Are impact resistant windows really adequate enough protection in a hurricane?

Question

Asking for experienced answers - I live in Palm Beach Gardens in an apartment complex on the second floor.. I have a sliding glass door and numerous large windows.. just curious that if a hurricane does hit, do I need to take further precautions, or would my impact glass suffice (new to the area, will be first hurricane haha) Thanks!

i forgot to add this if it matters.. my complex is only about 4 years old...

Answer 1

Yes and no. Impact resistant windows are made in different ways--tempered glass with a film between layers of glass (think car windshields), Plexiglass (acrylic), and Lexan (polycarbonate).

The key to the answer is "impact". These windows will protect against breakage from impact by flying objects. The acrylic would be my last choice if I picked.

Protection from damage by large flying objects in high velocity wind would also be dependent on the quality of the frame. Even if the window did not shatter, a poorly made frame may allow the entire window panel come out of the frame if it was struck with a large enough object at high enough speeds.

For the best protection, purchase high quality frames with the safety glass such as that used in automobile windshields.

And as a previous answerer suggested, storm shutters are even better.

Answer 2

Depending on the manufacturer of the windows, you will have different strengths of glass being used even in impact resistance units. There are new (less than 10 years) special building codes enforced which require hurricane areas to have the special type of glass for hurricanes. If you have these they may have tempered glass with laminate to hold the glass together if something does go through. Laminate is a clear piece which is applied/fused to the glass, you will not be able to see it. Since your unit is only 4 years old, provided the builder stuck by codes required in your area, you are as safe as you can be. If you ask around you should be able to find out who built the unit, and a little more research will help discover what brand of windows are being used. You could look on the window and in one of the corners on the glass, hard to see because it is etched, there will be nomenclature printed that tells you what you need. Sometimes even the hardware of the other windows that actually open have the name etched on it. Then you can either call the local building supply house and ask for a toll free number to call the manufacturer or look on the net and call them to ask about the specifics on your units, as it will be in the etching you found. Now, what you can do to take further precautions is to get masking tape, and put on the glass windows when you have a warning of a hurricane, in the shape of an "X". This will help hold the glass together if or when something breaks the glass, hence less shattering to clean up later. Safer because if it does break it will be held together. Good Luck.

Answer 3

I guess that would depend on the strength of the hurricane and exactly how "impact resistant" your windows are. Personally, I would STILL board them up as a precautionary measure -- NO window will stand up to a large piece of debris (like a tree limb) hitting it at over 80+mph (even with a sheet of plywood over it)

Answer 4

No you still need those steel shutters.

Impact resistant glass would help against a stone that some kid threw but not against a park bench that a 150 mph hurricane threw.

Answer 5

NO! A 2x4 from another home can do more damage to a house in hurricane winds than a cannon. Test show a 2x4 can go thru block walls.

Answer 6

Sounds more like a poor seal at/around the frame then the glass itself. That said, 'impact resistant' and 'insulating' are two different animals. Is what you feel a draft, or downward air flow over a large cold surface?

Answer 7

impact windows up to current codes are really a great proct.Certain types are better.Many people get confused .It is common that people installed IW 7/8 years ago and were sold as impact windows and they were.As in everythings products must get better to comply with new codes.As more hurricanes cause major destruction codes increase.Codes are very good now.When were your windows/doors installed.Do you notice very little if any exterior sound?

Answer 8

they will help!