Understanding laminated glass construction is critical for HVHZ compliance. Learn about interlayer types, thickness requirements, and how glass makeup affects design pressure ratings.
Choose the right interlayer for your application and design pressure requirements.
Polyvinyl Butyral - Residential Standard
Ionoplast - High Performance
Sound-Dampening Layer
Typical laminated glass configurations for Broward County HVHZ projects.
| Application | Glass Makeup | Total Thickness | Design Pressure | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential Window | 1/4" + 0.030 PVB + 1/4" | 9/16" (14mm) | +/-55 PSF | Residential |
| Large Residential Opening | 1/4" + 0.060 PVB + 1/4" | 9/16" (14mm) | +/-65 PSF | Residential |
| Storefront/Commercial | 1/4" + 0.060 SGP + 1/4" | 9/16" (14mm) | +/-75 PSF | Commercial |
| Mid-Rise (4-6 Story) | 5/16" + 0.060 SGP + 5/16" | 11/16" (17mm) | +/-85 PSF | Commercial |
| High-Rise Tower | 3/8" + 0.090 SGP + 3/8" | 7/8" (22mm) | +/-100+ PSF | High-Rise |
Impact glass must pass these testing protocols for Broward County approval.
ASTM E1886 / TAS 201
A 9-lb 2x4 lumber projectile is fired at 34 mph at the glass. The laminated glass must remain in the frame and maintain its weather barrier integrity. Required for all glazing within 30 feet of grade level.
ASTM E1886 / TAS 201
Ten 2-gram steel balls are fired at 50 fps at the specimen. Required for glazing above 30 feet from grade. The glass must not develop through-penetration after impact.
ASTM E1996 / TAS 203
After missile impact, the specimen undergoes 9,000 pressure cycles simulating hurricane wind gusts. Positive and negative pressures alternate to test the glass and frame system's structural integrity.
ASTM E330 / TAS 202
The complete window assembly is tested to 150% of design pressure to verify structural adequacy. Glass deflection, frame stress, and anchorage are all evaluated during testing.
Broward County requires laminated glass with a minimum 0.030" PVB interlayer for residential applications. Commercial and high-rise buildings often require thicker interlayers (0.060"+) or SGP (SentryGlas Plus) for enhanced post-breakage performance and higher design pressures.
PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is the standard interlayer for residential impact glass. SGP (SentryGlas Plus) is 5x stronger and 100x stiffer than PVB, making it ideal for large openings and high-rise applications where post-breakage structural performance is critical.
Yes, impact glass can crack when struck by debris. However, the interlayer holds the broken pieces together, maintaining the weather barrier. The glass "spiderwebs" but doesn't fall out, preventing wind and water intrusion into the building.
Check for a Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance) number etched into the glass or on the window label. The NOA confirms the product has been tested and approved for HVHZ use. You can verify NOAs on the Miami-Dade Product Control website.
Get professional glass specifications based on your design pressures and opening sizes. Ensure NOA compliance for your Broward County project.
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