Impact Windows

Impact Windows: What Are They?

Imagine never having to worry about a stray baseball smashing your windows while the kids play outside. Or better yet, feeling confident that your home is protected from flying debris during a tropical storm or hurricane—common in the Gulf Coast region. Add to that, impact window can protect against intruders as well as storms.

Impact windows are specially designed for just that. Built with heavy-duty frames and laminated glass, these windows feature a strong adhesive layer that holds the glass securely in place, preventing it from shattering or popping out during impact. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure maximum safety and durability.

Living on the Gulf Coast means facing powerful storms regularly. That’s why impact windows here must meet strict standards, such as in Florida where they are tested to withstand being struck twice by a 2×4 board without breaking through.

Now that’s peace of mind you can count on!

Impact Windows: What They Are Not

Some companies use terms like “hurricane rated windows” to confuse homeowners and avoid meeting strict building code requirements. These are often just marketing phrases with no real meaning.

In reality, windows are either impact rated or non-impact rated — there’s no in-between.

It’s important to understand that meeting the local code means windows must withstand wind speeds up to 14

0 MPH (a Design Pressure rating of 50). However, a window with a DP 50 rating can resist strong winds but is not necessarily impact rated. This means it may not withstand debris flying at it during a storm.

To truly protect your home, you need impact-rated windows that are tested and certified to resist both high winds and flying debris.

Are Impact Windows the Same as Storm Windows?

No, impact windows and storm windows are very different. Impact windows are made with laminated glass, thicker frames, and strong internal components—and must pass strict testing to qualify as impact resistant.

Storm windows, on the other hand, are simply windows installed over your existing windows for extra protection against weather but do not offer hurricane-level protection or resist flying debris.

Are Impact Windows the Same as Hurricane Rated Windows?

No, “hurricane rated windows” is actually a misleading marketing term used by some contractors to sell lower-quality, non-impact windows.

While all windows sold along the Gulf Coast must withstand high wind speeds (140 MPH or more), not all windows are impact rated.

Impact windows are designed to “spider web” like a car windshield when hit, keeping debris out and maintaining protection. Non-impact windows, even if labeled “hurricane rated,” can shatter completely, allowing dangerous debris to enter your home.

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WE KNOW THE CODES

Understanding building codes and permit requirements is essential, especially in the Gulf Coast region.

Most counties along the Gulf Coast in Alabama and Florida fall within the Wind Borne Debris Zone. Florida law mandates that if more than 25% of the total glazed area of a home is replaced, each affected opening—windows and doors—must be protected with “Large Missile Level D” impact-rated products.

Some local building departments allow the use of plywood as temporary shutter protection, but only if it meets specific state standards. This includes precut panels with official labels, required plywood thickness, and pre-installed mounting hardware with proper fastener size, wall embedment, and spacing.

In Alabama’s Mobile and Baldwin counties, full protection is required for all openings in cities such as Mobile, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Foley, Fairhope and all of Baldwin County. Other municipalities within these counties may have varying codes.

For clarity and peace of mind, consult with a Folkers expert to ensure your project meets all local code requirements.

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