“Hurricane glass” is a common consumer phrase, but it is not a complete technical specification.
In Florida, the safer way to evaluate a product is to look at the complete approved window, door, or glazing system and the impact standard it satisfies.
What is hurricane glass usually made from?
Most residential impact glazing uses laminated glass.
A typical laminate combines:
- Two or more layers of glass
- A polymer interlayer between the glass layers
- A frame and glazing system designed to retain the laminate after impact
When the glass cracks, the interlayer helps keep broken pieces together.
FEMA describes impact-resistant glazing as a strategy for resisting wind-borne debris, and laminated glass is a common way to create that protection.
Is laminated glass automatically hurricane rated?
No.
Laminated glass can be made for many purposes, including:
- Safety glazing
- Acoustic control
- UV filtering
- Security
- Hurricane protection
The thickness, interlayer, glass plies, framing, anchorage and tested assembly all matter.
Eastman notes that laminated glass with the proper interlayer thickness can be used in severe-wind applications, but the full system still has to satisfy the applicable performance requirements.
Why does the frame matter?
A hurricane opening system has to resist more than broken glass.
Wind loads move through:
- Glass
- Glazing bite
- Sash or frame
- Mullions where applicable
- Anchors
- Structural substrate
That is why replacing ordinary glass with laminated glass does not automatically turn an existing window into an approved impact window.
See our Florida Product Approval guide for how the complete assembly is documented.
Is hurricane glass the same as tempered glass?
No.
Tempered glass is a type of safety glazing designed to break into relatively small pieces.
Laminated impact glass is designed to remain held together by an interlayer after breakage.
Our impact glass vs tempered glass guide explains the difference in more detail.
Can hurricane glass break?
Yes.
Impact glazing is not marketed responsibly as unbreakable.
The outer glass can crack under severe impact while the laminated assembly remains in place and continues to protect the opening according to its tested design.
What should you ask for instead of “hurricane glass”?
Ask for:
- Manufacturer and series
- Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA
- Impact classification
- Large- or small-missile rating where applicable
- HVHZ approval where required
- Maximum size
- Positive and negative design pressure
- Glass makeup
- Installation instructions
That information is more useful than the phrase “hurricane proof.”
Frequently asked questions
Is hurricane glass bulletproof?
No. Hurricane impact and ballistic resistance are separate performance categories.
Is all laminated glass hurricane glass?
No. The laminate and complete system must satisfy the applicable impact and pressure requirements.
Does hurricane glass need shutters?
An approved impact-resistant opening can serve as its own debris protection when installed within its approved conditions. Other openings on the property may still need protection.
Is hurricane glass completely unbreakable?
No. The glass can crack. The purpose of the laminated system is to help maintain the protective barrier after impact.
Authoritative sources
- FEMA — Hurricane and Flood Mitigation Handbook: Wall Openings
- Eastman — Laminated Glass Basics: Safety
- Florida Building Commission — Product Approval Search
The bottom line
“Hurricane glass” is useful shorthand, but Florida projects should be evaluated by the complete approved system.
AA Glass & Windows can help compare impact-glass constructions and approved window or door systems. Request a free estimate to review your project.
