How to Tell If Your Windows Are Impact Resistant: 4 Easy Checks for Your Home Safety

Impact-resistant windows can reduce your insurance costs and significantly enhance your home’s safety standards, especially in areas prone to storms. But how can you tell if your windows are impact-resistant? An easy way is to check for a label that shows the window’s impact resistance rating. This rating is based on industry standards like ASTM D3556, which measures the window’s ability to withstand storms. This expert guide will walk you through everything, from identifying impact-resistant windows to understanding installation costs and more.

4 Ways to Identify Impact-Resistant Windows

Regardless of how often your city faces hurricanes or tornadoes, impact-resistant windows are essential for protecting your home. Here’s how to check if your current windows are impact-resistant:

1. Look for Window Rating Labels

The easiest way to check if your windows are impact-resistant is to look for weather resistance or window rating labels. These labels indicate the window’s ability to withstand storms based on industry standards like ASTM D3556. Most rating labels are located on the lower corners of windows and mention the supplier’s name, fabrication location, manufacturing date, and certification details.

2. Check the Installation Paperwork for Safety Glazing Certification

If your windows don’t have any markings, find the installation paperwork and look for a safety glazing certification. This certification is commonly used for impact-resistant windows and proves that your windows are built to withstand severe weather conditions.

3. Feel the Glass Thickness and Composition

Impact-resistant windows are generally thicker and have a different composition than standard windows. While standard glass is primarily made from limestone, sand, and other materials, impact-resistant glass typically consists of two sheets of glass laminated together with a durable plastic interlayer.

4. Observe Double Reflections

A unique visual test for impact-resistant windows involves holding an object up to the glass and observing the reflection. Due to the multi-layer construction of impact-resistant glass, you should see multiple reflections instead of a single one. This is an effective way to identify impact-resistant windows.

How to Check If Your Windows Are Hurricane Rated

The most common standard for hurricane-resistant windows is the Testing Application Standard (TAS). Here’s how to check if your windows meet the hurricane rating standards:

1. Check for TAS Ratings: Look at the lower corner of your windows for TAS ratings, such as TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94, and TAS 203-94. These ratings indicate that the windows are approved for use in hurricane-prone areas.

2. Inspect for Impact-Resistant Materials: Thick glass with double frames is the most common option for hurricane-resistant windows. By touching the edges of the windows, you can easily distinguish between regular and hurricane-resistant windows.

3. Examine Heavy Reinforced Frames: Compared to regular windows, TAS-verified hurricane-resistant window frames are much heavier. These frames often have the TAS rating and supplier names engraved on the upper left section.

Who Needs Impact-Resistant Windows?

Impact-resistant windows should be a top priority if you live in areas frequently affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, or hailstorms. In the last two decades, some U.S. states have been hit harder than others, making it essential for residents to install impact-resistant windows.

Here are 9 states that have faced the highest number of hurricanes and tornadoes:

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Louisiana
4. Alabama
5. Mississippi
6. Georgia
7. South Carolina
8. North Carolina
9. Hawaii

How Much Do Impact-Resistant Windows Cost?

Alt Text: Installation of impact-resistant windows in a bathroom.

There is no fixed cost for impact-resistant windows, but they generally range between $2,000 to $12,000. The cost depends on several factors, including:

• Size and Shape of the Windows: Larger or custom-shaped windows typically cost more.
• Materials Used: Options include laminated glass, tempered glass, and reinforced fiberglass.
• Installation Complexity: Windows in hard-to-reach areas or those requiring custom installation will increase labor costs.
• Region and Local Labor Costs: Prices can vary significantly depending on the local market.

Conclusion: Why Impact-Resistant Windows Are Essential for Your Home’s Safety

Ensuring your windows meet safety standards is crucial, especially if you live in areas prone to storms. If you’re considering installing impact-resistant windows, keep the following tips in mind:

• Research your window suppliers thoroughly and avoid baseless claims.
• Even if they come at a higher price, prioritize energy-efficient impact-resistant windows that use advanced materials.
• Get quotes from multiple window suppliers and choose the most affordable and reputable one.

By following these steps, you can ensure your home is well-protected against severe weather condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do impact windows crack?

Yes, although impact windows are designed to be highly resistant, they can still crack, especially from a direct hit by a large object. However, unlike traditional windows, they do not shatter, making them much safer.

2. What can impact windows withstand?

Impact windows are designed to withstand common storms, including:

• Hurricanes
• Tornadoes
• Hailstorms

3. Can a rock break an impact window?

Not usually. While it might be possible in exceptional cases, the reinforced construction and laminated glass of impact windows are designed to resist regular impacts.

4. What are the disadvantages of impact windows?

The primary disadvantage of impact windows is their higher cost compared to traditional windows. They typically cost 2-3 times more to purchase and install.

5. How long do impact windows last?

Impact windows can last between 10 to 40 years. However, in extreme weather conditions, some may break within the first 5-10 years.

6. What wind speed will break windows?

There is no general speed that causes windows to break, as it depends on the type of impact-resistant window used. Most impact-resistant windows start to break under wind speeds of 80 mph, according to most suppliers.

7. How do you maintain impact windows?

Maintaining impact windows is relatively easy:

• Clean the glass with a mild soap solution and a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
• Check the seals and frames for any cracking sounds or signs of damage.
• Lubricate hinges and tracks to ensure smooth operation.