Everything You Need to Know About Impact Insulated Glass Options and Benefits

When it comes to safeguarding your home or business from hurricanes, high winds, and other extreme weather conditions, impact insulated/laminated glass is a top-tier solution. At WDX Impact Windows and Doors, we specialize in providing high-quality, durable, and energy-efficient impact windows and doors tailored to your needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essentials of impact insulated/laminated glass, including its maximum measurements, available options, and the benefits that make it a must-have for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. Let’s dive into why choosing WDX Impact Windows and Doors ensures unmatched protection and peace of mind.

What is Impact Insulated/Laminated Glass?

Impact insulated/laminated glass is a specialized type of glass designed to withstand high-impact forces, such as those from flying debris during hurricanes or attempted break-ins. It consists of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a strong interlayer, typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas Plus, which holds the glass together even if it shatters. This construction enhances both safety and energy efficiency, making it a popular choice for coastal regions.

At WDX Impact Windows and Doors, our impact insulated/laminated glass is engineered to meet stringent building codes, including Miami-Dade County and ASTM E1996 standards, ensuring maximum protection against severe weather events. Whether you’re upgrading your home or building anew, our products offer superior durability, noise reduction, and UV protection.

Key Features of Impact Insulated/Laminated Glass

1. Survives Extreme Impacts: Laminated glass can withstand impacts from debris traveling at speeds up to 130 mph, meeting stringent Miami-Dade County hurricane standards. The interlayer holds the glass together, preventing it from shattering into dangerous shards.

2. Blocks Nearly All UV Rays: Insulated/laminated glass with Low-E coatings can block up to 99.7% of harmful UV rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading while still allowing natural light to brighten your space.

3. Soundproof Superpower: The layered construction and sealed airspace in insulated laminated glass can reduce external noise by up to 50%, making it ideal for homes near busy roads, airports, or noisy neighborhoods.

4. Energy Efficiency Boost: When filled with argon gas between panes, insulated laminated glass significantly reduces heat transfer, potentially lowering energy bills by 20-30% in hot climates like Florida.

5. Security Game-Changer: The tough interlayer makes it nearly impossible for intruders to break through, offering 24/7 protection. Some tests show laminated glass can resist repeated blows from tools like hammers or crowbars.

6. Turtle-Friendly Option: In coastal areas, tinted laminated glass (known as turtle glass) complies with regulations to protect sea turtles by reducing light pollution that can disorient hatchlings.

7. Customizable Aesthetics: Beyond safety, laminated glass can be customized with decorative grids, frosted finishes, or colored tints (like bronze or blue) to match your home’s style without sacrificing performance.

8. Fire Resistance Bonus: Certain types of laminated glass with special interlayers can resist fire spread for up to 45 minutes, providing extra safety in emergencies.

9. Hail-Proof Durability: In regions prone to hailstorms, laminated glass has been shown to resist damage from hailstones as large as 2 inches in diameter, outperforming standard glass.

10. Insurance Savings: Installing impact insulated/laminated glass can qualify homeowners for insurance premium discounts (up to 40% in some cases) due to its storm-resistant and security-enhancing properties.

    
    

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Contact WDX Impact Windows and Doors for a free estimate and let our experts help you find the ideal solution for your home. Call us at 305-898-8151 or visit wdximpact.com to schedule your consultation today!