Are there different grades of impact windows?

There are a few different types of impact windows, which we will discuss later in this article, but it's important to know that the main differences come in style, size, material and degree of protection. A number of standard tests are utilized in order to determine the level of impact resistance they provide.

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?

Which hurricane impact windows is best?

What is the difference in impact windows?

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.

How are hurricane impact windows rated?

The higher the design pressure rating, the greater resistance a window can endure. For instance, a window with a DP rating of 50 has passed structural load testing of 75 pounds per square feet, or 200 mph winds. Whereas a window with a DP rating of 35 can only withstand 50 pounds per square feet, or 125 mph winds.

How to Choose Hurricane Window Protection | Ask This Old House

How thick should impact windows be?

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”.

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.

What is the difference between PGT and CGI Windows?

We have heard that CGI laminated windows with annealed glass are pretty much distortion free. PGT laminated windows use heat-strengthened glass that are stronger, but tend to cause some distortion. Since we will still use hurricane shutters, we prefer to go with distortion-free CGI windows.

What is the average cost of impact windows?

Average Cost to Install an Impact Window

But on average, expect to pay an average of $8,000 for installation. The range is quite expensive based on the service, material and professional you choose, but it can be between $2,600 and $14,000.

Are high impact windows worth it?

Impact windows do cost more than traditional windows, but they very well may pay for themselves by preventing extensive and expensive damage to your home. They are also more efficient, saving on energy costs, and can help significantly increase the value of your home and reduce your homeowners' insurance costs.

What is PSF on impact windows?

The design pressure is a performance specification for how active the window is express in how many pounds per second foot (psf) of force the window can withstand. The design pressure can fluctuate based on factors such as geographic location, a height of the building, site of the window structure, etc.

Are impact windows stronger than shutters?

Hurricane shutters don't offer the best protection against debris and high winds. So if you are looking for the ultimate in storm protection, you can't go wrong with hurricane impact resisting windows which will give your home the perfect protection against flying debris, strong winds, and other perils.

What is impact rated glass?

Impact Glass is quite literally what it sounds like. It's glass that is built with the intention to resist heavy impact. This impact may come from sleet or hail, or even from flying limbs and other debris during a storm.

What type of glass do high impact windows have?

A strong hurricane glass, also called laminated glass, is installed in place of the standard window glass. Hurricane glass is designed to withstand extreme wind speeds as well as protect against wind-borne debris.

What is Low-E impact glass?

Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass was created to minimize the amount of infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light that comes through your glass, without minimizing the amount of light that enters your home. Low-E glass windows have a microscopically thin coating that is transparent and reflects heat.

What glass is high impact glass?

In order to withstand wind-borne debris or break-ins, high impact windows are made with heavy-duty frames and safety glass which are carefully sealed to keep the glass from breaking away from the frame. Safety glazing is designed to reduce or minimize the likelihood of injury to humans when the glass is broken.

Do impact windows reduce insurance?

Saving Money With Impact Windows

Impact windows lower homeowner's insurance because they are designed to resist breaking when struck by wind driven debris. They are typically made with double or even triple pane glass and as an added bonus, they are naturally energy-efficient.

How long do impact windows last?

Like any product, windows have a life expectancy. Many impact windows are rated to function properly from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand and materials. At the 10-year mark, it starts to become more important to evaluate your windows, knowing that they are reaching an age where they may soon need to be replaced.

How much are hurricane impact windows installed?

Impact Hurricane Windows Cost – Itemized Window and Installation Costs. The average installed cost of hurricane windows is about $1,285 per window for the most popular size. Hurricane window cost starts at about $425 for small, fixed windows and exceeds $2,400 for large windows that open.

Are CGI and PGT the same company?

CGI Windows and Doors is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGT, Inc. (NASDAQ: PGTI).

When did PGT buy cgi?

VENICE, Fla., Sept. 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PGT, Inc. (Nasdaq:PGTI), the nation's leading manufacturer and supplier of residential impact-resistant windows and doors, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of CGI Windows & Doors Holdings, Inc (CGI).

Can Impact windows crack?

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.

Is impact glass hurricane rated?

People may call impact windows "hurricane-rated impact windows" or "storm windows" but they generally mean the same thing.

Do you need to put shutters on 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.