How Do I Know If I Have Impact Windows? Key Indicators to Check
Impact windows are an essential upgrade for homeowners in areas prone to hurricanes, storms, or high winds. But how do you know if your windows offer the protection you need? Spotting the signs can save you time and help you confirm your home’s safety. This guide will take you through the key indicators to determine whether you have impact windows installed.
What Are Impact Windows?
Impact windows resist shaking upon impact, offering enhanced protection against windborne debris and strong forces like hurricanes. These windows usually consist of two layers of glass with a reinforced inner layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), keeping the glass intact even when damaged. But how can you tell if your windows are truly impact-resistant? Let’s break it down.
Why Having Impact Windows Matters
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand why this matters. Impact windows can save lives, prevent costly damage, and even reduce insurance premiums. If you live in hurricane-prone areas or regions with harsh weather, it is crucial to know the type of window installed in your home.
How Do I Know If I Have Impact Windows?
Here are the most common indicators to help you identify whether your windows are impact-rated.
Check for a Permanent Label
You can easily identify impact-rated windows by checking for a permanent label. Manufacturers of impact windows usually etch or print a permanent mark on one corner of the glass. This label will typically include details such as the brand, standards met, and certifications. Look for terms like “laminated glass” or “impact-rated” along with a code indicating compliance with safety standards.
Look for a Temporary Label
If you can’t find a permanent mark, there might still be a temporary label, especially if the windows are relatively new. Temporary labels often indicate whether a window meets the required standards for impact resistance. These labels can usually be found around the window frame but may have been removed over time.
Thickness of the Glass
Impact windows tend to be thicker than regular windows. While standard windows might be around 3/16 inch thick, impact-resistant glass is typically 5/16 inch or thicker. If you have a ruler handy, measure the glass thickness. If it’s notably thicker than normal glass, chances are it’s impact-resistant.
The presence of Two Glass Panes
Impact windows are usually composed of two panes of glass, with a plastic interlayer in between. This interlayer provides added strength. If you notice two distinct layers, separated by a film or plastic, this could be an indication that your windows are impact-rated.
Impact Window Certification
You can verify the certification of your window by consulting the manufacturer. Most impact windows must pass specific tests to meet building codes in storm-prone areas. Look for documentation or certification from organizations like the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) or the International Code Council (ICC).
Test with a Small Tap
While this method is far from conclusive, gently tapping on the glass can provide a clue. Impact windows often have a duller sound compared to the sharper “ping” of standard windows. But be cautious—don’t apply too much force, as this test is only meant to give you an idea, not serve as definitive proof.
Consult Your Home’s Paperwork
Your home’s documentation might provide you with clues. If you’ve recently purchased or built your home, check any paperwork related to the windows. Building permits or invoices from contractors might mention the type of windows installed. This is an excellent way to confirm whether your windows are impact-rated.
Common Misconceptions About Impact Windows
Many people mistake standard laminated glass for impact windows. Laminated glass holds together after breaking, but it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as impact windows do. It’s important to note the differences, as manufacturers subject true impact windows to rigorous testing standards that other types of glass do not undergo.
Signs That You May Not Have an Impact on Windows
Thin Glass
If your windows are relatively thin, chances are they aren’t impact windows. Thicker materials are used to make impact-resistant windows that can withstand stronger forces.
Lack of Certification or Labeling
If you don’t find any certification markings or labels indicating impact resistance, you may not have impact windows installed.
Ordinary Window Frames
Standard window frames often can’t support the extra thickness and weight of impact glass. Thin or flimsy window frames may indicate that the windows aren’t built to withstand strong impacts.
Can I Replace My Existing Windows with Impact Windows?
Yes! If you find that your windows aren’t impact-rated, you can upgrade them. This might involve replacing the entire window system, including the frame, to ensure a proper fit for the thicker impact glass.
The Benefits of Impact Windows Beyond Storm Protection
While the primary purpose of impact windows is to protect your home during storms, they also provide other advantages:
Noise Reduction
The thickness of the glass and multiple layers help to block out exterior noise, making your home quieter.
UV Protection
Impact windows block harmful UV rays, helping to protect your furniture and floors from fading over time.
Energy Efficiency
Due to the extra layers, impact windows often offer better insulation, which can help regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing energy costs.
Final Thoughts
Determining whether you have impact windows doesn’t have to be complicated. By looking for labels, checking the thickness, and confirming certifications, you can quickly identify if your windows provide the protection you need. And if you don’t have them, installing impact windows is a wise investment to safeguard your home against extreme weather conditions.
Ensure your home is storm-ready with certified impact windows. Contact Southeast Windows & Glass Inc. to learn more about upgrading to impact-resistant windows today.
FAQs
- Can I tell if I have impact windows without removing them?
Yes, you can identify impact windows by checking for labels, the thickness of the glass, and certifications.
- How long do impact windows last?
Impact windows can last 20–25 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
- Are impact windows energy efficient?
Yes, impact windows often offer better insulation, making them energy-efficient and capable of reducing energy costs.
- Can impact windows stop a burglar?
Impact windows are much harder to break and provide additional protection against forced entry, even though they are not designed as security windows.
- Do impact windows reduce noise?
Yes, the thicker glass and multiple layers in impact windows help to significantly reduce outside noise.