Impact glass is designed to resist impact based damage which is why it first became popular as a car windshield. Since impact glass is designed to sustain heavy wind gusts of up to 200 mph and its miscellaneous debris, it’s becoming highly favorable for homeowners in high-velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ).
Impact glass is designed with three layers. The outer layers are made up of glass while the inner layer is made up of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). When all three of these layers are fused together via heat and pressure, or lamination, these layers become stronger and more durable which creates an impact window.
Though the question still remains, does impact glass break? In plain terms, yes, impact glass can break.
However, as these glass structures receive impact, the inner layer of PVB keeps the structure from breaking down—it keeps the window standing even though the glass shatters.
There are varying types of impact glass. Depending on where you live, housing code compliance may have different requirements, such as thickness and window design.
If you live in an HVHZ region, you may want to consider impact windows to keep your home safe and remain housing code compliant.
