What is an impact resistant window?
Impact resistant windows and doors use laminated glass. Laminated glass is 2 pieces of glass with an interlayer, either PVB or SGP. When something strikes the glass, the glass can crack, but the interlayer will help hold the fragments of glass together so the glass stays in the opening and the interior of the home stays protected. Note that tempered glass is safety glass, and is not impact resistant. Only glass that is laminated with the interlayer is impact resistant. Laminated glass used in impact resistant windows helps protect homes during storms.
How to check my windows:
Find the Permanent Frame Label: Manufactures are supposed to have a permanent label on the frame or sash. This should show the manufacturer and model, a Florida Product Approval number, or a Miami-Dade NOA number on impact product.
Read the Etched Glass markings: Manufacturers will have a small, etched logo or text in the corner of the glass, that can be seen without removing anything. “LAM” , or “Laminated” is a strong indicator of impact glass
Look for the laminated interlayer: You can sometimes spot the interlayer in different light near the glass edge or slider meeting rail. If there is a crack, it tends to look like a spider web that stays in place.
Confirm with a paper trail: Check with the city building department to see if a permit was pulled for window and door installation. If a building permit was issued, the city would have the information on the windows and doors. Look through paperwork to find invoices and order sheets. Check all paperwork to see if there is a Florida Product Approval number or an NOA number.
If your windows and doors are not impact, reach out to Seascape Windows and Doors and we will be happy to give you a free estimate!
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