Can Impact Windows Withstand A Category 5 Hurricane?

Hurricane season can create a sense of anxiety for many who live in South Florida. Severe hurricanes leave a trail of destruction, with many homes and businesses at risk. Impact windows offer protection against the destruction that hurricanes leave in their wake. But how do you know your impact windows are built to survive the fiercest of hurricanes? And which supplier can be trusted with the highest quality hurricane-resistant windows?

In this article, we look at how impact windows are built to survive the strongest hurricanes.

What Is A Category 5 Hurricane?

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale needs to be consulted to understand the extent of hurricanes in South Florida. According to this scale, a hurricane is categorized by the associated wind speed.

• Category 1: 74-95 mph
• Category 2: 96-110 mph
• Category 3: 111-130 mph
• Category 4: 131-155 mph
• Category 5: Greater than 155 mph

With winds over 155 mph, a category 5 hurricane leaves a trail of destruction in its path.

Why Invest In Hurricane Impact Windows?

Impact windows are designed to withstand the impact of extreme forces and flying debris. They’re engineered to protect your home and your family. They use laminated glass layers to add strength and the panels of glass are bonded together, often with a reinforced interlayer. This lowers the likelihood of shattering and maintains your window’s integrity. Impact windows are also housed within heavy-duty frames, designed to withstand the strongest forces. Some impact windows come with the additional option of safety film application. The combination of these three elements makes for an incredibly tough impact window.

How Are Impact Windows Tested?

Impact windows are put through a series of simulated tests, including:

The Large Missile Test

Missile tests simulate airborne debris hitting an impact window. In a large missile test, a 2 x 4 wood beam is fired from a canon towards an impact window. It travels at 50 feet per second to test against penetration. A large missile test is required for windows in buildings less than 30 feet high.

The Small Missile Test

Similar to the large missile test, the small missile test is required for buildings over 30 feet high. Small steel balls are fired from a cannon at the window. These balls travel at approximately 90 miles per hour to test for penetration.

The Pressure Test

This test creates significant pressure to ensure the impact window can withstand varying pressures. A pressure test subjects a window to approximately 9,000 cycles of constantly changing pressure. Each window is labeled, as required by the Florida Building Code. The label contains the window’s unique performance levels and certifications.

Can Impact Windows Withstand Level 5 Hurricanes?

An impact windows ability to protect against the highest category hurricane relies on a few factors, including:

High-Quality Impact Window Design

Not all impact windows on the market are the same. Investing in a higher-grade impact window will give you the best protection against category 5 hurricanes. Certified windows that adhere to strict testing are designed to withstand the toughest climatic conditions. A leading impact window provider will supply the highest-grade impact windows, including manufacturers such as:

PGT Impact Windows & Doors

PGT Impact Windows & Doors offer advanced laminated glass technology for extreme durability. A powerful barrier is created by sandwiching an interlayer between two glass layers. Even if the glass shatters during a category 5 hurricane, the interlayer prevents the glass from breaking into shards, protecting your home and family.

ES Windows

ES Windows incorporates heat-strengthened glass to add additional resistance. Their windows are designed to meet the latest Florida Building Code requirements. ES windows are both large and small missile impact-rated.

WinDoor High-Performance Doors & Windows

WinDoor upholds the highest safety standards and offers national third-party assurances of their construction quality. Their windows hold rigid certifications, with their aluminum range being TDI, ASTM, Miami-Dade, and AAMA-approved. Many of their windows exceed industry standards.

Professional Installation

Your impact windows should only be installed by certified professionals. A poorly installed impact window could compromise the window’s integrity, and your safety. Remember that an impact window requires an integrated installation involving a frame set and current anchoring techniques.

Ongoing Maintenance

You may be tempted not to maintain your windows, but regular maintenance ensures ongoing performance. Even though your impact windows are designed to withstand hurricane forces, they should still be inspected after a significant hurricane to check for damage.

Invest In A Whole-Home Impact Solution

Investing in impact windows is one aspect of preparing your home for hurricane season. Covering vital entry points will ensure your home is completely protected against significant hurricane damage. A whole-home protection plan includes entry point considerations such as:

• Impact Doors
• Impact Garage Doors
• Roof Inspection

Hurricane Impact Windows In South Florida

STS Impact Windows, Doors & Roofing can cover your home against the most severe hurricanes. We provide the highest quality impact protection from manufacturers such as PGT, ES Windows, Therma Tru, and WinDoor.

With over 25 years of experience, our team has what it takes to secure your home. We’re a whole-home impact solution provider. One visit is all it takes to get a comprehensive impact protection solution for your home. Additionally, our service is backed with an industry-leading 3-year installation warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

Call us at 561-763-1675 for a free quote.