Hurricane gusts can cause the roof to collapse if these gusts enter a building through broken windows. Additionally, the pressure may harm your property’s capacity to maintain its structural integrity. However, using impact-resistant glass can lessen a hurricane’s wind’s effects. Learn more about impact-resistant windows below:
Essential parts of impact-resistant windows
The main elements of impact glass solutions are heavy-duty frames and tempered or laminated glass.
Tempered glass
Tempered glass is far more durable than annealed glass because it has been heat-treated. After the heat treatment, the glass’s surface and edges compress when it cools. This glass type is an impact-resistant substitute because of its added strength and its breaking into pieces with no sharp edges.
PVB or laminated glass
Glass manufacturers use a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membrane to combine two or more glass panels to create laminated glass. The PVB is a thin but strong layer used to stabilize broken glass. The inner layer keeps the glass fragments together even if the outer pane breaks or fragments when debris strikes it. As a result, the debris does not enter the area between the structure’s exterior and interior.
Additionally, certain producers produce certain varieties of laminated windows using Sentryglas Plus (SGP) technology. SGP employs significantly more robust interlayers than the laminate used to make PVB. This product results in a window that can endure strong winds and flying objects.
Durable framing
Almost all are heavy-duty frames to hold impact-resistant windows in place. Both vinyl and aluminum are options for these frames.
Which impact window designs are available:
These windows come in various colors and are among the most versatile and aesthetically pleasing options. Let us look at the most popular types:
Single- or double-hung impact windows
Single-hung windows differ from double-hung windows in terms of the sash style. The top sash of a double-hung window slides down, and there are two functionally movable sashes in total. In contrast, a single-hung window only features a moving, functioning bottom sash and a fixed upper sash. A homeowner might use this quality to enhance the appearance of their property.
Impact sliding windows
The features of sliding impact windows are very similar to those of double-hung impact windows. The sole distinction between them is that the first contains interior sashes. Sliding windows consist of two windows, one fixed and the other designed to move horizontally. These windows are helpful since they don’t require any internal space to open and close. It is an excellent alternative for homes with low ceilings because of this feature.
Impact casement windows
Impact windows with casements have the fantastic benefit of opening on a hinge horizontally or vertically. This is ideal for many people since it lets them partially or fully open the window. Large frames and strong locks on casement windows contribute to its security reputation. They perform admirably in regions vulnerable to hurricanes and inclement weather. Homes with casement windows thus gain an additional level of security.
The bottom line
Impact-resistant glass solutions for your windows can help you protect your house or place of business.