Impact-Resistant Glazing
Expert installation of hurricane and impact-resistant glass systems. Miami-Dade approved, large missile impact rated laminated glazing for severe storm protection. Protect your commercial building from windborne debris across DC, Virginia, and Maryland.
Impact-Resistant Products
From large missile impact storefronts to impact-rated curtain walls, we install every level of hurricane and storm protection glazing.
Laminated glass tested to ASTM E1996 large missile impact (9-pound 2x4 at 50 fps).
Laminated glass tested to ASTM E1996 small missile impact (2-gram steel balls at 130 fps).
Insulated glass units with laminated impact glass on the exterior lite. Combines hurricane protection with thermal insulation, low-E coatings,
Complete storefront framing systems tested and approved for impact resistance. Includes impact-rated glass, reinforced frames,
Curtain wall systems engineered for impact zones. Mullions, anchors, and glazing tested as complete assemblies for large and small missile impact plus cyclic...
Enhanced laminated glass with thicker interlayers (0.090 inch SGP or multi-ply PVB) that provides both impact resistance and forced entry protection.
Engineering Detail
Impact-resistant glass uses laminated construction to absorb the energy of windborne debris while maintaining the building envelope integrity that prevents catastrophic structural failure during hurricanes.
When a window breaks during a hurricane, wind pressure enters the building and can double the uplift force on the roof. This internal pressurization is the primary cause of roof loss and total building failure in hurricanes. Impact-resistant glass prevents this by keeping the envelope sealed even after debris impact.
Impact glass uses two or more glass plies bonded with thick polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ionoplast (SGP) interlayers. The interlayer is the critical component -- it stretches and absorbs impact energy while holding glass fragments in place. SGP interlayers are 5 times stronger than standard PVB.
The large missile test simulates ground-level debris (a 9-lb 2x4 at 50 fps) and is required for the first 30 feet of building height. The small missile test simulates roof gravel and lighter debris (2g steel balls at 130 fps) and applies to upper floors. Both are followed by pressure cycling.
After the impact test, the glass must withstand 9,000 cycles of positive and negative pressure simulating sustained hurricane winds. This tests whether the cracked-but-intact glass can maintain its seal through hours of wind loading without the interlayer tearing or the glass pulling from the frame.
The frame is as important as the glass. Impact-rated frames use reinforced profiles, heavy-duty corner assemblies, and structural anchoring to transfer wind loads to the building. The frame must keep the glass captured even when the panel is cracked and flexing under wind pressure.
Beyond storm protection, impact glass provides 99 percent UV blocking, significant sound reduction (STC 32-40), enhanced security against forced entry, and energy efficiency when combined with low-E coatings in insulated units. These year-round benefits often justify the investment even outside hurricane zones.
Applications
Storefronts, hotels, and office buildings in coastal Virginia and Maryland where hurricane and nor-easter exposure creates debris hazards. Impact glass meets building code requirements in high-velocity wind zones.
Upper-floor glazing in tall buildings where wind speeds are amplified. Impact glass prevents window blowout and maintains the building pressure balance during severe storms. Required on some DC high-rises.
Federal buildings and government offices requiring dual-purpose glazing that provides both storm protection and security. Impact glass meets multiple performance criteria with a single product.
Hospitals, emergency rooms, and critical medical facilities that must remain operational during severe weather events. Impact glass protects patients, staff, and critical equipment from windborne debris.
Gymnasium walls, cafeteria windows, and classroom glazing where student safety during severe weather is paramount. Impact glass eliminates the need for separate storm shutters or protective film.
Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and retail storefronts in storm-prone areas. Impact glass protects merchandise and interior finishes while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the building facade.
Why Choose Us
Building owners and property managers across the DC metro area trust Expert Glass Repair for impact-resistant glass installations that protect against severe weather, enhance security, and deliver year-round benefits including UV protection and sound reduction.
We install impact glass products with Miami-Dade County NOA (Notice of Acceptance) and Florida Building Code approvals -- the gold standard for impact-resist...
The DC metro area experiences derechos, severe thunderstorms, and hurricane remnants. Impact-resistant glass keeps your building envelope intact when standard glass would shatter from windborne debris.
Storm damage to your building glass? We provide emergency board-up and expedited replacement to secure your property after severe weather events.
Full commercial general liability and workers compensation. Insurance documentation provided same-day for property managers. Over 20 years of commercial glazing experience.
Common Questions
Impact-resistant glass is laminated glass designed to withstand windborne debris during hurricanes and severe storms. Two or more glass plies are bonded with a tough PVB or SGP interlayer. When struck, the glass may crack but the interlayer holds fragments in place, maintaining the building envelope and preventing catastrophic pressure equalization.
The large missile impact test (ASTM E1996) fires a 9-pound 2x4 lumber at 50 feet per second at the glass, simulating Category 5 hurricane debris. After impact, the glass must withstand cyclic pressure loading representing hurricane wind gusts. Miami-Dade TAS 201, 202, and 203 protocols include this test.
While not required by code in the DC metro area, impact-resistant glass provides significant benefits including severe storm protection, enhanced security, sound reduction, and UV protection. The region experiences derechos, severe thunderstorms, and hurricane remnants with damaging winds.
Impact glass provides permanent, always-on protection without deployment. Shutters must be installed before storms and removed after. Impact glass also provides year-round UV protection, sound reduction, enhanced security, and no aesthetic impact on the building.
Hurricane impact glass ranges from 7/16 inch for residential to 1 inch or more for large commercial panels. A common commercial configuration uses two plies of 1/4 inch glass with a .090 inch PVB or SGP interlayer, totaling about 9/16 inch. Larger panels and higher wind zones require thicker constructions.
Yes. Impact-resistant IGUs combine a laminated impact lite on the exterior with a standard or low-E lite on the interior, separated by an insulating air or gas space. This provides hurricane protection plus thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
About Hurricane Glass
The Washington DC metro area may not be South Florida, but severe weather is a real and growing threat. The 2012 derecho knocked out power to millions and produced winds exceeding 80 mph across the region. Hurricane remnants regularly bring tropical storm-force winds to the area. And severe thunderstorms with straight-line winds and large hail occur every spring and summer. Impact-resistant glass provides the most reliable protection against windborne debris from any of these events.
Impact-resistant laminated glass delivers benefits that make it worth considering even if storms were not a concern. The thick interlayer blocks 99 percent of UV radiation, protecting interior furnishings and merchandise from fading. The mass and damping of the laminate reduces sound transmission by 5 to 10 decibels compared to standard glass. And the laminated construction makes the glass dramatically more resistant to forced entry, providing a security upgrade at the same time.
Expert Glass Repair installs impact-resistant glass in commercial buildings throughout Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland. We work with all major impact glass manufacturers and can specify the right product for your building's wind zone, exposure category, and performance requirements. Fully insured -- full commercial general liability, workers compensation, and same-day COIs.
Service Areas
Impact-resistant glass installation and service for commercial buildings throughout Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
Hurricane glass service for Tysons office towers, Reston commercial buildings, and Northern Virginia coastal properties.
Impact glass for Bethesda offices, National Harbor waterfront, and Maryland commercial buildings.
Impact-resistant glass for DC high-rises, government buildings, waterfront properties, and commercial facilities.
Ready to Get Started
Impact-resistant glass is the permanent solution for severe weather protection. No deployment, no maintenance, always ready. Contact Expert Glass Repair for a free consultation on hurricane glass for your commercial property.