Adding impact windows to your home offers peace of mind for homeowners in areas often affected by hurricanes. Compared to traditional windows, impact windows can help protect your home against strong winds and flying debris. 

When it comes time to buy impact/hurricane windows, where do you start? Exploring and understanding various window ratings can help narrow down your selection when shopping for hurricane impact windows. Below, let’s break down what you need to know about impact window ratings and how to select the best type of hurricane windows for your home.

Understanding Impact Window Ratings 

In the United States, impact windows undergo various tests to achieve impact window ratings. Some tests used to rank impact hurricane windows include:

Impact Testing

Large missile impact tests, such as the ASTM E1996 and ASTM E1886, check windows’ impact and pressure resistance. Understanding these ratings can be helpful when shopping for the highest-quality windows. These tests simulate hurricane-force conditions to determine how well windows perform. 

ASTM E1996 impact testing breaks down impact levels into five different levels in categories A through E. Windows with a level A rating can withstand a small missile impact, and the impact protection enhances with levels closer to E. For example, SoftLite’s windows offer Level C protection, which can withstand a 4.0 lb 2×4 projectile shot at 40 feet/second, and Level D, which can withstand a 9.0 lb 2×4 projectile shot at 50 feet/second. Choosing windows with C or D level protection can help protect your home during a hurricane.

TAS 201, 202, and 203 tests are similar impact tests that the Florida building code utilizes.

Wind Ratings and Water Penetration Tests

Tests like the ASTM E330 involve wind speed testing to determine how well hurricane impact windows can handle high winds. This test puts the window in a test chamber and uses air pressure to simulate wind forces. Additionally, an ASTM E331 water penetration test adds water to understand how much wind-driven rain a window can withstand.

HVHZ Certification

High-velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) apply to certain regions in Florida. These zones encompass areas where hurricanes most frequently occur and require homes to have HVHZ-certified products. Windows with an HVHZ certification work best in high-velocity areas and can withstand hurricane-force conditions.

SoftLite’s offers HVHZ-certified impact windows.

DP Ratings

DP ratings, also known as design-pressure ratings, measure window strength by testing them with increasing levels of pressure. This test determines how much wind pressure, water infiltration, and structural load a window can withstand before failing.

Windows rated with a DP between 15 and 30 are best for inland areas. Meanwhile, windows with DP ratings of 30 to 50 are best for holding up against stronger storms. Impact windows with a DP rating of 50 or more can withstand high winds (up to 173 mph winds). SoftLite’s Barcelona Impact Level C and Level D windows both carry a minimum DP 50 rating.

Choosing Impact Windows

Selecting the best hurricane impact windows for your home depends on your personal preferences and your home’s location. SoftLite offers hurricane impact windows available in two levels of protection.

For homes in coastal and inland areas, SoftLite offers Barcelona Impact Level C windows. These windows can withstand violent weather (tested for Missile C level impact).

For an extra level of protection in high-risk areas, SoftLite’s Barcelona Impact Level D windows offer HVHZ certification. They also carry a DP 50 rating or better by AAMA’s 101 standard for air, water, and structural wind load testing.

Our impact-rated windows use high-performance laminated glass, with two panes of glass and a protective interlayer. This unique glass serves as an excellent barrier against airborne debris and other dangers from violent weather.

Understanding Building Codes for Your Region

When shopping for impact windows, it’s also important to understand the building codes for your region. For example, some areas in Florida, like Miami-Dade and Broward counties, are in “HVHZ” areas, which require windows to have an HVHZ certification.

Check with a window dealer in your area to learn more about the type of windows you need for your specific region.

Find Impact Windows Near You

Ready to take the leap and add impact windows to your home? Find a SoftLife dealer near you for to get ready for hurricane season. SoftLite offers a variety of impact windows that offer the best ratings to protect your biggest investment – your home. Reach out to our team to learn more today.