What is Hurricane Impact Glass?

Living in Florida has its perks — sunshine, beaches, year-round warm weather, and Walt Disney World. But there are also hurricanes. Every year, Floridians brace for the possibility of intense storms that bring devastating winds, flying debris, flooding, and property damage. If you live in Florida, your top priority is protecting your family and home when these devastating storms arrive. That’s where hurricane impact glass comes in.

If you’re considering upgrading your home’s entryway, installing glass door inserts with hurricane impact glass is a smart, long-term, and cost-effective investment.

Here’s what hurricane impact glass is, how it works, and why it’s a must-have for Florida homeowners.

What Is Hurricane Impact Glass?

Also called hurricane-resistant glass, it’s specially engineered to withstand flying debris propelled by high winds. Hurricane impact glass is made by sandwiching a tough, clear plastic membrane (usually polyvinyl butyral or PVB) between two sheets of tempered or laminated glass.

The result is a glass panel that doesn’t shatter like regular glass. Even if it cracks under impact, the inner layer holds the glass in place — preventing dangerous shards from flying into the home and keeping rain and debris from getting in.

How Does it Protect You?

Here’s what makes hurricane impact glass a must for Florida homeowners.

Stops Wind and Water Intrusion

If a window or door is breached during a storm, the pressure in the home can rapidly increase, sometimes causing the roof to blow off. Hurricane impact glass acts as a sealed barrier, preventing this catastrophic chain reaction.

Resists Break-Ins

Besides protecting your home from storms, hurricane impact glass is also an excellent deterrent for forced entry. Burglars can’t simply break a pane and walk in — giving you peace of mind.

Filters UV Rays

Some impact glass blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping to protect floors, furniture, and curtains from sun damage and fading.

Reduces Outside Noise

The makeup of hurricane resistant glass is such that it works as a sound barrier. If you live on a busy street or near an airport, you’ll most likely notice a big difference in the noise levels inside the house after installing hurricane impact glass.

Why It Matters for Florida

Florida sees more hurricanes than any other state. According to the National Hurricane Center, 40% of all U.S. hurricanes make landfall in Florida. And it’s not just frequency — these storms are becoming increasingly powerful thanks to climate change.

Consider these statistics:

• Hurricane Ian (2022) caused over $112 billion in damage across Florida, making it one of the costliest storms in U.S. history.
• The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reports that wind damage accounts for the majority of homeowner insurance claims after major storms.
• Over the last 30 years, more than 100 named storms have impacted Florida.

With stats like these, it’s clear why more Florida homeowners are taking advantage of hurricane impact glass.

Why Choose Our Glass Door Inserts With Hurricane Impact Glass?

When storms approach, many people board up windows or install bulky shutters. All of these are fine, but hurricane impact glass offers a better solution.

The Glass Door Store is the premier glass door company in Tampa and Lakeland. Our inserts let in natural light, come in various styles, and meet or exceed Florida’s strict building codes for hurricane resistance. You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for safety.

Whether you’re upgrading your front door for looks or want to let in more natural light, our glass inserts offer the best of both worlds while offering an extra layer of protection.

Get Started Today

The Glass Door Store proudly serves Tampa, Lakeland, and the surrounding areas. We specialize in supplying and installing decorative glass inserts that can dramatically transform your home’s look, plus offering an extra layer of protection.

Call us or reach get an online quote today!