Impact Resistant Windows
Per FEMA, impact-resistant glazing can include laminated glazing systems and polycarbonate systems. Laminated glazing systems are made with two or more glass panes and an interlayer of film laminated into the assembly. Per BASC, impact-resistant products must be rated and labeled in accordance with ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 or AAMA 506.
Last updated: September 10, 2026
| Claim | Listed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FEMA impact-resistant glazing options | Impact-resistant glazing can include laminated glazing systems and polycarbonate systems | FEMA P-2181 |
| FEMA laminated glazing construction | Laminated glazing systems are made with two or more glass panes and an interlayer of film laminated into the assembly | FEMA P-2181 |
| 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 P-2181 |
| FEMA polycarbonate systems | Polycarbonate systems are plastic resins that are molded into sheets that provide lightweight, clear panels with high impact-resistance qualities | FEMA P-2181 |
| FEMA polycarbonate strength vs non-laminated (FEMA only) | up to 200 times higher than existing non-laminated glazing | FEMA P-2181 |
| FEMA storm shutters framing | Storm shutters must be securely connected to the wall framing | FEMA P-2181 |
| 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 |
| BASC Windborne Debris Regions code note | Building codes require impact-resistant glass, shutters, or panels for new homes located in “Windborne Debris Regions.” | BASC/PNNL |
| BASC TAS 202 local standard note | TAS 202 for Broward and Miami-Dade Counties | BASC/PNNL |
| Pella hurricane glass definition | Hurricane glass is designed to withstand extreme wind speeds as well as protect against wind-borne debris. | Pella |
| Pella Hurricane Shield missile test | Pella Hurricane Shield Series impact-resistant windows are safety tested by firing a 2x4 flying at 50 feet per second at the glass. | Pella |
| Pella 2x4 / 50 feet per second substring | 2x4 flying at 50 feet per second | Pella |
| IWA complete-assembly definition | Impact windows resist windborne-debris testing and pressure cycling as a complete assembly. | Impact Windows America |
| IWA laminated lite vs rated frame | A laminated lite by itself does not make a regular frame impact rated. | Impact Windows America |
| PGT large-missile size token | Size: 2X4 | PGT |
| PGT large-missile weight token | Weight: 9 pounds | PGT |
| PGT large-missile speed token | Speed: 50 ft./second | PGT |
| Angi definition (optional) | Impact windows are a type of window made with impact-resistant glass, designed specifically for hurricanes. | Angi |
What laminated and polycarbonate options does FEMA list?
FEMA says: Impact-resistant glazing can include laminated glazing systems and polycarbonate systems. Laminated glazing systems are made with two or more glass panes and an interlayer of film laminated into the assembly. The glass panes may be broken by wind-borne debris, but the interlayer will remain intact to prevent wind and wind-driven rain entry.
Source: FEMA P-2181 Fact Sheet 3.2
What label rule does BASC list?
BASC says: Impact-resistant products must be rated and labeled in accordance with ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 or AAMA 506. Building codes require impact-resistant glass, shutters, or panels for new homes located in “Windborne Debris Regions.”
Source: Building America Solution Center
What missile geometry does PGT list?
PGT lists large-missile tokens Size: 2X4, Weight: 9 pounds, and Speed: 50 ft./second for impact resistant products that meet this tough large-missile standard.
Source: PGT hurricane protection
Cost figures sit on impact resistant windows cost.
Frequently asked questions
What are impact resistant windows?
Impact-resistant glazing can include laminated glazing systems and polycarbonate systems. Laminated glazing systems are made with two or more glass panes and an interlayer of film laminated into the assembly. Impact-resistant products must be rated and labeled in accordance with ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 or AAMA 506.
What ASTM labels does BASC list for impact-resistant products?
Impact-resistant products must be rated and labeled in accordance with ASTM E 1996 and ASTM E 1886 or AAMA 506.
What laminated construction definition does FEMA list?
Laminated glazing systems are made with two or more glass panes and an interlayer of film laminated into the assembly. 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 large-missile geometry does PGT list?
Size: 2X4. Weight: 9 pounds. Speed: 50 ft./second.
What complete-assembly claim does Impact Windows America list?
Impact windows resist windborne-debris testing and pressure cycling as a complete assembly. A laminated lite by itself does not make a regular frame impact rated.