Impact Resistant Windows
Consumer Impact Resistant Window Information
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Protecting Your Envelope with Windows
Certainly, when exposed to high winds, rain and other forces related to the weather, the damage done to your windows is of great importance. However, the reason for legislation in many states making impact resistant windows necessary has more to do with the entire frame of the house and something called the home’s envelope.
While houses are not 100% airtight, they are designed to keep some air inside and some air outside. As a result, the places where air gets in and escapes are very small. A high wind can threaten your windows and the structure of your home, but the greatest danger lies in the debris carried by the wind. Once a window has been broken, the envelope, or nearly-airtight barrier to the inside of your home is broken. The wind can now pour into your house through the broken window, increasing the pressure inside relative to the pressure outside. Like a balloon being overfilled, your house can only take so much pressure, and eventually a wall can be blown out or your ceiling can be damaged.
With shatterproof or impact resistant windows, while debris might crack the glass, the entire window will not give way. Even if a tiny amount of wind can get through a small opening, it will cause very little damage compared to the loss of an entire window.
Consider making sure your impact resistant windows are energy efficient as well as structurally sound with the EPA Energy Star program.