In recent times, we have seen the atrocities of Mother Nature throughout the globe. Climate change and global warming have made hurricanes, flash floods, earthquakes, and other calamities a common sight.
In times of emergency like these, the only thing protecting you from the harsh weather is the roof over your head and the walls surrounding you. While we give a lot of emphasis on the structure of our homes, there is another component of our homes that deserves a lot more attention – the windows. When it comes to protecting your space from unforeseeable circumstances, hurricane glass windows serve the purpose.
We are here to tell you about the importance of hurricane glass windows for your space and offer you a complete guide to hurricane glass windows. Ranging from the technicalities of the glass to the different qualities available in the market, we will inform you about everything you need to know regarding these glass windows.
Let’s get started.
How Hurricane Glass Windows Get Resistant to Hurricane?
In areas with severe storms and other environmental hazards, hurricane glass windows or impact windows are a popular choice. Since regulatory authorities have made laws to promote stronger construction, hurricane glass windows have given people a reliable and reasonable option to safeguard their homes.
One way that these impact windows can be formed is by adding a layer of shatter-resistant film on both sides of the glass. This way, if, during a hurricane, your windows get struck by objects, the film will keep the glass window safe and intact. The glass may get cracked but it will still be in place and no further damage will take place.
Another way that your window can be turned into an Impact window or a hurricane glass window is by adding an inner membrane technology within the glass window. This layer, made up of PVB will help to keep the glass from bursting outward. Thereby, keeping the inside of your home safe and secure.
For an even stronger window, you can combine the window film and an inner PVB membrane. This would help keep your house damaged even in a class 5 hurricane.
The hurricane glass windows have another strong material involved in their manufacturing – metal. Most Impact windows have an aluminum or steel frame that can withstand the strong pressure from the wind. The metals help avoid the process of warping and even resist the formation of rust over time.
Although, there is one setback. The metal frames are usually much more expensive than vinyl. Most people are tempted to go for the cheaper option but since metals offer a higher level of protection, we suggest you go for aluminum or steel.
Safety Tests for Hurricane Glass Windows
The high credibility of the Hurricane Glass Window is not merely due to the material used in its production. Rather, several tests are performed to make sure that the impact glass windows would help preserve the safety of the home.
Some of the tests are mentioned below.
1. Air Pressure Test
Hurricane glass windows are challenged by strong winds blowing from every angle. To test the air, pressure these windows can handle, experts use the Air Filtration test to put pressure on the window.
2. Water Penetration Test
Along with gusting winds, the windows are also subject to the splatter of water. A good quality window will not let water pass through the glass. To test this, pressured water is focused on the water and the percentage of water that the window achieves to keep out tells us the strength of the glass.
3. Structural Test
This test is the checking of materials used in the production of the window. If high-quality materials are used to manufacture the hurricane glass window, then the overall result will be much better. For example, if Aluminum is used instead of Vinyl, the window will have a better score on the structural test.
All these tests combine to form a final result for the durability and strength of the Hurricane Glass Window.
Specifications of Hurricane Glass Windows
Now that we have got past the tests that help judge the strength of a hurricane glass windows, we shall move on to the technical specifications that make them durable.
- A film of polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate put in between the glasses is the one that is mostly used to create impact glass windows. The PVB or EVA works well to absorb the shocks from the impact of the hurricane.
- Polyvinyl Butyral coupled with polyethylene terephthalate is also another option to glaze on the surface of the hurricane glass windows. This option, however, can be a bit expensive.
- The SentryGlas option is one of the most efficient techniques you can use to secure the hurricane glass window. The compound is much lighter than its counterparts and also prevents the window from turning yellow. However, the SentryGlas option is usually available in commercial windows.
- Liquid Glass Resins can be applied to the window to strengthen them and turn normal windows into hurricane glass windows.
- Windows that are made from a combination of glass and plastic can be turned into hurricane glass windows by adding a layer of Polycarbonate Lexan between the window panes.
- These are some of the technicalities of a proper hurricane glass windows. The methods are scientifically tested and in areas with severe climates, like Florida, these are in high demand.
Pros and Cons of Hurricane Glass Windows
Pros
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Increased Home Security
Impact glass windows prevent your home not only from environmental damage but also from thief’s invasion. The strong window panes are susceptible to heavy impact and therefore provide you with this extra benefit.
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Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Since the windows are packed with heavy layers, they also help in lower levels of energy transmissions. This means that hurricane glass windows can help keep your heating and cooling costs way lower than traditional windows.
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Noise Reduction
Due to the thick laminated glass used in the manufacturing process, these windows offer the added advantage of giving your house a sort of noise-proofing from the outside.
Cons
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Can be costly
Owing to the high installation and manufacturing costs, the hurricane glass windows can prove to be more expensive than traditional windows.
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Yellowing in certain window types
Certain window types are prone to losing their transparency and turning yellow after a few years. This takes a toll on the aesthetics of your home.
Wrapping It All Up
Hurricane glass windows are a very important part of your home that you need to address. If you live in an area where natural calamities are a common sight, you should forget about the costs of installation and get yourself a hurricane glass window.
We understand that investment is huge. But you should also consider the fact that these windows will save you a ton of time, effort and money in case your house gets damaged in a hurricane. Therefore, we suggest that you give this guide to hurricane glass windows a read and invest in a window right away.
