Hurricane windows are not the same thing as impact resistant windows. Impact windows are what you want if you want your house to have a better chance of surviving a hurricane.
Impact resistant windows are a laminated product. There are two main types or residential impact resistant windows, depending on the degree of impact resistance you are looking for.
One type of window consists of multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PRB) sandwiched between two sheets of glass. The glass is then placed in an autoclave at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit under high pressure to temper the glass in order to increase its strength. The PRB type windows are designed for small missile (projectile) impacts.
There are also impact resistant windows designed for larger missile impacts referred to as PET laminated glass and glass-clad polycarbonate. In most cases, the windows are attached to the frame with structural silicone sealant.
Impact resistant windows need to be paired with beefed up frames in order to offer sufficient protection from projectiles. These frames may be constructed of wood, metal, vinyl or a combo of materials and have stiffeners and reinforcement to make them much stronger than typical window frames.
If you are retro-fitting an existing window, it is recommended to replace the entire window system, frame and all, in order for it to work as designed. Securing the window frame to the opening according to the manufacturer’s specifications is key to keeping it intact under hurricane conditions.