F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida, also known as The Sunshine State, is synonymous with sun and fun. However, despite what the state’s nickname might lead one to believe, there are some cloudy parts too. The hurricane season—which begins in May and lasts until November—jeopardizes more than just your trips to the beach. These storms risk property and put everyone in danger.

As a Florida resident, you know how important it is to take measures to protect your property and belongings if a hurricane strikes. You may have thought in the past that the only alternative available was installing protective storm solutions, such as hurricane panels or shutters. However, times have changed. There’s a new marvel in the home safety market: impact-resistant glass.

For every property owner living in a hurricane-prone state, the selection of an experienced installer is the first step in any project involving the protection from hurricane damage; nevertheless, after all of that is in place, you will always be left scratching your head wondering what to anticipate ahead of the procedure. Regardless of whichever hurricane protection you choose, read on to find the answers to your burning questions regarding impact-resistant glass for doors and windows.

Question #1: What is Impact-Resistant Glass?

Impact-resistant glass is exactly what the name suggests. It is a kind of glass specifically designed to withstand the force of a powerful impact. During a storm, the object that causes this hit might be sleet, snow, hail, or even branches or other debris blown about by the wind. Impact-resistant windows and doors, engineered with laminated glass, are held in place by a durable interlayer that provides structural support, stays intact, and withstands direct “attacks.”

Question #2: What is Laminated Glass?

Laminated glass is another significant form of glass that involves adhering a thin layer of vinyl or film between the various glass panes glued together to create an interlayer. Suppose the glass fractures or breaks, the inner layer of film or vinyl serves as an adhesive bond and maintains the integrity of the glass. In other words, laminated glass makes the whole construction far more robust, preventing massive shards of glass from flying all over the place during a hurricane.

Question #3: How Long Do Impact-Resistant Glass Last?

The Floridian weather is unpredictable and not always easy to deal with. Some impact-resistant windows and doors may survive a lifetime, while others don’t even make it half that long, depending on the glass quality. Although the warranties offered by many manufacturers for hurricane windows and doors may be as little as one year, at Rubenstein Homes FL, our leading manufacturer, PGT®, backs their entire product lines with extensive warranties that may last a lifetime.

Question #4: Is There a Florida Building Code for Hurricane Glass?

The Florida Building Code requires any house in Florida constructed after 2001 to have a storm protection system approved for its windows and doors. The straightforward response is that under the Florida Building Code (FBC), all doors and windows must be safeguarded if the property structure is approximately within one mile of the sea coast and the average annual wind speed is greater than 110 miles per hour or 140 miles per hour or higher during a storm.

Question #5: How Strong is Impact-Resistant Glass?

Impact-resistant glass, also known as hurricane windows or hurricane doors, is built and constructed to withstand severe winds (the average annual wind speed of 110 miles per hour or 140 miles per hour or higher during a storm.) and resist breaking when impacted. Products with high-impact glass must pass tests demonstrating that they can endure the pressure comparable to a 9-pound 2-by-4.

Question #6: Can You Break Impact-Resistant Glass?

Given that impact-resistant glass was developed to endure the force of a storm or debris traveling at the greatest potential speeds, it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to break through the glass door or window using conventional techniques such as a sharp object or even one’s own hands. It makes no difference whether an intruder is attempting to smash the glass with a hammer or a piece of wood blown about by the wind; the glass will simply not break.

Question #7: What are the Benefits of Impact-Resistant Glass?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that windows and doors are the most prevalent source of property damage during a hurricane. As a result, it is very important to safeguard these openings. Even though hurricane shutters often have lower upfront costs, there are several compelling reasons to choose impact-resistant glass. The question is, what characteristics set hurricane-impact-resistant windows and doors apart from their counterparts? Let’s have a look.

• Hurricane Storm Protection
• Complete Soundproofing
• UV (Ultra-Violent) Protection
• Home Safety and Security
• Reduced Insurance Premiums
• Less Homeowner Anxiety
• Reduced Cost of Future Repairs
• Extensive Energy Savings
• Increased Resale Value

Question #8: Are Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors Worth the Cost?

Yes, they are totally worth the cost. Impact-resistant windows and doors do cost more than ordinary windows or doors, but they very well may save you money in the long run by avoiding damage to your property that is significant and costly. They are also more energy-efficient, which helps save money on energy bills. Additionally, they may help greatly raise the value of your property and minimize the amount of money you spend on homeowners’ insurance.

Question #9: How Does Impact-Resistant Glass Reduce Noise Pollution?

Impact-resistant glass is not entirely soundproof; however, it can minimize unwanted noise by up to 65%. The thick piece comprises two layers of laminated glass sandwiched together. These hermetically sealed panels adhere to one another so that noise pollution from the outside does not pass through the glass. Moreover, vibrations cannot pass through the laminated glass and into your house because of its thickness and the air gap in the area between the two panes.

Question #10: What is the Maximum UV Protection Impact Glass Provide?

Impact-resistant glass windows and doors can block out 99% of all ultraviolet radiation (UVA, UVB, and UVC); in contrast, conventional non-impact windows and doors can only block at most 60% of certain UV rays, but not all of them. This light blockage protects precious interiors from fading or discoloration after frequent exposure to direct sunlight. Residents in Florida, who bask in the sun’s warm rays throughout the year, will find this quality very useful.

Question #11: Can Impact-Resistant Glass Help Improve Energy Efficiency?

Impact-resistant glass is advantageous for use in high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ), but it may also be an efficient means of decreasing energy expenditures, accomplished by the material’s ability to reflect heat from the outside and maintain a consistent temperature inside. These glass panes are coated with various metal oxides to reduce the excessive absorption of solar heat. This results in lower energy costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and improved thermal comfort.

Question #12: What is the Difference between Single Vs. Double Hung Windows?

The single-hung window is an example of a more traditional kind of window design that consists of a top panel fixed in place and a bottom panel that may be opened and closed vertically. The flexibility of the single-hung design to tilt inward makes it possible to wipe the outside, which is one of the advantages of cleaning it easily. On the other hand, you may optimize airflow in almost any space by installing double-hung windows, allowing the window to be opened from the bottom to the top.

Question #13: What is the Difference between Horizontal Roller Vs. Fixed Glass Windows?

As the name suggests, the horizontal roller is meant to open and shut horizontally and may hold anywhere from two to three sashes side by side, allowing you to have an unobstructed view of the vertical for the best possible sight. On the other hand, picture windows are fixed windows that deliver abundant natural light while framing the outside. They are a gorgeous centerpiece for living rooms and other gathering places because of their ability to create this effect.

Question #14: How Much Do Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors Cost?

The cost of installing custom impact-resistant windows and doors will likely be significantly higher. However, prepare yourself to spend an average of $8,000. The price may vary anywhere from $2,600 to $14,000, depending on the service, the material, and the expert you choose. On the other hand, the installation cost in Miami or along the Florida coast may range anywhere from $300 to $23,000, with the average cost being $6,510. For an accurate estimate, click here.

Impact Resistant Windows and Doors @ Rubenstein Homes

Hurricane season is a treacherous time of year, particularly for properties located in coastal regions like Florida. Now that you’ve gathered answers to all your burning questions about impact-resistant glass windows and doors, it’s time to hire a professional installer like Rubenstein Homes FL. If your property is located anywhere near Florida’s southeast coast, ping us. We’ve been in this industry over 50 years, aiming to make The Sunshine State—a hurricane-safe state.