A study commissioned by the Window and Door Manufacturers Association and American Architectural Manufacturers Association states Florida accounted for 89 percent of total impact-resistant window sales in 2005. Obviously, Florida’s severe weather makes it ideal for hurricane-proof glass, but these windows also offer protection from home invasions, harmful UV rays, rising insurance fees and annoying noises.

Building codes covering windows are strictest in Florida and increasing in stringency along the Gulf of Mexico and up the Eastern Seaboard. Hawaii has also joined the list of states requiring windows with storm protection qualities. These developments have pushed window manufacturers to step up their offerings in the impact-resistant product category.
“The building codes and their enforcement have become much more stringent over the last five or six years,” says John Kirchner, public relations manager for Marvin Windows and Doors. “The market range for impact products continues to expand. We must continue to improve products and their ability to protect homes.”

Marvin’s StormPlus Wood Ultimate Double Hung features laminated glazing and solid structural integrity, giving it the strength to withhold the force of a 2x4 hitting it at 34 mph. The clear, insulating glass makes it applicable to a variety of climates for savings on heating and cooling costs. With the addition of Low-E II, the window qualifies for the Energy Star rating. The windows feature a wood exterior that allows for flexible finish color options and interior jamb liners that can be painted or stained.

According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes caused more than $752 million in property damage in 2006. While any home in the direct path will almost certainly be decimated, wind and flying debris damage to structures outside the tornado’s trail can be greatly reduced.

“Impact-resistant products are extremely beneficial to tornado-prone areas,” advises Jon Sawatzky, architectural branding manager for Loewen Windows and Doors. “They protect families and their homes by creating a safer environment and by providing additional peace of mind. The popularity of these products is steadily increasing in tornado-prone areas, but we probably won’t see full acceptance until the insurance companies provide substantially discounted policy rates for homes that are constructed with impact-resistant products.”