Why Impact Windows Matter for your house by the sea
Impact resistant windows are more than just a luxury—they’re a necessity in hurricane-prone regions. Designed with tempered laminated glass and reinforced aluminum alloy frames, these windows withstand flying debris, high wind pressure, and sudden impacts.
At Grandsea, we go beyond standard safety features. Our unique U-shaped locking rods and mushroom head lock points keep the sashes tightly secured against both positive and negative wind pressure. This innovation provides peace of mind, knowing your home is protected from severe weather while enhancing overall security.
How our aluminum windows withstand hurricanes
24-Hour Hurricane Resistance: Four Keys to Boosting Strength and Withstanding Wind and Rain
High-strength Aluminum Profiles
The use of larger and reinforced inner frame materials for big window panels enhances the frame's load-bearing capacity and durability against high wind pressure.
Wrapped Corner Combination
Using traditional mortise and tenon techniques combined with modern encased corner links, fixes the horizontal and vertical supports tightly together
Triple Rubber Seal
A patented integrated drainage system is incorporated into the window design to rapidly channel rainwater from the frames to the exterior. No matter the water volume during storms, rainwater is swiftly expelled outside.
Hidden Drain System
The multi-layer seal between the inner and outer window frames effectively blocks water infiltration, reduces noise, and minimizes air leakage. The integrity of these seals is crucial to ensuring that windows serve as an effective weather barrier during hurricanes.
High-strength aluminum , enlarged and widened , stable frame , fast drainage , strong sealing
Hurricane resistance test
Our windows are built to resist strong wind pressure — a key factor tested in wind load resistance. This test measures how much a window bends or deforms under different pressure levels. For example, according to CNS 11526 (based on the Beaufort wind scale), windows are tested at four pressure levels: 90, 180, 270, and 360 kgf/m². The higher the pressure a window can withstand with minimal deformation, the stronger its wind resistance rating.
Glass selection plays a major role in performance. We use impact-resistant laminated glass, which can resist both high wind loads and flying debris. This ensures your windows stay intact even when facing hurricane-force winds.
Each Grandsea window is engineered to match the building’s wall structure, materials, and local environmental conditions — ensuring safety, durability, and long-term peace of mind.
When you choose Grandsea, you’re not just choosing a window — you’re choosing protection that meets Florida’s strictest hurricane standards, backed by 20 years of manufacturing experience and proven quality testing.
Hurricane formation
Every year, Florida faces hurricane season — when warm ocean air rises, meets cooler air above, and forms powerful rotating storms. These storms bring intense winds, heavy rain, and flying debris that can easily damage ordinary windows and doors.
That’s why Grandsea Impact Windows are built to meet Florida’s hurricane resistance and ABPR standards, providing reliable protection when storms strike. Our windows go through strict wind pressure and water penetration tests that simulate real hurricane conditions. In these tests, each window is exposed to pressures up to 360 kgf/m², matching the highest category of hurricane wind forces.
We also custom design each window system according to your building structure, location, and coastal environment, ensuring that the product fits your exact needs.
Hurricanes are powerful systems that bring intense winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. To measure their strength, the United States uses the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
| Category | Wind Speed (mph) | Wind Speed (km/h) | Approx. Wind Pressure (kgf/m²) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 74–95 | 119–153 | ~90 | Minimal damage |
| 2 | 96–110 | 154–177 | ~180 | Moderate damage |
| 3 | 111–129 | 178–208 | ~270 | Major damage |
| 4 | 130–156 | 209–251 | ~330 | Severe damage |
| 5 | 157+ | 252+ | ~360+ | Catastrophic damage |
Note:
- The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is based on the 1-minute average of maximum sustained wind speeds.
- Regions such as Australia and the Northwest Pacific often use different 10-minute average wind speed measurement standards, resulting in differences in wind speed values and classification.
Florida's wind classification zones
This map shows how Florida is divided into different wind classification zones based on hurricane risk and wind speed. These zones determine the building and window standards required for safety and code compliance.
White areas represent Non-Impact Regions.
- These regions face lower hurricane risks.
- Structural testing is required, but impact-resistant windows or shutters are not mandatory.
Blue areas mark the Florida Wind-Borne Debris Zone (WBDR).
- These areas often experience strong winds and flying debris during hurricanes.
- Buildings here must use impact-resistant windows or approved shutters.
- Typical wind speeds range from 140 to 180 mph.
Red areas identify the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), which includes Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.
- These zones face the strongest winds in Florida — up to 200 mph.
- Windows and doors here must meet the strictest testing standards, including large missile impact and high-pressure tests.
In short, as wind speed and storm risk increase from north to south, impact-resistant windows become essential for meeting Florida Building Code and protecting homes from hurricane damage.
Effect of Glass Type on Hurricane Resistance
The glass type and thickness determine how well a window can resist wind pressure and flying debris during hurricanes. Thicker glass increases structural rigidity, while laminated impact glass adds a protective interlayer that keeps the pane intact after impact. Choosing the right glass ensures your windows meet Florida Building Code (FBC) and ABPR standards, keeping your home safe and secure.
Comparison of Hurricane Resistance of Different Types of Window Glass
| Glass Type | Typical Thickness (mm) | Structural Features | Wind Pressure Resistance (kgf/m²) | Hurricane Resistance | Key Advantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Glass | 5–6 | Single layer of float glass | 90–120 | Low — easily breaks under wind and debris | Low cost, easy to replace | Interior partitions, non-coastal homes |
| Tempered Glass (Thin) | 6 | Heat-treated for extra strength | 150–180 | Medium — resists moderate pressure, may shatter | Safer breakage pattern, affordable | Inland homes or low-wind regions |
| Tempered Glass (Thick) | 8–10 | Thicker, denser, heat-strengthened | 180–240 | Medium–High — stronger against bending and flex | Improved wind load resistance | Homes in wind-borne debris zones |
| Laminated Impact Glass (Standard) | 8–10 | Two glass sheets with PVB interlayer | 270–330 | High — holds together when struck | Prevents shattering, noise control | Coastal and suburban properties |
| Laminated Impact Glass (Enhanced) | 10–12 | Multi-layer laminated system with thicker interlayer | 360+ | Very High — meets HVHZ and Miami-Dade standards | Maximum protection, UV and sound blocking | Homes or buildings in HVHZ areas (Broward, Miami-Dade) |
Other factors affecting the performance of impact-resistant windows
The strength of a hurricane window isn’t just about the glass — it’s also about how it’s installed, what it’s anchored to, and where your home is located.
A good installation makes all the difference. When a window is fitted properly, the frame and fasteners spread out the wind pressure so everything stays tight and secure. But if the job’s rushed — with gaps, weak sealant, or loose screws — wind and rain can sneak in, or worse, push the whole window loose. Using quality sealants, anchors, and rust-resistant hardware is a must in Florida’s storm zones.
Your wall type also plays a big role. Concrete and masonry walls give the strongest support, while wood or light metal framing can flex under pressure, which might cause even a solid window to fail.
And then there’s the environment. Homes near the coast deal with salty air, flying debris, and stronger gusts, so they need windows with extra coatings and corrosion-resistant parts. Homes farther inland can often use lighter setups.
In the end, hurricane protection isn’t just about tough glass — it’s about the whole system working together to keep your home safe, dry, and up to code.
FAQ's about Hurricane Resistance windows
What Level of Wind Pressure Resistance Should Impact-Proof Windows Have?
There is no definite answer to this question because the wind pressure resistance level of doors and windows must correspond to the basic wind pressure of the city. It is necessary to calculate the standard wind load value based on different landforms, installation heights, installation location factors, etc. However, one thing is certain: the more comprehensive the wind pressure resistance features of the doors and windows, the safer they are.
What is the cost of impact windows?
The cost of hurricane windows varies greatly depending on size, material, style, and other factors. Due to their durability, hurricane resistance, and added safety features, hurricane-resistant windows are generally more expensive than standard windows. We recommend purchasing high-quality impact windows directly from the window and door manufacturer to get the best price. This is a worthwhile investment.
How to care for hurricane proof windows?
Proper care for impact-proof windows is extremely important to ensure their longevity. We recommend regular inspection of seals and frames. Damaged or worn seals should be replaced immediately to maintain their hurricane-proof capability.
Another point is cleanliness. Dust and dirt can accumulate in seals and frames and impair their function. Keep the windows clean using a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the material. It is recommended to oil the window fittings regularly to maintain their mobility and prevent corrosion. This ensures your impact-resistant glass windows remain in top condition and are optimally protected.
