How do you tell if your windows are hurricane proof?

-Check for Labels

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.

How can you tell if a window is hurricane-resistant?

Examine for reflections

As hurricane-resistant windows have two or more panes of glass bonded together, the reflections visible are always more than one, unlike single-pane windows. The number of images seen in the window equals the number of glass panes. Multiple reflections mean that the windows are hurricane-proof.

What is the difference between regular windows and hurricane 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.

What are hurricane approved windows?

Impact glass, sometimes referred to as impact-resistant glass or hurricane glass, is safety glass on steroids. The most resilient impact glass combines both tempered and laminated glass into one double- or triple-pane unit.

Is tempered glass the same as hurricane proof?

The strength of tempered glass means it can stand up to strong winds, hurricanes, and other weather events. When safety is a concern, tempered glass reduces the risk of injury due to its nature of breaking into smaller pieces instead of larger sharp, jagged shards.

Are Your Windows Hurricane Impact Rated? Find Out In This Video

What is the strongest window glass?

Laminated Glass (aka “Shatterproof Glass”)

In the window industry, unbreakable laminated glass is often tossed around as “shatterproof glass.” This has become a catch-all term that vaguely defines a certain variety of laminated security glass products.

What type of glass is impact resistant?

Impact-resistant glass is typically tempered glass. This means the glass has been treated with heat, in order to make it stronger and more resistant to temperature changes. The heated effect of tempered glass can be combined with laminated annealed to create a hybrid window, as well.

How much do hurricane proof windows cost?

HomeAdvisor states that the average cost of installing hurricane-proof windows on an entire home ranges from $2,449 and $13,395, or $7,922 on average. That comes to about $55 per square foot of window. Each window, depending on size and customization, ranges between $90 and $400.

Can double pane windows withstand a hurricane?

Double pane windows include two pieces of glass with an air gap in between. Advantages include better insulation, noise reduction, and UV control. However, double pane windows are not designed to withstand windborne debris and should be protected just like single pane glass when a hurricane is threatening.

How thick should 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”.

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.

Do you need hurricane shutters if you have impact glass?

Hurricane Window Shutters

Although hurricane shutters can be used over any standard window glass as well, it's better to install them over the impact windows, to ensure 100% protection from hurricanes and storm debris.

What is hurricane-resistant glass?

A type of security glass, hurricane-resistant glass and the accompanying components that make up the glazing system (window or door) are designed to withstand the high winds and high-velocity projectiles associated with hurricanes.

How do I know if my windows are high impact?

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.

Are storm windows the same as hurricane windows?

People may call impact windows "hurricane-rated impact windows" or "storm windows" but they generally mean the same thing. Unless there's a special situation where a home is subject to unusual forces, like a home on the first tee of a golf course, you can use the word interchangeably.

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 wind speed can double pane windows withstand?

Standard residential windows have DP values between 15 and 50. A DP 15 window can reasonably be expected to sustain winds of roughly 77 mph before shattering. A DP 50 window is expected to sustain winds up to 173 mph.

What are impact rated windows?

Impact-Resistant Glass Requirements

Impact-resistant windows (also sometimes called impact windows, hurricane windows, or laminated glass) are windows specifically designed to withstand the stresses of hurricanes, including high winds and projectiles moving at high speeds.

Are all 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.

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.

Should I get hurricane impact windows?

Storm Protection

One of the major benefits of impact windows is their ability to withstand flying debris; they offer the best protection against the hurricane-force winds that threaten properties every year.

Which hurricane impact windows is best?

The most cost-effective impact window glazing option is tinted laminated glass. Additionally, laminated glass or insulated laminated glass with a LoE coating would deliver even higher energy savings. While both options do cost a little more, they offer the best energy efficiency protection on the market.

What kind of glass is used for storm windows?

Storm windows can be made from many types of glass. 3/16' standard glass is the most common, but they can be made with tempered glass, tinted glass, laminated glass, Low-E glass and plexiglass (which is not glass at all).

What is the average cost of impact windows?

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.