Are Hurricane Proof Windows Bullet Resistant?

Investing in high-quality impact-resistant windows is a necessity for anyone living in South Florida. Intense hurricanes remain a significant threat each year, as they can result in countless dollars in damages if your home doesn't have the proper level of protection.

Installing impact-resistant glass for your windows and doors plays a crucial role in hurricane safety. Give your home much-needed stability and strength against devastating natural disasters by taking advantage of these products. But how do they perform in regards to home security?

 


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Gun in front of American flag

The Reality of Gun Violence in the United States

While laminated glass can withstand a hurricane, many homeowners wonder if these windows can stop a bullet. Unfortunately, many neighborhoods across the United States are continually dealing with gun violence and criminal activity. The homicide rate for gun violence in the United States is 25 times that of other high-income countries. 

Understanding how to give your home the best protection against criminals is always a top concern. However, bulletproof glass and hurricane windows focus on two different goals that share similar qualities. Understanding the critical differences between hurricane glass and bulletproof windows can help you determine the best options for your home.

 

How Bulletproof Glass Works

The term "bulletproof windows" is often misguided. Typically, bullet-resistant glass consists of solid acrylic or laminated materials. Solid acrylic is available at various levels of thickness and protects against flying projectiles. 

The denser the material, the more stopping power the window has against firearm projectiles. Bullet-resistant glass is often thicker than impact windows, as it doesn't reflect bullets, but it absorbs the energy to embed the shell within the glass.

On the other hand, hurricane proof windows use laminated materials to stop projectiles. The glass comes treated to resist shattering - not stop a bullet.

The vast majority of impact-resistant windows come treated with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). PVB makes hurricane windows shatterproof while adding polyvinyl terephthalate (PET) provides an extra layer of protection to withstand a hurricane. 

The inner layer of these windows can vary in thickness, as thicker glass will cost more money, but it is also more bullet resistant. Typically, the inner layer of EVA or PVB can range between .01 inches to .09 inches. Researching each window’s various thickness levels is always a worthwhile option to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase.

 

Bullet in window

Verdict: Can Impact Windows Stop a Bullet?

The thickness of a window’s glass plays a vital role in determining if it can withstand a bullet’s impact. In the end, hurricane proof windows DO NOT come designed to meet this goal. 

If you’re interested in a window that can stop a bullet, reach out to the manufacturer for information on the glass’s thickness and overall design elements. Understanding each brand’s various details can help you determine the windows to invest in for your home.

 

 

Learn More About the Benefits of Impact Windows

Impact-resistant windows also offer many other benefits besides protecting your house against hurricanes. The use of laminated glass prevents these windows from shattering, which gives you and your family added protection against flying projectiles. 

Impact windows will also improve your home’s energy efficiency, which helps you save money on your energy bill each month. These hurricane windows are also effective at reducing outside noise. You can choose from an almost countless number of design options to best match the style of your home and boost your curb appeal.

 

Schedule an Appointment With Alco Windows and Doors for More Information

Alco Windows and Doors is a licensed distributor and installer of impact-resistant windows in South Florida. Our team members have more than 30 years of combined experience in the industry, as we take pride in offering high-quality services to meet your needs and budget best. We have more than 200+ 5-star reviews, as customer satisfaction is always a top priority. You can also choose from a variety of financing options.

Contact Alco's service team today to learn more about the many advantages of using impact-resistant windows for an added level of protection!

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