Impact glass protects homes from severe weather conditions. Understanding what impact glass is and how it works can significantly benefit homeowners and contractors in enhancing the safety and security of a property.
What Is Hurricane Glass?
Impact glass, also known as hurricane glass, is designed to withstand force and pressure. It consists of two pieces of standard glass bonded with a clear, incredibly resilient interlayer made from polyvinyl butyral, ethylene-vinyl acetate, or SentryGlas®. These interlayers provide an aggressive adhesive bond that keeps the glass layers together, even when severely damaged.
Properties that Make Impact Glass Effective
The combined strength of two glass pieces and the interlayer means impact glass can withstand high winds, heavy rains, and even debris flying at high speeds, making it an excellent safeguard for homes in hurricane-prone areas.
Because the fragments of shattered impact glass remain adhered to the protective interlayer, the risk of injury from flying glass shards in the event of breakage is reduced. Even after severe impacts, the glass will still serve as a barrier against weather and unauthorized entry.
How Does Impact Glass Work?
The most remarkable aspect of impact glass is its ability to remain intact despite sustaining damage. While the glass may crack on impact, the interlayer holds the pieces together, preventing the pane from shattering.
Manufacturing Process
Impact glass is typically made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) between two layers of tempered glass. This laminate design provides strength and flexibility, allowing the glass to absorb and distribute impact energy without shattering. During manufacturing, the glass is heated and cooled in a controlled manner to enhance its toughness.
Testing Standards
To ensure that impact glass meets safety standards, it undergoes rigorous testing. The most common tests include:
- Cyclic Pressure Test: This test simulates the effects of wind pressure and evaluates how well the glass can withstand repeated pressure changes. The glass is subjected to a series of cycles that mimic high winds, ensuring it remains intact under stress.
- Impact Resistance Test: This involves dropping a heavy object, such as a steel ball, onto the glass from a specified height to assess its ability to resist penetration. The glass must endure this impact without breaking through.
- Florida Product Approval: In regions prone to hurricanes, impact glass must meet specific criteria set by local regulations, such as the Florida Building Code. Products that pass these tests receive certification, ensuring they are suitable for installation in high-risk areas.
Applications of Impact Glass
The uses of impact glass extend from residential to commercial and industrial sectors.
Residential Use
Impact glass is a must-have for homeowners, especially in areas prone to severe weather. It can be used in all areas of the home. Having impact-resistant glass installed can also lower homeowners’ insurance rates.
Commercial and Industrial Use
Due to their immense strength and durability, impact glass is widely used in commercial and industrial settings. These include offices, retail establishments, hospitals, and schools, particularly in regions where severe weather events are common. Aside from enhanced protection against weather-related damage, impact glass also provides a higher level of security.
Benefits of Impact Glass
Installing impact glass shields your property from severe weather and provides additional security, safety, and comfort.
Protection Against Hurricanes and Severe Weather
Even with high-speed winds or flying debris, impact glass retains its structural integrity, thanks to the resilient interlayer that adheres to the glass layers, preventing them from shattering.
Enhanced Security and Safety Features
Impact glass is harder to break than ordinary glass. If broken, the fragments stick to the interlayer, reducing the risk of injury from flying glass shards.
It also provides UV protection, blocking up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, protecting your interior furnishings from fading and your skin from harmful radiation. Impact glass can also offer sound insulation, enhancing the safety and comfort of your home.
Considerations for Homeowners and Contractors
Consider the area’s weather conditions, the windows’ location, and the glass’s size. Pay attention to the interlayer type. Brands with a strong record of performance and reliability are usually a good investment.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
To ensure the effectiveness of impact glass, hiring a certified installer specializing in this type of glass is necessary. Proper installation maximizes its protective features and ensures compliance with local building codes. When it comes to cleaning, maintaining impact glass is as straightforward as caring for standard glass surfaces.
Regular cleaning helps maintain clarity and appearance. However, any damaged areas should be repaired or replaced promptly to preserve the glass’s protective qualities and functionality.
Elite Impact Glass: Your Trusted Partner for Impact Glass Solutions
Impact glass can protect your property from severe weather and enhance security. Its effective performance—rigorously tested under severe conditions—sound insulation, and UV protection properties make it an excellent choice for homeowners and contractors.
For more detailed information or to purchase premium impact glass, don’t hesitate to contact Elite Impact Glass. Our team of experts is readily available to guide you in making the best choice for your home’s safety and comfort.
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