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How Strong Are Hurricane Impact Windows? | Unlimited Windows & Doors

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:34:01 GMT

Hurricanes are among the natural disasters that can cause serious damage to properties, especially those located in coastal areas in Florida.

The high-speed winds, rain, and debris can break glass windows and doors, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable to further destruction. Hurricane impact windows were created to prevent this, but what makes them strong and efficient? Read on to learn more about these high-performing products and how they can protect you.

Understanding Hurricane Impacts

Hurricane impact windows are made of two or more layers of glass sealed together with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer between them. This composition contributes to their resistance to breaking, as the inner layer can absorb the impact and prevent the glass from shattering.

Additionally, these windows are thicker and heavier than conventional ones. They can be between 7/16 to 1 inch thick and add extra protection against flying debris.

How Does Hurricane Impact Windows Work?

Aside from their composition, hurricane impact windows have a rating system tested for their strength and durability. Manufacturers simulate hurricane conditions in their laboratories to determine the wind and pressure loads the windows can resist.

The PVB layer between the glass panes keeps the window intact, even if the outer layer breaks. This allows homeowners and tenants to evacuate the premises safely while maintaining the building's structural integrity.

Standards for Hurricane Impact Window Strength

Building codes in states prone to hurricanes have established standards to ensure that products meet the requirements to qualify as hurricane-impact windows. These include the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Miami-Dade County requirements.

Miami-Dade County's code is among the strictest in the country and requires products to withstand 110 mph winds, a two-by-four wooden beam traveling 50 feet per second, and cycling pressure changes. These standards guarantee that impact windows can withstand the rigors of hurricane season and keep people and properties safe.

Maintenance and Care for Hurricane Impact Windows

Hurricane-impact windows require detailed installation and routine care to keep them in good shape, just like any other component of your home. Any dirt or debris that settles on the tracks or frames should be wiped off regularly.

If you notice any cracks or other damage, contact a professional to assess and fix the issue. Proper maintenance increases the lifespan of your impact windows and ensures they function properly when needed.

Get Your Protected From the Inside Out

Hurricane impact windows are a great investment for homeowners and businesses in hurricane-prone areas. They can provide peace of mind knowing that your property is protected from strong winds, flying debris, and other hazards.

At Unlimited Windows & Doors, we offer high-quality impact glass products from top manufacturers to ensure our customers get the best protection possible. Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can help you feel secure during hurricane season.

Are Impact Windows Bulletproof?

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:56:38 GMT

Protecting your home in South Florida is a must, and the best way to do that is by investing in high-quality, impact-resistant windows. Hurricanes are an ever-present danger here, with potentially devastating damage if proper precautions haven't been taken. Thankfully, installing impact-resistant glass for your windows and doors can play a major role in safeguarding against destruction caused by storms.

Impact windows are popular for homeowners as they offer increased protection from wind, rain, and flying debris. But can impact windows also protect against bullets? In this article, we'll explore the ratings of impact-resistant windows to determine if they are truly bulletproof.

The Basics

Impact windows are designed with laminated glass, a combination of two or more pieces of glass bonded with a layer of plastic. This construction adds strength and flexibility to the window and makes it difficult for external pressure to break through.

The most common ratings for impact-resistant windows are ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 – these tests measure how well a window can withstand hurricane-force winds, heavy rains, and wind-driven objects. The higher the rating, the more protection your windows will have.

What are the Impact Windows Ratings?

Impact windows ratings are determined by the level of protection they offer against wind-driven debris and hurricane-force winds. The most common rating system is from ASTM, which uses a scale ranging from 0 to 6 – each number indicates a different level of protection, with six being the highest.

Scale 0: This rating indicates no impact resistance.
Scale 1: This rating indicates minimal protection from light impacts.
Scale 2: This rating protects from heavier objects such as branches and twigs.
Scale 3: This rating provides protection against large objects such as rocks, small to medium-sized tree limbs, and other moderately large pieces of debris.
Scale 4: This rating protects larger objects, such as golf balls and large tree limbs.
Scale 5: This rating protects large objects such as softballs and 2x4s.
Scale 6: This is the highest level of impact resistance, protecting objects such as baseballs.

Are Impact Windows Burglar-Proof?

Impact windows are not unbreakable; however, they are difficult to breach. A thief would require a great deal of noise and effort to get through these robust barriers - making apprehending them more likely before they enter the premises. As such, burglars tend to avoid targeting properties fitted with impact windows due to the required labor.

Are Impact Windows Bulletproof?

Impact windows are designed to resist strong winds, rain, and wind-driven debris – but they are not bulletproof. Impact windows may be able to slow down or stop bullets from penetrating the glass, depending on their rating and the type of weapon used. However, it is not guaranteed that they will be able to stop a bullet completely.

The ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996 ratings only measure the protection against wind and debris impacts, not bullets. To protect against bullets, you'll need to install bullet-resistant glass.

How Does Bulletproof Glass Work?

This is a special type of glass designed to absorb and disperse the force of a bullet, preventing it from penetrating completely. It uses multiple layers of glass, each with its specific role in protecting against bullets.

The outer layer absorbs the energy and impact of the bullet, slowing it down, while the inner layers are made from tougher materials, such as polycarbonate or laminated glass, which deflect the bullet completely. This type of glass is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 offering the highest level of protection.

#1 in Impact Window and Door Services

Impact windows can protect against wind-driven debris and hurricane-force winds – but they are not bulletproof. Bulletproof glass is the way to go if you're looking for the ultimate protection.

At Unlimited Windows and Door , we install impact glass windows and doors for residential and commercial projects. Our team is highly experienced in providing the highest level of protection against outside elements, so you can rest assured that your property is secure. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your property!

All You Need to Know About the Hurricane Impact Windows Rating

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 16:41:01 GMT

Hurricanes are a fact of life in South Florida, and that means having the right kind of impact windows is important for keeping your home safe. If the wind or the severe storm of a hurricane gets inside your house, the structure of your home might not resist. Materials inside the structure separate as a result of the pressure that accumulates. This process has the ability to completely destroy a structure in a matter of minutes.

If you’re living in West Palm Beach, it’s essential to understand the hurricane impact windows rating system so you know what kind of protection your windows will offer. Hurricane impact windows have different ratings, which can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers. To provide more insights about their rating system, we will explain the hurricane window ratings to help you make the right decision.

What is the Hurricane Impact Windows Rating System?

The hurricane impact windows rating system is a measure of how much protection your windows can provide against strong winds and debris that those winds may carry during a storm. The rating system measures several factors, including the size of the pieces of debris that can be blocked by the window, how well sealed the window is against water intrusion, and how much wind pressure it can withstand before breaking.

Impact Window Ratings Explained

If you are in the market for hurricane impact windows , then two terms will regularly be thrown around: Design Pressure (DP) and Performance Grade (PG). An understanding of these concepts is essential to making an informed decision. These ratings provide insights into how well the window will perform under certain conditions.

Design Pressure

The DP rating describes the amount of force or pressure that can be applied to a particular window before it is pushed inward. Generally, the higher the DP rating, the better the window's resistance to external forces. The Design Pressure rating is a comprehensive assessment of three critical components: water and air infiltration, and structural load.

Some manufacturers misrepresent the DP rating of their products and make it seem that their windows have higher ratings than is actually the case.

Performance Grade

PG ratings are a numerical measure of a window's performance when subjected to hurricane-force winds or debris impact. This rating was devised to ensure that buyers have a means of accurately gauging the efficiency of their windows. The Performance Grade is determined by the resistance and deflection of the window.

The rating is more accurate due to its comprehensive assessment of the three tests (water, air infiltration, and structural load). Here, even one test with a low score will result in a lower PG rating.

Un derstanding the Hurricane Wind Scale Ratings

The hurricane wind scale ratings measure the severity of a storm or hurricane and provide an estimate of how much damage can be caused. The range begins from category 1 to category 5.

According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

Category 1: 74-95 mph

Category 2: 96-110 mph

Category 3: 111-129 mph

Category 4: 130-156 mph

Category 5: 157+ mph

When designing or buying impact windows, the hurricane wind scale ratings should be taken into consideration. These categories don't take into account the dynamic nature of hurricanes and the additional force they can generate.

Make Your Property Hurricane Ready

Hurricane impact windows are an essential component of hurricane-ready homes and businesses. They must be properly rated so property owners can make an informed decision. Additionally, understanding the hurricane wind scale ratings is essential to choosing the right window for your home or business. With this information, you can make a sound decision in selecting the right impact window.

At Unlimited Windows & Doors , we offer a wide range of hurricane-impact windows in West Palm Beach that are designed to meet all ratings. Our team of professionals has over 20 years of experience in the industry and can help you choose the right window for your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!

Do Hurricane Impact Windows Need Shutters?

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 23:14:21 GMT

Our homes and business properties are the most important assets in our lives. These are places where we put our personal and financial energy to its fullest on a daily basis, so whenever we invest in them, we want something that will extend their utility for many years.

Investing in and participating in the process of protecting your property becomes increasingly important as time passes. Today, a security plan for your home or business should include more than just basic anti-robbery measures; it should also anticipate natural disasters, especially in hurricane-prone areas like West Palm Beach, Florida.

Hurricane shutters and impact windows are devices to withstand the severe weather threatening our region. However, they each possess distinguishing qualities. But since they both serve the same purpose, some people frequently wonder if both are required for storm protection.

In this blog post, we explore whether hurricane windows require the installation of shutters and the key distinctions between these two preventative measures.

Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Window Shutters

Impact windows combine PET glass, one or two layers of laminate PVB between the panes, and a sophisticated low-emissivity coating frame. These factors increase these windows' thickness, weight, and resistance to pressure and crashes.

In addition to being highly effective against hurricanes, impact windows can also add aesthetic value to a building by letting in natural light and creating a cohesive overall design. Furthermore, they reduce background noise and offer security in the event of a robbery attempt.

Shutters, on the other hand, are external devices that cover windows. They are typically made of steel, wood, aluminum, or polycarbonate, among other materials. However, because they are external devices, they rely on the strength of the windows beneath them to avoid objects' impact. So, even if you add shutters to your home or business, new impact windows are still required for maximum protection.

One feature of window shutters is that they must be adjusted manually, increasing the possibility of unplanned incidents. Finally, when shutters are closed, they create darkness in the room, making the occupants uncomfortable.

Secure Your Property With Us

According to the Florida Building Code , all buildings in the area must install new hurricane-impact windows that can withstand the necessary design pressure.

If you want to secure your residential or commercial property, there is no better option than us. Our specialty is providing residential and commercial properties with superior impact window installations to highlight elegance, security, and longevity.

Fill out our form to get our professional team to contact you and ask about our available offers for impact windows installation.

The Types of Impact Windows

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:59:36 GMT

These days, impact windows are a must, especially in Florida, prone to hurricanes. However, installing these cutting-edge, budget-friendly, and long-lasting windows in residential and commercial buildings has other benefits.

As a Florida business or property owner, you need to know the difference between the types of impact windows and which one is best for your building.

The market of windows is flooded with various impact windows, making it hard to narrow down your search.

This article will discuss the different types of impact windows and how to choose the right ones for your needs.

What Are Impact Windows and Why Are They Important

In the event of a natural catastrophe or severe weather, impact windows can prevent damage to your home from gusting winds, pounding rain, and flying objects.

Reinforced glass or other shatter-resistant materials are commonly used in their construction. They also include safety measures like storm shutters, impact-resistant frames, and locking systems for further peace of mind.

When preparing for a storm, impact windows are crucial because they shield against wind and debris better than standard glass windows. This reduces the likelihood of property damage, injuries, and even death due to flying debris during a natural disaster.

The Different Types of Impact Windows

There are several types of impact windows available, including:

Laminated glass – One impact window is laminated glass , which consists of two sheets of glass enclosing a plastic layer in between. Laminated glass is safer than regular glass windows because it is engineered to break on impact without splintering, thanks to the interlayer.
Polycarbonate – Windows composed of polycarbonate, a strong and transparent plastic, is resistant to shattering even in the face of strong winds and flying objects.
Steel-reinforced – Steel-reinforced windows are constructed of two panes of glass fused with a steel mesh to withstand impacts. Strong gusts and other blows won't break the glass because of the steel mesh.
Aluminum-framed – Aluminum-framed impact windows are constructed with an aluminum frame and reinforced glass or plastic panes.

How to Choose the Right Type of Impact Window for Your Home

Choosing the best impact window for your home can take a lot of work. You must consider the size, shape, and location of the windows and the types of weather you may encounter in your area.

Size of impact windows

The size of the selected windows is also an important factor to consider. Smaller windows may require less reinforcement, while larger ones may need more.

The Location: The Question of Where They Will Be Placed.

The location of the windows is also an important factor. With the help of professionals involved in your window installation process, you can assure that they will help you find the best location for your windows, considering their size and weather conditions in your area.

If you already have windows in high-risk areas, reinforce them to withstand stronger winds and other impacts.

The Material of the Windows

Finally, you need to consider the types of materials used for your impact windows. Laminated glass and polycarbonate windows are often the best for high wind and debris protection, while steel-reinforced and aluminum-framed windows provide added strength for more severe conditions.

The Benefits of Installing Impact Windows in Your Home

Installing impact windows in your home or business can provide several benefits, including:

Increased protection from wind and debris
Enhanced security against burglars
Improved energy efficiency and comfort
Reduced noise pollution
Strengthened hurricane resistance
Added value to your property

Save Money and Time With Our Unlimited Windows & Doors

If you’re in the market for new windows and want to ensure that your home is as safe as possible from hurricanes and other potential disasters, then impact windows are the way to go.

And if you live in an area prone to severe weather, don’t wait until a storm arrives – get your impact windows installed today! Not sure where to start? No problem – just contact Unlimited Windows & Doors, and we’ll be happy to help.

We offer free consultations, and our team of experts will work with you to choose the right type of impact window for your home. Plus, we always offer competitive prices on our products and services, so you can rest assured knowing that you’re getting the best deal.

Learn the Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows

adrian@uwdinstalls.com (Adrian Perez) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 16:00:15 GMT

It may seem like glass is, well, just glass. When it comes to the windows in your home, this isn't true. You have several options in the type of glass used for your windows , some that better protect your Florida home than others. Let's dig in deeper and learn more right now!

Table of Contents

The Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows
Tempered Glass
Laminated Glass
Impact Windows
Impact Windows Installation

The Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows

Standard glass, also known as “plate glass,” will break into large shards if impacted. While it is the cheapest option, it also has some major drawbacks. It is not impact resistant, meaning potential thieves and flying debris will have an easy time breaking it. Plus, it's like shining a magnifying glass from the sun directly into your house! You have a few better options. These are tempered glass, laminated glass, and impact windows.

Which is the right option for you? Often, it's helpful to look at each choice more in-depth in order to understand the differences and benefits of the option.

Also known as " safety glass " due to the way it breaks, tempered glass also is approximately four to five times stronger than standard glass. It reduces the risk of injury because it breaks into smaller pieces instead of larger sharp, jagged shards. It is ideal for residential doors and commercial applications that receive a lot of daily wear and tear.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass uses a special silicone glazing process that prevents it from breaking away from the frame. It is composed of two pieces of glass “sandwiched” together with a clear interlayer, making three total planes of glass. Once sealed, this creates a sturdier glass.

This glass protects against harsh UV rays, which can fade your drapes, carpet, and furniture. As well, laminated glass is harder to break and offers additional protection for your home.

Impact Windows

Impact resistant windows combine laminated glasses with tempered glass, creating an ever safer impact windows able to withstand blunt force. They have heavy-duty frames, designed to keep this glass in place better than a traditional window frame structure. While impact windows aren't required in Florida homes, it's definitely better to have them and you'll be thankful you do when the next hurricane hits !

Impact Windows Installation

By selecting the right types of glass for your home's new windows , you can lower your energy bills, enjoy a comfortable, cool indoor temperature, protect your furniture from fading in the sun, feel confident about break-ins, hear less outside noise, and have peace-of-mind during a major storm or hurricane.

You're looking for impact windows and impact doors installed by the experts at Unlimited Windows & Doors ! We’d be happy to help you get a quote, and install a beautiful set of impact windows at your home.

Hurricane Windows vs. Taping Windows

adrian@uwdinstalls.com (Adrian Perez) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:28:54 GMT

Does Taping Windows Help During Hurricanes?

We're now in late summer and that means one thing for the people living here in Florida, it's hurricane season. Not only that, it's the height of hurricane season. For homes here in West Palm Beach, it's not a matter of if they get hit by a hurricane but when .

For this reason, it makes sense to prepare now. You know a major storm will head your way eventually. What are you going to do to protect yourself, your family, your pets, your home, and your property? Is taping windows enough?

If you drive around town before a hurricane hits, you are bound to tape on windows on several homes. Is this enough to actually stop hurricane damage? No, it is not!

Time and time again, news outlets tell us not to put tape on windows and think we are prepared for the approaching storm. It does not protect your windows. Fox 13, out of the Tampa Bay area, went so far as to test the method and proved that it did not even stop a potato , much less a 2x4 flying at hurricane-level wind speeds.

We can say with confidence that under no circumstances is doing this a good idea. In fact, advocates at the National Hurricane Conference in Orlando went so far as to encourage residents to skip taping their windows when a hurricane is imminent. They believe it leads to a false sense of security and actually increases danger. At best, it's an inconvenience. At worst, some people have the illusion that they're safe and can get severely hurt.

Putting tape over glass does nothing to make it stronger. It can cause the window to shatter into bigger, more dangerous shards if it’s broken and sent flying around the neighborhood. Instead, residents should use proven methods such as hurricane shutters, hurricane windows, or impact windows .

The belief that taping on windows during a hurricane will help keep them intact is a myth and a dangerous one at that. It's a far better idea to invest in hurricane windows before the storm approaches. These impact windows can withstand forces much higher than a traditional window. They can withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris without breaking or shattering. As well, hurricane windows will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds.

There’s no magical quick-fix to save your windows during a storm. Preparing ahead of time, like retrofitting your home with hurricane windows , is a proven method to keep everyone safe and your house from major damage.

To learn more about your options, to schedule a free consultation at your home , or to ask additional questions, contact our team. Call us at (561) 250-8918 and we'll be at your home soon, before the hurricane hits.

Learn the Difference Between Impact Windows and Hurricane Windows

adrian@uwdinstalls.com (Adrian Perez) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 15:08:14 GMT

What Is the Difference Between Impact Windows and Hurricane Windows?

As you look ahead to the next major storm, you know you want to protect your Florida home as best as possible. This is done either via hurricane windows or impact windows . Though these terms may be used interchangeably, hurricane windows and impact windows are not the same thing. They differ in terms of the protection they offer. Let's look now into these differences, as well as which option is right for you.

Hurricane windows do exactly what you would assume, protect your windows from being broken in a hurricane. They offer less insulation, though, and their primary function is to resist wind damage. That being said, they do little in the way of protecting against projectiles. A hurricane window will be able to withstand the extreme pressure generated by hurricane-force winds . The window will shatter though if struck by flying debris. If you're wondering what good it is to have wind protection without stopping the projectiles, we'd have to agree.

That is why these windows are better than regular glass , but not the best you can get. Hurricane windows are not as hurricane-proof as you want when storm season gets near, and they don't offer anything in the way of energy savings , noise reduction, or increased safety. If you want true protection, you want impact windows.

While our area of the country certainly gets more hurricanes and major storms than other places. Impact windows are popular because they’re extremely effective when a hurricane hits, but also because they do so much more. They help reduce energy costs, and noise pollution, and add value to your Florida home.

There are several types of impact windows on the market. The two most common types consist of either multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) sandwiched between sheets of glass or PET laminated glass combined with PVB-treated glass. PVB is able to handle smaller projectile impacts very well, and is very affordable. The second option offers incredibly strong glazing, but also comes at a higher price tag. We'd be happy to go over these two options with you in more detail so you can decide on the right choice for your specific financial situation .

Impact windows do much more than just protect your home from storms- as if that weren't enough. If you're looking for the most value for your money, you want impact windows and you want them installed by Unlimited Windows & Doors. To learn more about the differences between hurricane windows and impact windows, to schedule a free consultation at your home, or to ask additional questions, contact our team!

Why you should replace your windows

adrian@uwdinstalls.com (Adrian Perez) — Wed, 18 May 2022 23:19:45 GMT

Summertime is just around the corner. For people all across the country, that means looking forward to Fourth of July BBQs, swimming pools, and vacations. For people in Florida, there is an extra caveat to summer, and that's hurricane season.

That is why impact windows and impacts doors should be a consideration of all Florida homeowners. It is not a question of if your home will be hit by a major storm, but when . Is it time to replace your windows ?

Why Impact Windows are so Beneficial

When a hurricane is bearing down on Florida, far too many homeowners are scrambling to find ways to protect their homes. One of the best ways is with impact windows , installed well before the storm was even on the radar. These windows can withstand forces much higher than a traditional window. They can withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris without breaking or shattering. You, your family, your pets, and your possessions will all be safe.

That's not to say they're only beneficial when a hurricane rolls into town. They also boost energy efficiency by keeping your home cooler. They improve the appearance of your home. All of their benefits combined means they also raise the resale value of your home when it's time for you to sell.

Trust Unlimited Windows & Doors for Your Impact Windows

For more information on having new impact windows installed in your home as well as a price quote, contact us ! We have all of the answers regarding impact windows and impact doors that homeowners in Palm Beach County area are looking for.

unlimited-windows-and-doors

How Strong Are Hurricane Impact Windows? | Unlimited Windows & Doors

Understanding Hurricane Impacts

How Does Hurricane Impact Windows Work?

Standards for Hurricane Impact Window Strength

Maintenance and Care for Hurricane Impact Windows

Get Your Protected From the Inside Out

Are Impact Windows Bulletproof?

The Basics

What are the Impact Windows Ratings?

Are Impact Windows Burglar-Proof?

Are Impact Windows Bulletproof?

How Does Bulletproof Glass Work?

#1 in Impact Window and Door Services

All You Need to Know About the Hurricane Impact Windows Rating

What is the Hurricane Impact Windows Rating System?

Impact Window Ratings Explained

Design Pressure

Performance Grade

Un derstanding the Hurricane Wind Scale Ratings

Make Your Property Hurricane Ready

Do Hurricane Impact Windows Need Shutters?

Impact Windows vs. Hurricane Window Shutters

Secure Your Property With Us

The Types of Impact Windows

What Are Impact Windows and Why Are They Important

The Different Types of Impact Windows

How to Choose the Right Type of Impact Window for Your Home

Size of impact windows

The Location: The Question of Where They Will Be Placed.

The Material of the Windows

The Benefits of Installing Impact Windows in Your Home

Save Money and Time With Our Unlimited Windows & Doors

Learn the Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows

The Difference Between Tempered, Laminated, & Impact Windows

Laminated Glass

Impact Windows

Impact Windows Installation

Hurricane Windows vs. Taping Windows

Does Taping Windows Help During Hurricanes?

Learn the Difference Between Impact Windows and Hurricane Windows

What Is the Difference Between Impact Windows and Hurricane Windows?

Why you should replace your windows

Why Impact Windows are so Beneficial

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Trust Unlimited Windows & Doors for Your Impact Windows

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