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What are the Requirements for Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors

08/31/2022

Hurricanes can generate wind speeds of 75 mph to nearly 160 mph, causing outdoor furniture, signs, cars, and other large items to become dangerous flying objects.

Hurricane-resistant windows and doors are designed to prevent catastrophic damage to buildings by providing structural strength to resist extreme winds, impact from wind-borne debris, and water penetration. With hurricanes, the assumption is that people have left the building due to advanced warnings and the focus is on the building.

Hurricane Glazing Requirements

The primary purpose of hurricane window glazing is to protect the building from damage for the duration of the storm. Products certified as impact-resistant must pass rigorous testing set by the ASTM International and the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.

● The ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 standards test product-related compliance for owner and occupant safety under extreme environmental conditions such as hurricane-force winds and airborne debris.
● The AAMA 506 standard is the quality control and testing process for exterior windows and doors to become AAMA Gold Label Certified

To meet these standards, products must pass specific air infiltration, water penetration, and structural performance requirements, and remain intact after simulated windborne debris pressure cycles.

How to Choose the Best Hurricane-Resistant Windows

Choosing window glazing depends on the building’s use, location, and safety objectives. Key features to consider include:

  • Laminated glass with a heavy interlayer, often polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or polycarbonate, between two pieces of glass bonded by heat and pressure.
  • Anchorage to the building, additional fasteners secure the product to the rough opening and ensure maximum stability.
  • Proper installation, even hurricane-resistant windows may leak if not properly flashed and sealed by joining the frame with the exterior sheathing and water-resistive barrier to form an integrated drainage plane.

Overall hurricane-resistance can be maximized using impact-resistant glazing, a robust framing system, and appropriate installation into the building openings.

Keep these guidelines in mind during the build stage of any project to ensure that an entire building is prepared for hurricanes.
Not sure which materials are suitable for your project? Contact us for a quote and learn more about St. Cloud Window impact window and door options.

At St. Cloud Window we know every project begins with a challenge or an idea of what a building might be. We bring that vision to life with our distinctive design aesthetics, precision performance, and design-to-delivery support. Learn more about how our products can deliver on your design objectives and site requirements here. Then, check out our full line of historic replica and acoustic window products, and get in touch for more details about any of our high-performing commercial window products.