Impact windows are a must-have, especially if you live in Florida. In a state so prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, it is essential to have robust and durable windows that can withstand high wind speeds.

Impact windows protect homes from extreme weather conditions by providing extra security against the elements. They do not break under strong winds, reducing storm damage on your property. But how do impact windows handle higher wind speeds? Keep reading to find out.

Design of Impact Windows

The secret to the super protection impact windows offer lies in their design. They are not like the traditional windows. Here is how they handle higher wind speeds:

• Multiple Layers of Impact Glass. Unlike traditional windows, impact windows have two or more layers of glass. The glasses are also thick, ranging from 7/16 to 9/16 of an inch. The multiple layers and thickness of the glass make it more difficult for them to shatter under high wind speeds.
  
  
• Laminated Glass. Manufacturers use a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) to hold together the two layers of impact glasses in impact windows. The PVB prevents the glasses from shattering and falling apart. It bonds them together even when broken. The feature allows the windows to withstand high wind speeds and impacts from flying debris during hurricanes.
  
  
• Temperate Glass. Unlike ordinary, brittle glass that can break under strain, impact windows have tempered glass. Tempered glass is more robust and durable than annealed glass. It undergoes a heating process during manufacture.
  
  The process makes the glass three to five times stronger than regular glass, thus enabling it to withstand high wind speeds without breaking. Moreover, when tempered glass does break, it shatters into a spider web pattern, resulting in small pebbles instead of sharp shards. It prevents injuries in case someone comes into contact with the broken windows.

• Reinforced Frames. Apart from the strong glass, impact windows have heavy-duty framing. These reinforced frames contain thicker than standard materials, such as vinyl and aluminum.
  
  What’s more? The glass and the frame get treated with silicone glazing. It ensures that the glass remains firmly in place even under the strain of high wind speeds.

Safety and Performance Ratings

Impact windows must pass rigorous testing to ensure safety and performance standards. The testing involves subjecting them to powerful gusts of wind and high-speed projectiles. After that, each impact window gets rated according to how much wind speed it can withstand.

The ratings fall under different levels and determine what hurricane category the impact window can handle.

Impact Window Installation By Miller Window

Miller Window has been installing high-quality impact windows from top US manufacturers for decades. As a leading installer, we boast of the best professional and equipment ready to serve you today.

We are privileged to serve Orange City, Deltona, Deland, New Smyrna, and Daytona, as well as the nearby communities. Contact us via phone (386) 775-2893 or complete our online form to request a free estimate.

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