As a Southwest Florida resident, you’re likely aware of how important hurricane protection is for your home. If you’re considering investing in impact windows, we’re here to help you prepare your home for hurricane season and inform you of the distinctions between different types of glass options to choose from.
Below, we’ll cover the differences between tempered vs. laminated glass, their benefits, and which type of protective glass is perfect for SWFL homeowners.
Tempered vs. Laminated Glass For Florida Homeowners
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is much safer than regular annealed glass during extreme weather conditions since it breaks into small, cube-shaped fragments as opposed to large, deadly shards.
The added protection of tempered glass is due to how it's created. During the manufacturing process, tempered glass is heated to a temperature of around 1300 degrees and then quickly cooled, creating glass that is more protective and temperature-resistant than regular glass.
Tempered Glass Window Uses
Due to its unique shattering pattern, tempered glass is known as "safety glass.” Although it is around 4–5 times stronger than regular, annealed glass, it is not considered to be "hurricane-resistant glass.”
It is ideal for residential or commercial doors with heavy traffic due to its scratch-resistant properties and for places where safety is a concern — such as stairways or bathrooms.
Laminated Glass
As opposed to being heated like tempered glass, laminated glass is produced by joining two or more panes of glass with a thin layer of film or vinyl in between. If the glass breaks or cracks, this inner layer acts as an adhesive film to keep the pieces together. Because of this, the window's structure is more stable than standard glass and won't shatter as easily.
Laminated Glass Window Uses
The laminated windows from PGT are made to survive repeated blows from a 9-pound, 34-mph 2x4; they can offer limited protection for you and your family from severe storms, though they still aren’t recommended for hurricane protection.
They can be installed for:
- Sound reduction.
- Injury prevention in high-traffic areas.
- Balconies and skylights.
Windows constructed of laminated glass can offer decent protection and some sound and temperature stability for your home.
But what if we told you there was a better alternative than tempered or laminated glass?
Impact Glass: A Better Solution
The conversation shouldn’t boil down to tempered vs. laminated glass. Rather, what is the best hurricane-protective solution for your home?
The answer is impact glass.
Impact glass is created by combining tempered and laminated glass, making it able to withstand significant impacts. Consisting of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), it is stronger and breaks differently than conventional glass, making it more effective at deterring criminals, shielding against strong winds, and withstanding hurricane-related debris.
In addition to the superior protection properties of impact glass itself, impact windows are designed with strong frames that hold the impact glass in place more securely than traditional windows. Aluminum and vinyl window frames offer:
- Added insulation for your home to stabilize temperatures.
- Added cooling that saves your AC from running all summer.
- Little to no maintenance after installation.
Combining the protective benefits of tempered and laminated glass with strong, insulated frames, it’s recommended that SWFL homeowners choose impact windows for their hurricane protection needs.
Impact glass windows can be 10x cheaper than standard glass windows and are typically more cost-effective over time. They won’t need to be replaced as often since they offer superior hurricane protection, energy efficiency, and durability when compared to standard, tempered, or laminated glass.
Find the Perfect Impact Glass Windows With Storm Solutions
Identifying and installing the right hurricane protection is crucial for all residents in SWFL, especially after witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Storm Solutions is here to help you get the best protection possible.
With Storm Solutions, you’ll receive:
- Prompt installation from our team of certified professionals.
- Top hurricane protection from brands such as PGT
- Customizable options to fit your exact needs and style.
Schedule an estimate today and find the best impact glass windows for your SWFL home!
