How can you tell if a window is impact glass?

Watermarks are etched into the glass and are a surefire way to tell if a window has impact glass. If you can't find the watermark, the window label should give you the info you need.
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How do I know if I have hurricane glass?

Impact resistant glass from hurricane windows does not often have a permanent mark of this kind. You can also check for a temporary label on the glass that might outline the thickness, the manufacturing date, and the place of creation. This label will tell you if it's a hurricane window or not.
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What makes an impact window?

What are Impact Windows? Impact windows combine a heavy-duty frame with impact-resistant laminated glass that includes an advanced low-emissivity coating. They are designed to withstand high winds and impact from objects, making them far less likely to shatter, even from direct blows.
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How do they test impact rating on windows?

The Cyclical Test determines if glass meets pressure requirements for storm-force winds. Following the Missile Test, the glass is placed in a pressure simulator where positive and negative pressure flexes the glass pane for 4,500+ cycles. The results determine the pressure rating for the impact glass.
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What is the difference between impact window and regular window?

A standard hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds, but it will shatter if struck by airborne debris. Impact windows are constructed with a durable laminate between the glass panes.
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How to Choose Hurricane Window Protection | Ask This Old House



Is impact glass and tempered glass the same?

Tempered glass is heated and quickly cooled to create tension and strength in the glass and forces the glass to break into small pieces upon impact. However, tempered glass will shatter, so it's not a perfect solution for homes affected by hurricanes and severe weather. The solution is impact glass.
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What is the difference between impact and non impact windows?

The four main differences between impact windows and non-impact windows are cost, appearance, convenience and obligation of time. There are many differences between the two but the four main factors to look at when choosing between the two are cost, appearance, convenience and obligation of time.
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How do I know if my windows are impact resistant?

Watermarks are etched into the glass and are a surefire way to tell if a window has impact glass. If you can't find the watermark, the window label should give you the info you need.
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How hard is it to break an impact window?

They're More Time Consuming to Break

While impact windows aren't indestructible, they are very hard to break. To get through, a burglar would create a ruckus and likely be caught. Breaking through impact windows typically proves to be considerable work and energy, forcing burglars to move on.
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How thick is hurricane impact glass?

Impact windows use thick laminated glass and sturdy framing materials, which result in a decrease in external noise by as much as 40%. Their overall thickness ranges from 7/16” to 9/16”, as compared to typical single pane glass measuring an average of 1/8”.
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What are the different types of impact glass?

There are three main options for impact windows: Aluminum, vinyl, and wood. But how do these hurricane windows compare and contrast with each other?
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Is impact glass on inside or outside?

A common misconception is that people think impact glass is indestructible, but this is not the case. The sacrificial piece of the glass on the outside will shatter, but the vinyl inner prevents the entire pane from breaking which allows the seal to remain intact.
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Can impact windows withstand Category 5?

Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it.
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Are impact windows single-pane?

Impact and double-pane windows are stronger than conventional single-pane windows. Because they incorporate more than one pane, they're more energy efficient. Heat loss is less when the weather is cold, and heat gain is less when the weather is warm.
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What is considered a hurricane window?

What is a hurricane window pane? These windows were designed when glass windows proved to shatter dangerously in high-wind storms. Hurricane windows are held together with one or more layers of laminate PVB. This adds flexibility so that windows may bend some in heavy winds without breaking.
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Will a golf ball break an impact window?

Impact windows. They won't break, even when a golf ball hits them. No more clean up and fixes for you. If you live on a street with a lot of kids, it's only a matter of time before a ball game breaks out in the street or in someone's yard.
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How much value does impact Windows add?

ENERGY STAR estimates that if you are replacing single-pane windows with double-pane high impact windows, you could see savings between $126 to $465 per year in energy costs. If you are upgrading your existing double-pane windows to a high impact product, the savings are still estimated to be $27 to $111 per year.
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How do you burglar proof a window?

5 Tips to Make Your Windows Burglar Proof
  1. Position security cameras nearby.
  2. Reassess your window locking mechanism.
  3. Install more than sufficient lighting.
  4. Reinforce your glass by installing security film.
  5. Install window break sensors.
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Are double pane windows impact resistant?

As of now, double pane windows are rated and tested for how they meet energy efficiency standards, not impact resistance.
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Do I need shutters if I have impact windows?

With impact hurricane windows and doors you do not need to install and remove hurricane shutters every time a hurricane is coming; you just have to lock your windows and doors.
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Are all PGT windows impact resistant?

All PGT WinGuard® windows and doors are rated for Impact Zone 3 and Impact Zone 4 ratings and are tested to withstand winds over 150 miles per hour in accordance with the ASCE Wind Zone Map.
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Do impact windows shatter?

Put simply, yes, impact windows can break. That is because they are impact-resistant and not impact-proof. Impact glass is designed to resist heavy blows, hence it became popular as windshields for vehicles. Like a car's windshield, however, it can break when struck by excessive forces.
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Can impact windows be opened?

Of course, you can always also open your impact windows to improve the air circulation in your home. You can save a good month's Air duct cleaning Austin if you keep the windows open. After all, sometimes it's nice to get a break from the air conditioning and let those warm Florida breezes blow through.
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How much do impact windows typically cost?

Average Price Of Impact Windows

Impact Windows have an average cost of $1435, with 70% of prices falling between $800-$2445. Sliding glass doors have an average cost of $6140, with 70% of prices falling between $4200-$8230.
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