Window replacement after a hurricane can be costly, but the benefits of high-quality hurricane-impact windows outweigh the cost.
Hurricane impact windows are designed to weather storms unaffected that most standard windows fail to handle, resulting in irreparable damage. Hurricane impact windows can keep your home safe during the storm.
You’d want them to protect your home against high winds, flying debris, and even flooding if you live in an area prone to hurricanes like Florida. But above all else, you’d also want your new windows to add value to your home while looking great.
That’s why the more you know about the quality and design of hurricane impact windows, the better choices you can make when choosing the right window for your property.
So, what are the best materials for hurricane-impact windows? Keep reading to find out.
1. Laminated Glass Windows
Laminated glass comprises two pieces of glass with a layer of plastic in between. The plastic layer, usually polyvinyl butyral (PVB), holds the glass panes together if the windows are damaged during a storm.
In simpler words, when an object strikes the laminated glass window, it punctures the outer glass layer while caught in the middle layer. As a result, there is no shedding of large glass shards and no structural integrity loss. Laminated glass is used on vehicle windshields for this very reason and is also ideal for high-rise buildings and homes with large windows.
In addition, this type of window also helps block out noise and harmful UV rays, making it an ideal choice for homes near busy streets or tourist attractions.
2. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB)
This is another type of laminated glass that’s bonded by PVB sheets. This material can withstand high-speed impacts and is often used in bulletproof windows, absorbing more force than traditional glass without shattering. It’s not as thick as laminated glass; however, it can reduce more noise when installed in windows. It also allows the window’s frame to stay in place even if the glass breaks.
3. Acrylic
Acrylic is a lightweight plastic type often used for bulletproof windows. It’s durable and extremely resistant to damage from debris. If it cracks or breaks, acrylic will not shatter into small pieces, reducing the risk of injury to homeowners and guests during storms.
4. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride is widely used for door and window frames because it doesn’t corrode like metal. It expands and contracts with temperature changes and won’t rot like wood does. PVC frames also require less maintenance because they won’t warp or rot in humid climates.
5. Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate (also known as Lexan) is a thermoplastic resin often used to create panels or sheets of transparent plastic. It’s cheaper than other impact-resistant materials and can be molded into various shapes for construction projects.
Polycarbonate is strong enough to resist blunt force and withstand high-speed impacts like golf balls. It doesn’t shatter when broken so it may be safer than tempered glass in some situations.
XT-E is one of the most common examples of material used for hurricane-impact windows. It’s a polycarbonate sheet that’s extremely strong and flexible. It can bend without breaking when subjected to pressure, so it can handle the force of a storm without cracking or shattering. XT-E also offers excellent optical clarity, so these windows look as good as regular glass ones. They can be tinted for solar control and come in various thicknesses.
6. Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
TPO is a flexible yet durable plastic film applied to the glass on your window. It holds the glass in place even when it cracks, preventing shattering and creating a spider web pattern on the glass rather than jagged edges. TPO is a great option if you are looking for both safety and style from your hurricane-impact windows.
7. Ply Gem
Ply Gem is a type of bulletproof glass designed to resist impact and penetration in case of a hurricane. It’s made with eight layers of glass laminated together, which makes it much more resistant to damage than standard glass and allows it to be relatively lightweight.
Ply Gem also resists damage from ultraviolet light, making it ideal for use in windows exposed to the sun.
The most common installation for Ply Gem is a double-hung window (two panes of glass on top of each other), but our company makes special hinges for high-rise buildings, special fixtures for use with dormers, and even custom brackets for curved or custom shapes.
It can be installed inside existing or new frames and in a wide range of materials — wood, vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass windows.
One-Stop Solution To All Your Window/Door Installation Needs
We understand that strong winds, flying debris, and torrential rain all pose a threat to your property, not to mention your personal safety. Fortunately, our hurricane-impact windows are designed to minimize the effects of these hazards.
Our hurricane impact windows are designed to provide the highest strength, resiliency, and protection. And due to their structure and additional security features, they help protect a home against natural disasters.
Let our experienced professionals visit your place and help install energy-efficient windows and doors.
Take a look at our work for yourself, and contact us today for more information.