property value, and provide peace of mind knowing that their home is prepared to face Florida’s challenging weather conditions.
Better Understand Hurricane Rating Standards
Hurricane rating standards classify windows based on their ability to withstand high winds and impact from flying debris during storms. These standards, such as those established by the Florida Building Code, require windows to pass rigorous testing for wind pressure and impact resistance to ensure they can protect homes during hurricanes. Meeting these building codes means impact-rated windows are proven to maintain their integrity under severe weather, making them essential for safety and compliance in hurricane-prone areas like Florida.
How Are They So Strong?
Impact-resistant glass owes its exceptional strength to a combination of advanced materials and specialized manufacturing processes. Central to its durability is the use of tempered glass, which is heat-treated to increase its strength compared to regular glass. Tempered glass undergoes intense heating followed by rapid cooling, creating internal stresses that make it much more resistant to impact and thermal stress.
In impact windows, tempered glass (also called float glass) is often combined with multiple layers of laminated glass and a strong interlayer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This laminated structure makes impact glass hold together even if it cracks, preventing it from shattering into dangerous shards. The combination of tempered glass’s enhanced toughness and the laminated layers’ ability to absorb and distribute impact forces is what makes impact windows so strong and effective at resisting flying debris during storms.
Signs of Impact Windows
Identifying impact-resistant windows is easier when you know what to look for. If you’re unsure about the level of hurricane protection in your current windows, here’s what you need to know.
Visible Markings or Etchings on the Glass
One of the most straightforward indicators is the presence of visible markings or etchings on the glass, which often include manufacturer logos or certification stamps that confirm the window meets impact standards.
Thick Glass and Laminate Layers
Another vital sign is the glass itself. Impact-resistant windows typically have thicker glass with multiple laminate layers sandwiched between panes. This construction not only strengthens the window but also helps it withstand impacts without shattering.
Impact glass typically shows multiple reflections because it is made of various layers of glass and laminated materials. This multi-layer construction causes objects reflected in the glass to have two or more reflections, which is a common way to identify impact-resistant windows visually.
Labels of Certification
Additionally, certified impact-resistant window labels provide official proof that the windows have passed rigorous testing. These labels are usually found on the frame or glass corners of hurricane impact windows. They serve as a reliable way to verify the window’s protective capabilities.
Benefits of Having Hurricane Windows and Doors
Impact windows offer a range of significant benefits that make them an excellent investment for homeowners, especially in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. One of the most essential advantages is enhanced home security. Impact windows are constructed with laminated glass that holds together even when shattered, making it much harder for intruders to break in compared to traditional windows. This added layer of protection not only deters break-ins but also provides homeowners with peace of mind knowing their family and belongings are safer.
In addition to security, impact windows contribute to improved energy efficiency. The multi-layered glass and tight seals reduce heat transfer, helping to maintain a consistent indoor temperature year-round. This means your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool or heat your home, leading to lower energy bills. By reducing drafts and preventing air leakage, impact windows enhance your home's energy efficiency, making them a wise choice for reducing overall energy costs while increasing comfort.
The most well-known benefit of impact windows is their superior protection against hurricane-force winds. Designed to withstand high-velocity impacts from flying debris during severe storms, these windows help prevent breakage that can lead to water intrusion and structural damage. By keeping your home sealed and secure during extreme weather, impact windows reduce the risk of costly repairs and insurance claims. Many insurance providers offer discounts for homes equipped with impact-resistant windows, further adding to their financial appeal.
Contact an Impact Glass Expert at FAS Exteriors
Contact us today to explore your window options and discover how our Energy Star certified windows can protect your home in a severe storm. All of our windows are proudly manufactured by industry leaders like PGT and Simonton, ensuring you receive the highest quality and performance for your investment.
Let FAS Exteriors help you find the perfect windows tailored to your needs.
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