Impact-resistant glass is extremely difficult for burglars to break. For instance, even if struck with a crowbar, the glass will remain securely within the frame, providing no point of entry. If you want an extra layer of security, installing impact-resistant glass in your pedestrian doors could be the right solution.
In plain terms, yes, impact glass can break. However, as these glass structures receive impact, the inner layer of PVB keeps the structure from breaking down—it keeps the window standing even though the glass shatters. There are varying types of impact glass.
While impact windows aren't indestructible, they are very hard to break. To get through, a burglar would create a ruckus and likely be caught. Breaking through impact windows typically proves to be considerable work and energy, forcing burglars to move on.
Impact Windows Are Just for Looks
Knowing that your home has permanent protection against hurricanes, tornadoes, and other storms at any given time also provides peace of mind. Ultimately, hurricane-resistant windows are capable of withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour.
Many impact windows are rated to function properly from 10 to 25 years, depending on the brand and materials.
Impact windows are multi-layered meaning that even when the outside glass is damaged, the window may crack but it does not shatter. This makes breaking into a home through an impact window far more time-consuming and far more difficult.
Impact glass is designed to resist heavy blows, and for this reason, it has become the mainstay in windshields for cars, trucks, and busses and more recently houses windows. Just like a car windshield, however, it can break if hit hard enough.
Hurricane windows are treated with a laminate that prevents the glass from breaking but does not stop a bullet from passing through them. These windows are designed to protect against flying debris caused by hurricane winds. So, to answer your question, no, hurricane or impact windows aren't bulletproof.
Having hurricane rated impact windows installed can actually save you money over time, which can significantly defray the upfront costs. Because your home will be better protected against severe weather, you may enjoy significant discounts on your homeowners' insurance premiums.
You See Multiple Reflections: Because of impact glass's multiple layers, you can see multiple reflections in the glass. Checking for two or more reflections in the glass is a way to tell that it's impact-resistant, even if there are no stickers or etched labels present.
Impact Resistant Windows Help Prevent Break-Ins
Although impact resistant windows and doors are not 100% burglar proof, they make breaking into a home or business through a window or door too difficult, noisy and time-consuming.
Polycarbonate panels are significantly more difficult to break than both standard glass windows and laminated glass mentioned above. Compared to these latter options, polycarbonate panels deliver superior protection against forced entry attempts, burglaries, and weather-related disasters.
Installing these windows significantly lowers your chances of major damage to your home. Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it. So next time a hurricane hits your neighborhood, don't be caught unprotected.
Impact windows use thick laminated glass and sturdy framing materials, which result in a decrease in external noise by as much as 40%. Their overall thickness ranges from 7/16” to 9/16”, as compared to typical single pane glass measuring an average of 1/8”.
Hurricane Windows & Impact Windows Are Not the Same
To be considered a hurricane window, a product simply needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance. An impact window, on the other hand, will offer wind resistance as well as protection from impacts.
Impact windows will also resist breaking when struck by the rocks, utility posts, and other debris that a tornado might hurl at them when swirling by.
The biggest drawback of impact windows is their cost, which is why they are typically only used in high-risk areas. However, it is beneficial in the long run because they last much longer than other types of glass.
However, like other home improvements, such as kitchen and bath remodels, landscaping, and painting, impact windows can significantly increase the resale value of your home, making them a worthy investment. Best of all, they offer so many benefits that you can enjoy while you are still living in your home.
While replacing your home's windows is a costly project, it can pay off by adding value to your home. According to the Remodeling's 2023 Cost vs. Value report, replacing vinyl windows adds an average of $13,766 in value to a home — about 69% of the cost of the project.
Bulletproof glass is technically termed ballistic glass or bullet-resistant glass (BR glass), but also known as security glass, safety glass or armored glass. It refers to various types of optically transparent materials that resist penetration by bullets.
30-06 rifle rounds to break most bulletproof glass panes. While high-powered handguns, like a . 44 magnum or a . 45, are more powerful than smaller handgun calibers, even these can't match the power of a rifle.
Breaking Acrylic Bulletproof glass
Acrylic-made glass can be broken by hitting them for 5 minutes with a sledgehammer. Plus, a single rifle bullet is enough to break this glass.
Designed and made to withstand winds up to 170 mph.
Impact resistant windows, also known as hurricane windows, are designed and made to withstand high winds (up to 170 mph) and resist shattering when struck.
Impact windows are able to withstand all wind-blown debris, forced entry attempts, and wind speeds of up to 175 mph. This is the equivalent wind speed of a Category 5 hurricane.
Hurricane Window Life Span
Wooden impact windows will last 30 to 50 years but only with regular maintenance and care. Aluminum is the most popular material for impact windows. However, their lifespan ranges between 15 and 20 years.