If you own a home in Florida, you have probably heard about impact resistant windows. These products allow homeowners to protect their home and valuables during severe storms without the need for storm shutters. One of the remarkable properties of these windows is a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). It is the preferred material for window manufactures. Here is more information about this PVB and how it works in window applications.
What is PVB?
This is the same compound that manufacturers use in car windshields. It is a clear resin that works as a high-strength adhesive placed between two panes of glass. It is the reason why hurricane proof windows crack instead of shatter into dangerous shards. In a windshield, the layer of PVB is typically 0.03 inches thick. For residential windows, it is either 0.1 or 0.09 inches thick. It distributes the force of impact throughout the entire sheet of glass and keeps the shards in place, even if the glass is cracked.
How Do Manufactures Make Impact Resistant Windows?
Manufacturers use high heat and pressure to fuse the PVB between the two layers of annealed glass. Once the PVB is in place, the glass is run through rollers to get rid of any air bubbles. Then, it’s heated and pressurized in an oil bath to finalize the process.
Once constructed, the products are tested and given specific ratings based on performance. The Design Pressure (DP) rating identifies the load a product is rated to withstand and tells you how strong a window is. It is expressed in pounds per square foot and the pressure may be induced by wind or static snow. In Florida, the required DP for windows ranges from DP 35 (in more centralized areas) to DP 60 (for coastal areas).
Benefits of Hurricane Proof Windows
Here is what you can expect from a hurricane impact resistant window in Venice, FL:
Shatter Resistance
When a piece of laminated glass gets broken, it stays in place. There are not glass shards or sharp edges flying around to cause damage or injury.
Ultraviolet Protection
The PVB layer reduces transmittance of harmful UV rays from the sun. This helps protect your fabrics and furniture against fading. In fact, it can block 99 percent of UV light.
Sound Reduction
When it comes to sound abatement, PVB is usually the product of choice. Most impact resistant windows come with the added benefit of sound reduction. Some manufacturers take it a step further and include a plastic polyester (PET) film incased within the PVB layer to improve sound dampening.
Energy Efficiency
These windows give you better insulation and can help reduce your air conditioning and heating costs. You can also choose to add an extra pane of glass with a gas space between them for even more energy savings.
Security
These windows give you enhanced protection for your home against unwanted intruders. Because the glass only allows small penetrations on impact, it takes more work for intruders to break through.
Contact Armored Dade Windows and Shutters for top quality hurricane impact resistant windows in Venice, FL. You can call 941-798-9010 to get in touch with one of our professionals, or you can visit us at 8112 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL. 34210.
