Impact Glass Guide

Hurricane Glass Specifications

Complete guide to impact-resistant glass for Miami-Dade HVHZ. Compare laminated, insulated, and multi-layer configurations with interlayer specifications and NOA requirements.

3
Glass Types
0
FPS Large Missile
NOA
Required
Impact Glass Construction
Outer PVB Inner Air Glass 1" Overall (typical) Impact Test Large Missile: 9 lb @ 50 fps Small Missile: 2g @ 130 fps + Cyclic Pressure
Glass Lites
PVB Interlayer
Impact Zone

Hurricane Glass Matrix

Side-by-side specifications for HVHZ-compliant impact glass types.

Specification
Laminated
Insulated IG
Multi-Layer
Total Thickness
7/16"
1"
1-1/4"+
Interlayer Type
PVB 0.060"
PVB 0.060"
SGP 0.090"
Energy Efficiency
Sound Reduction
STC 32
STC 35
STC 40+
Security Level
Basic
Standard
Enhanced
Cost per SF
$25-40
$45-70
$75-120
UV Blocking
99%
99%
99%
Low-E Option

Choose Your Hurricane Glass

Laminated Impact

Basic protection

Construction Glass/PVB/Glass
Typical Makeup 3/16" + 0.060" + 3/16"
Weight ~4.5 lbs/SF
Application Single-glazed
Best For
  • Interior applications
  • Protected locations
  • Budget projects

Insulated Impact IG

Most common choice

Construction Lam + Air + Glass
Typical Makeup 7/16" + 1/2" + 1/4"
U-Factor 0.29 (with Low-E)
SHGC 0.23-0.40
Best For
  • Residential windows
  • Energy code compliance
  • Climate control

Multi-Layer Security

Enhanced protection

Construction Multi-lam + Air + Glass
Interlayer SGP (Ionoplast)
Forced Entry ASTM F1233
Blast Rating Available
Best For
  • High-security needs
  • Ground floor retail
  • Government buildings

Hurricane Glass FAQs

What glass is required for Miami-Dade HVHZ?

Miami-Dade HVHZ requires impact-resistant laminated glass that passes both large missile (9 lb 2x4 at 50 fps) and small missile (2g steel balls at 130 fps) tests per ASTM E1886/E1996. The glass assembly must maintain integrity after impact and cyclic pressure testing.

What is the minimum interlayer thickness for hurricane glass?

HVHZ hurricane glass typically requires a minimum 0.060" PVB interlayer for residential applications. Commercial and high-rise applications often require 0.090" or thicker interlayers. Ionoplast (SGP) interlayers provide 5x the tear strength of standard PVB.

Does hurricane glass provide energy efficiency?

Yes, when specified as insulated glass units (IGU). Impact laminated IGUs combine hurricane protection with Low-E coatings for thermal performance. This combination meets both HVHZ impact requirements and Florida Energy Code requirements for U-factor and SHGC.

What is the cost difference between hurricane glass types?

Basic laminated hurricane glass costs $25-40/SF for the glass alone. Insulated impact glass with Low-E costs $45-70/SF. Multi-layer security glass with enhanced interlayers costs $75-120/SF. Prices vary based on glass thickness, coatings, and order quantity.

Quick Selector
Insulated IG
Best overall value
Protection
Efficiency
Cost Value

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