Homeowners often hear a lot about impact resistant windows. They hear how great they are, how much money they save over time and how they can protect you from severe weather. However, a lot of homeowners never get to hear the details of what impact resistant windows really are. Read this guide to gain a better understanding of impact resistant windows, and if they are a good fit to use as replacement windows for your Redmond, WA home.
Impact resistant windows are windows comprised of impact-resistant glass, thick and durable frames and secure fastenings. They are designed to replace storm shutters as a home’s main source of severe weather protection as they are more effective and more aesthetically appealing than storm shutters.
Impact resistant windows are built into a home’s structure so they won’t be damaged or ripped off by the strong winds or debris that go along with hurricanes or other bad weather.
Impact resistant windows withstand strong winds, flying debris and other storm dangers because they are made with durable, shatter-resistant glass. Similar to the types of glass used on car windshields, this thick glass is made from multiple layers of normal glass with shatter-resistant films installed in between.
The multiple layers of glass make the windows extra strong to resist cracking or breaking under stress. The shatter-resistant films hold broken pieces of glass together in case the windows does break, effectively maintaining the barrier between the inside and outside and preventing dangerous glass shards from entering your home.
As of 2016, some states now require the installation of impact resistant windows in new constructions and even remodeling projects. These states include:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New York
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Virginia
Impact resistant windows are required to pass tests and meet specific guidelines in order to be labeled as such. These tests and guidelines are administered and regulated by The American Society for Testing And Materials, but they may vary by state or region depending that area’s weather patterns or governing choices.
Typically, impact resistant windows must pass two tests to insure their effectiveness and safety: the launch missile impact test and a pressure test.
During the launch missile impact test, a nine-pound, 2x4 piece of wood is thrown at the window at 35 miles per hour, or 50 feet per second. If the window doesn’t shatter under the initial impact, another piece of wood is launched at the corners of the window. The pressure test generally consists of subjecting the window to simulated winds reaching up to 200 miles per hour. If a window passes both of these tests, it can be marketed and sold as an impact resistant window.
If this guide made you want to learn more about impact resistant windows and how they can help your home, Puget Sound Window & Door is here for you. We offer expert Redmond, WA replacement window services from 445 E Main Ave Puyallup, WA 98372. Give us a call today at (253) 904-8658.