Hurricane-Rated Glass
Glass systems tested and certified to withstand wind-borne debris impacts and extreme wind pressures as required by Florida Building Code, ASTM E1996, and Miami-Dade County protocols.
Technical Details
Hurricane-rated glazing must pass large missile impact tests (a 9-pound 2x4 lumber fired at 50 fps) and small missile tests (10 steel balls at 130 fps), followed by cyclic pressure loading simulating hurricane conditions. Products approved for Miami-Dade County (the most stringent standard) carry a Notice of Acceptance (NOA). These systems typically use laminated glass with SGP interlayers in heavy-duty frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests must hurricane-rated glass pass?
Hurricane-rated glass must pass ASTM E1996 large missile impact (9-lb 2x4 at 50 fps), small missile impact, and cyclic pressure testing. Miami-Dade County standards (TAS 201, 202, 203) are the most stringent in the nation.
Is hurricane-rated glass required in all coastal areas?
Not universally, but the Florida Building Code requires impact-resistant glazing or approved shutters in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). Other coastal states have varying requirements based on wind speed maps in ASCE 7.
Related Terms
See It in Action
Explore real-world applications featuring hurricane-rated glass: