Impact resistant windows consist of tough glass built into a heavy duty frame, which is attached to the window’s header and frame. Their materials and structure ensure that debris from hurricane winds and severe weather will not breach your home’s exterior. There are two common types of impact-resistant treatments for window glass.
- Laminated Glass – Polyvinyl Butyral: PVB is constructed from two panes of glass with a shatter-proof membrane sandwiched between them. When the glass suffers an impact due to debris, the outer pane may shatter, but the membrane holds the pieces together so the barrier isn’t penetrated.
- Laminated Glass – Sentry Glass Plus: SGP is similar in construction to PVB in that a membrane is inserted in between panes of glass. However, SGP involves interlayers that are five times stronger and considerably stiffer than the laminate material that’s used in PVB construction. The result is a window that protects against extreme wind, impacts from debris – and even in the unlikely event of a blast.
In addition, the material used to construct SGP impact resistant windows is clearer than the inner membrane of PVB, which tends to be cloudier – especially after extended wear and tear. SGP windows maintain their ultra-clear qualities even after years of service, so they’re worth the extra financial investment. This type of impact resistant window is often used for commercial applications because it’s suitable for larger windows.