Impact windows and doors were designed to withstand hurricane force winds and any flying debris that is carried by those winds. Impact-resistant glass is manufactured in 3 layers. There’s an inner layer made from PVB or polyvinyl butyral sandwiched between two layers of laminated or laminated insulated glass. Once all 3 layers have been fused together using heat and pressure, the window becomes more durable and stronger. It becomes strong enough to withstand the fury of the hurricane and storm winds.
What About Breakage?
Still, the question often arises “Can impact windows break?” In the simplest of terms, yes, these windows can break. However, the inner PVB layer that V&V Windows uses is what holds the glass together and keeps it from blowing out of the frame into your home when it is struck by flying debris and/or hurricane force winds. Furthermore, housing code compliance is not the same in all areas of South Florida. It’s not unusual to see different code requirements for thickness and window design based on specific housing compliances where you live.
Hurricane Categories and Zone Ratings
Although all impact-resistant glass is strong and durable, it can be manufactured differently based on what’s required where the strength of the glass is concerned. For instance, the glass in impact windows that is designed to hold up against a Category 2 hurricane will be different from the glass that is made to withstand a Category 4. This is due to the fact that Hurricane categories are based on different wind speeds.
As a result, the glass in hurricane impact windows is designed to hold up against flying debris at different speeds. In South Florida, windows that meet Zone 4 and Zone 5 pressure standards will typically meet the state’s strictest building codes. Furthermore, every county is different and so is the amount of protection required by each. So, when you’re shopping for impact windows and doors at V&V Windows, we’ll make sure that they are rated for the zone you reside in. You can call us and get more information about the impact windows that would suit your requirements.
There is no comparison between impact-resistant and traditional windows where personal protection and safety are concerned. For more information about impact windows and doors, one of our hurricane window specialists can recommend the right products for your home. Call V&V Windows at (305) 888-4151 today.