Hurricane Windows
Hurricane windows are the storm-season name for laminated impact-rated openings. ArmorPro says they are the same product as impact and so-called hurricane-proof windows: laminated impact-rated glass in a reinforced frame. Separately, Pella says impact windows protect from debris and wind while hurricane windows take it one step further. Impact Windows America lists laminated impact glazing and a tested frame-and-anchoring system.
Last updated: September 15, 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 |
| Pella hurricane vs impact distinction | Impact windows protect your home from flying debris and wind, while hurricane windows take it one step further. | Pella |
| Pella hurricane glass role | Hurricane glass is designed to withstand extreme wind speeds as well as protect against wind-borne debris. | Pella |
| Pella laminated construction analogy | Similar in construction to automobile glass | Pella |
| Pella polymer interlayer remains intact | polymer layer is meant to remain intact | Pella |
| 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 |
| 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 laminated lite alone is not frame-rated | A laminated lite by itself does not make a regular frame impact rated. | Impact Windows America |
| PGT WinGuard repeated impact / hurricane-force winds | made to withstand repeated impact and hurricane-force winds | PGT |
| PGT Saffir-Simpson Category 1 | 74-95 mph | PGT |
| PGT Saffir-Simpson Category 5 | 157 mph or higher | PGT |
| PGT WinGuard vs shutters: No Effort | No Effort | PGT |
| PGT WinGuard vs shutters: 24/7 Security | 24/7 Security | 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 |
| BASC ASTM / AAMA label rule | Impact-resistant products must be rated and labeled in accordance with ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 or AAMA 506. | BASC/PNNL |
| Angi definition | Impact windows are a type of window made with impact-resistant glass, designed specifically for hurricanes. | Angi |
What wind-scale categories does PGT list?
On its hurricane-protection page, PGT lists the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale category ranges Category 1 74-95 mph through Category 5 157 mph or higher, and lists WinGuard products as made to withstand repeated impact and hurricane-force winds.
How do shutters compare on that PGT page?
PGT's comparison table marks WinGuard for No Effort, No Storage, No Change in Home Appearance, plus 24/7 Security. Electric roll-down, manual roll-down, accordion, panel, plywood, and fabric storm panels are marked differently on those rows.
Source: PGT hurricane protection
Dollar tables live on hurricane windows cost.
Frequently asked questions
What are hurricane windows?
Hurricane windows are the storm-season name for laminated impact-rated openings. 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. Impact Windows America states that 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.
Are hurricane windows a different product from impact windows?
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. Separately, Pella says: Impact windows protect your home from flying debris and wind, while hurricane windows take it one step further.
What wind-scale categories does PGT list?
PGT lists the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale in five categories: Category 1 74-95 mph, Category 2 96-110 mph, Category 3 111-129 mph, Category 4 130-156 mph, and Category 5 157 mph or higher.
What does PGT say about WinGuard versus shutters?
PGT says WinGuard impact doors and windows are made to withstand repeated impact and hurricane-force winds. PGT's comparison table marks WinGuard for No Effort, No Storage, No Change in Home Appearance, plus 24/7 Security. Electric roll-down, manual roll-down, accordion, panel, plywood, and fabric storm panels are marked differently on those rows.