The Full Impact of Hurricane-Resistant Windows

A study commissioned by the Window and Door Manufacturers Association and American Architectural Manufacturers Association states Florida accounted for 89 percent of total impact-resistant window sales in 2005. Obviously, Florida’s severe weather makes it ideal for hurricane-proof glass, but these windows also offer protection from home invasions, harmful UV rays, rising insurance fees and annoying noises.

Building codes covering windows are strictest in Florida and increasing in stringency along the Gulf of Mexico and up the Eastern Seaboard. Hawaii has also joined the list of states requiring windows with storm protection qualities. These developments have pushed window manufacturers to step up their offerings in the impact-resistant product category.
“The building codes and their enforcement have become much more stringent over the last five or six years,” says John Kirchner, public relations manager for Marvin Windows and Doors. “The market range for impact products continues to expand. We must continue to improve products and their ability to protect homes.”

Marvin’s StormPlus Wood Ultimate Double Hung features laminated glazing and solid structural integrity, giving it the strength to withhold the force of a 2x4 hitting it at 34 mph. The clear, insulating glass makes it applicable to a variety of climates for savings on heating and cooling costs. With the addition of Low-E II, the window qualifies for the Energy Star rating. The windows feature a wood exterior that allows for flexible finish color options and interior jamb liners that can be painted or stained.

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes caused more than $752 million in property damage in 2006. While any home in the direct path will almost certainly be decimated, wind and flying debris damage to structures outside the tornado’s trail can be greatly reduced.

“Impact-resistant products are extremely beneficial to tornado-prone areas,” advises Jon Sawatzky, architectural branding manager for Loewen Windows and Doors. “They protect families and their homes by creating a safer environment and by providing additional peace of mind. The popularity of these products is steadily increasing in tornado-prone areas, but we probably won’t see full acceptance until the insurance companies provide substantially discounted policy rates for homes that are constructed with impact-resistant products.”

Loewen offers three glazing options on Douglas Fir windows designed to withstand nature’s harshest elements. Series DP, enhanced design pressure performance, provides design pressure ratings that meet — and exceed — International Residential Code requirements. Series IP, impact-resistant insulated glazing, delivers impact resistance and superior thermal performance in an insulated glazing configuration. Series MP, maximum protection from hurricane forces, is the maximum impact protection — a monolithic, laminated glass product tested and certified to withstand Category 5 hurricane forces.

“There are select markets where insurance companies recommend the use of impact-resistant products. They may not be required by code, but by using these products, they may offer a discounted rate on the insurance policy,” Sawatzky adds.

Security and Safety

A Federal Bureau of Investigation report shows that 67 percent of all burglaries involved forcible entry, and more than half (52 percent) occurred during daylight hours. An unbreakable window is an excellent preventive measure.

“The laminated layer that is adhered between two pieces of glass is a very strong barrier. It’s strong enough to prevent a 2x4 from penetrating, traveling 50 ft. per second,” says Mark Harger, general manager of Kolbe’s vinyl division. “So imagine someone trying to gain entrance with a bat, or a hammer. Not that it’s impossible to break through or cut the laminate, but the level of effort, and therefore security, that an impact window provides is notable.”