Hurricane Proof Windows
Hurricane-proof is a search phrase, not a separate glazing class. ArmorPro says what some sites call hurricane-proof windows are the same product: laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame. BASF Window Systems says impact-resistant glazing is available as laminated glass. Miami-Dade addresses windows and shutters. FEMA says panes may be broken; interlayer intact. PGT discusses large-missile testing, not unbreakable panes.
Last updated: September 16, 2026
| Claim | Listed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ArmorPro same-product (hurricane / impact / hurricane-proof) | Hurricane windows, impact windows, and what some sites call hurricane-proof windows are the same product: laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame | ArmorPro |
| ArmorPro same-product substring | same product: laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame | ArmorPro |
| BASF WBDR impact-resistant or protected | In the WBDR, windows are required to be impact resistant or protected with an impact-resistant covering | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF laminated = impact-resistant glazing | Impact-resistant glazing is available as laminated glass and is also considered a type of safety glazing | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF laminated construction | Laminated glass consists of two or more panes of clear glass bonded together with clear plastic-like film (usually polyvinyl butyral) sandwiched between the two panes | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF interlayer keeps envelope | If cracked or broken, the glass fragments remain intact to the plastic interlayer thus preventing wind from entering the building | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF ASTM / TAS qualify rule | To qualify as impact resistant, products have to comply with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E1996 or TAS 201, 202, and 203 | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF heavier laminated frames | Note that the frames for laminated glass are generally heavier than for non-impact windows | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF complete unit testing | When undergoing testing, the window is tested as a unit that includes the glass, frame, attachment hardware, and the installation method | Building a Safer Florida |
| BASF shutter synonym | Impact resistant coverings are often referred to as hurricane shutters | Building a Safer Florida |
| Miami-Dade Product Control envelope list | The Section mainly addresses windows, exterior glazing, wall cladding, roofing, exterior doors, skylights, glass block, siding and shutters | Miami-Dade County |
| Miami-Dade Product Control role | The Product Control Section receives applications for product approval and processes, reviews and issues approval or denial of building construction materials, products and systems used for the protection of the building envelope | Miami-Dade County |
| FEMA interlayer remains intact | The glass panes may be broken by wind-borne debris, but the interlayer will remain intact to prevent wind and wind-driven rain entry | FEMA |
| FEMA laminated glazing definition | Laminated glazing systems are made with two or more glass panes and an interlayer of film laminated into the assembly | FEMA |
| PGT WinGuard withstand claim | WinGuard® impact doors and windows are made to withstand repeated impact and hurricane-force winds | PGT |
| PGT large missile testing | PGT® hurricane windows and doors undergo large missile testing | PGT |
| PGT large-missile Size 2X4 | Size: 2X4 | PGT |
| PGT large-missile Weight 9 pounds | Weight: 9 pounds | PGT |
| PGT large-missile Speed 50 ft./second | Speed: 50 ft./second | PGT |
| IWA complete-assembly testing | Impact windows resist windborne-debris testing and pressure cycling as a complete assembly | Impact Windows America |
| IWA laminated lite construction | Laminated impact glass typically bonds two glass plies to a polymer interlayer | Impact Windows America |
| IWA hurricane windows laminated + tested frame | Hurricane windows use laminated impact glazing and a tested frame-and-anchoring system to help keep the building envelope closed when wind-borne debris strikes | Impact Windows America |
| IWA documented assembly over generic label | The documented assembly matters more than a generic label | Impact Windows America |
What envelope products does Miami-Dade Product Control mainly address?
Miami-Dade County Product Control states that the Section mainly addresses windows, exterior glazing, wall cladding, roofing, exterior doors, skylights, glass block, siding and shutters.
What does FEMA say about broken panes?
FEMA states that the glass panes may be broken by wind-borne debris, but the interlayer will remain intact to prevent wind and wind-driven rain entry.
For rated-label language see impact rated windows. Dollar tables live on hurricane windows cost.
Frequently asked questions
What are hurricane proof windows?
Hurricane-proof is a search phrase, not a separate glazing class. ArmorPro states that hurricane windows, impact windows, and what some sites call hurricane-proof windows are the same product: laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame. Building a Safer Florida Window Systems states that impact-resistant glazing is available as laminated glass. Impact Windows America states that the documented assembly matters more than a generic label.
Are hurricane proof windows a separate product?
ArmorPro states that hurricane windows, impact windows, and what some sites call hurricane-proof windows are the same product: laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame.
What does FEMA say happens to the glass?
FEMA says: The glass panes may be broken by wind-borne debris, but the interlayer will remain intact to prevent wind and wind-driven rain entry.
What language should replace hurricane-proof on a spec sheet?
Use laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame (ArmorPro same-product wording). Building a Safer Florida states that to qualify as impact resistant, products have to comply with ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E1996 or TAS 201, 202, and 203, and that when undergoing testing the window is tested as a unit. PGT discusses large missile testing — Size: 2X4, Weight: 9 pounds, Speed: 50 ft./second — not an unbreakable pane. Impact Windows America states that the documented assembly matters more than a generic label.
What envelope products does Miami-Dade Product Control mainly address?
Miami-Dade County Product Control states that the Section mainly addresses windows, exterior glazing, wall cladding, roofing, exterior doors, skylights, glass block, siding and shutters.