4 Easy Ways to Tell If Your Windows Are Impact‑Resistant

Live on the Gulf Coast and not sure if your windows are truly hurricane-rated? Here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly guide that avoids common myths (like “mph ratings”) and points you to the markings and documents that actually prove impact performance. If you plan a replacement, see our Replacement & Impact Windows page for options and a free estimate.

Quick answer (TL;DR)

• Look for permanent markings on the glass/frame showing ASTM E1886/E1996 compliance (impact + cyclic pressure). In stricter zones, check for a Miami-Dade NOA or test protocols TAS 201/202/203.
• Verify the exact model in the manufacturer’s documentation (spec sheet, label) or public approvals listings. Keep a copy with your insurance papers.
• Construction clues help (laminated glass, beefier frames/fastening) but are not proof by themselves.
• NFRC labels are about energy (U-factor/SHGC), not impact ratings.

1) Check the permanent marking on the glass or frame

Impact-rated units carry permanent etching/markings (typically in a corner of the lite or on the frame) showing the standard(s) used for testing. For the Gulf Coast, the most relevant are:

• ASTM E1886 / ASTM E1996 — test method + specification for missile impact and cyclic pressure.
• Miami-Dade NOA and/or TAS 201/202/203 — common in higher-exposure areas; widely recognized beyond Florida.

Important: a tempered stamp (or a generic safety logo) is not the same as an impact rating. Tempered glass shatters safely; impact systems resist penetration thanks to laminated construction and tested assemblies.

Also important: NFRC labels show energy performance only (U-factor, SHGC, VT). They are useful for efficiency rebates but do not indicate impact compliance.

2) Match your window’s exact model to official documentation

Find the brand and model on your sash/frame tag (sometimes inside the jamb or under a sash stop). Then:

1. Pull the product’s manufacturer spec sheet and confirm it’s the impact version (the same series can have both non-impact and impact options).
2. Check publicly available approvals (e.g., Miami-Dade NOA) for that exact series and glazing build. The approval should list test standards, sizes, and limitations.
3. Save the PDF(s) with your insurance documents.

If you’re unsure, we can help identify your unit and provide a replacement scope. Start here: Replacement & Impact Windows.

3) Look for construction clues (helpful but not proof)

Impact windows typically include:

• Laminated glass (two panes bonded by a clear interlayer). When cracked, shards adhere to the interlayer instead of falling out.
• Heavier frames/reinforcement and robust fastening into the substrate, designed to handle cyclic pressure loading after impact.
• An appropriate Design Pressure (DP) / Performance Grade (PG) for your exposure. Higher DP/PG often accompanies impact models.

These are good signs, but without the right marking and paperwork they don’t constitute proof of compliance.

4) Confirm the paper trail: approvals, permits, proposal

If the windows were installed under a permit, your paperwork might already list the approved impact model and glazing build. Ask your previous contractor for:

• The final proposal/invoice showing the impact model and laminated glazing code,
• A copy of the NOA or approval used for inspection,
• Any warranty card tied to the impact series.

Missing documentation? We’ll evaluate what you have, inspect on site, and quote compliant replacements if needed — details on Replacement & Impact Windows.

What “impact-rated” really means (and why there’s no “mph number”)

Impact windows aren’t certified to a single “wind speed.” Instead, assemblies are tested with a specific missile impact (small or large) followed by thousands of cyclic pressure pulses that simulate storm gusting. Compliance to ASTM E1886/E1996 (and, where applicable, Miami-Dade/TAS) is what insurers and building officials look for — not a marketing mph claim.

When to consider upgrading

• You can’t locate markings/approvals, or your model isn’t the impact version.
• Frames are older/aluminum single-pane and struggle with water/air infiltration.
• Glass shows delamination, seal failure (fogging), or hardware fatigue.

Modern impact units pair storm protection with better energy performance. If you’re comparing options, our team can show you side-by-side pricing for vinyl and impact packages. Start here: Replacement & Impact Windows.

 

Related reads & upgrades

• Replacement & Impact Windows — options, process, FAQs
• Seamless Gutters in Southeast Louisiana — drainage upgrades that protect sills and siding
• Certified FORTIFIED™ Roof Installation — whole-home envelope resilience

FAQ

Is tempered glass the same as impact glass?

No. Tempered glass is a safety glass that shatters into small pieces; impact systems use laminated glazing and a tested frame assembly to resist penetration and maintain the envelope under cyclic pressure.

Can I add a film and “make” my windows impact-rated?

No. Aftermarket films may help with shard retention but don’t convert a window into a tested, approved impact assembly.

How do I prove impact rating to my insurer?

Provide the window’s marking/photo plus the manufacturer spec or approval (e.g., NOA) for your exact series and glazing build. Keep these with your policy documents.

Do impact windows help with noise and energy bills?

Often yes. Laminated glass improves sound attenuation and modern frames/glazing packages can lower air infiltration and improve U-factor/SHGC. For energy details, reference the product’s NFRC label (note: it does not indicate impact rating).

Free estimate & consultation
Call Slidell 985-643-6611 or Baton Rouge 225-766-4244, or start on our Replacement & Impact Windows page.