What’s the best material to pick for hurricane windows? While options abound, some materials are considered the crème de la crème, and in this discussion, we zero in on those options for you.For #5, go to https://impactwindowscenter.com/collections/pgt-all-products
Hurricanes bring with them a level of destruction that few other natural disasters can match. High winds, driving rain, and flying debris all conspire to test the strength of a home’s exterior.
Among the most vulnerable elements are windows, which, if compromised, can lead to catastrophic damage inside. This makes the choice of window material not just a matter of aesthetics or cost, but of safety and long-term resilience.
When considering hurricane-rated windows, the discussion often turns to durability, impact resistance, and overall performance under pressure. A variety of materials are used in their construction, but not all offer the same level of protection.
In this article, we share five of the most trusted choices.
Laminated Glass At the core of most hurricane windows is laminated glass, a material made by bonding two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral. If struck by debris, the glass may crack but it will not shatter into dangerous shards. Instead, the interlayer holds the broken pieces in place, maintaining the barrier against wind and water.
Laminated glass is the benchmark for impact resistance, making it the foundation of any high-performing hurricane window.
Polycarbonate Panels For homeowners seeking an alternative to traditional glass, polycarbonate offers impressive strength.
Lightweight yet remarkably tough, polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable under most conditions. It is the same material often used in bullet-resistant applications. While it does not provide the same clarity as glass over long periods due to potential scratching, its resilience and weight advantage make it an appealing choice, particularly in areas where extreme wind speeds are common.
Vinyl Frames The frame surrounding hurricane glass is as critical as the glass itself, and this is why vinyl frames have grown in popularity: they combine durability with low maintenance.
Advances in manufacturing have made vinyl frames much stronger than earlier versions, allowing them to meet stringent hurricane codes when paired with laminated glass. Their ability to maintain shape under pressure makes them a dependable choice for many homeowners.
Wood Frames with Cladding On its own, wood is not an ideal material in hurricane-prone environments, but using it with aluminum or vinyl cladding has made it a durable option for protecting against the elements.
When combined with impact glass, wood-clad frames provide a balance of performance and aesthetics that appeals to design-conscious homeowners.
Aluminum Frames Aluminum remains a mainstay in hurricane window construction. Known for its strength and rigidity, aluminum frames can support large spans of impact-resistant glass without bending or breaking under stress. The material is also highly resistant to corrosion when treated properly, ensuring long-term durability in coastal environments where salt exposure is a constant threat.
While less insulating than vinyl or wood, aluminum’s strength and reliability make it one of the most trusted options.
Choosing the best material for hurricane windows involves weighing factors such as strength, insulation, maintenance, and design preferences. Each of the materials above offers advantages that suit different needs, but all share one quality: they have been proven to perform under extreme conditions.
For homeowners in hurricane-prone regions, the final step should be consultation with a company that specializes in hurricane-rated windows and doors. Professional guidance ensures not only that the right materials are selected, but also that the installation meets the highest standards of safety and compliance.
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Impact Windows Center
City: Boynton Beach
Address: 3547 High Ridge Rd
Website: https://impactwindowscenter.com/