What Is Impact Glass? An Overview of the Different Types

So you’re in the market for some new windows and wondering if you should consider impact-resistant glass. After all, impact glass is all the rage these days for good reason. When severe weather hits, the last thing you want is for your windows to shatter and rain glass shards into your living room. But with so many impact glass options out there, how do you choose what’s right for your home? So make sure you find the right single hung windows for sale and read on.

Comparing Laminated, Tempered, and Insulated Impact Glass

What Is Impact Glass? An Overview of the Different Types 

Impact glass, also known as hurricane glass or impact-resistant glass, is designed to withstand strong winds and impacts. There are a few types of impact glass to choose from for your windows:

–   **Laminated glass** consists of two sheets of glass with a plastic interlayer. It can withstand impacts but still may crack. Great for coastal areas. 

–   **Tempered glass** goes through a heating process to strengthen it. It shatters into small granular pieces when broken to reduce injury risk. Works for most areas.

–   **Insulated glass units (IGUs)** contain an air or gas pocket for insulation and noise reduction. Some IGUs use laminated or tempered glass for impact resistance. Perfect if energy efficiency and soundproofing are priorities. 

–   **Polycarbonate** is a durable plastic material that can withstand strong impacts without shattering. However, it scratches more easily and tends to have more expansion and contraction. Best for high-impact zones like garages or sheds.

The level of impact resistance really depends on your needs and location. If you’re in a coastal region or hurricane zone, laminated or insulated glass with a laminated component is your best bet for frontline defense. For most inland areas, tempered or insulated glass should suit you well. At the end of the day, the most important thing is having windows that keep you and your home safe in the event of strong storms or wayward baseballs.

Finding the Best Single Hung Windows for Sale: Choosing the Right Impact Glass

When choosing impact glass for your single hung windows, you’ve got a few options to consider based on your needs and budget. 

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is great for security and safety. It’s made of two pieces of glass with a strong, durable plastic interlayer sandwiched in between. If the glass breaks, the interlayer holds the pieces together. This prevents the glass from shattering and protects from forced entry. Laminated glass also blocks 99% of UV rays, reducing fading in your home. However, it is the most expensive type of impact glass.

Tempered Glass 

Tempered glass is a more affordable impact-resistant option. It’s made of glass that’s been chemically strengthened to withstand higher impacts without breaking. If it does break, it shatters into small granular pieces that are less likely to cause injury.  Tempered glass protects well against impacts but won’t prevent forced entry like laminated glass. It also only blocks about 85% of UV rays. 

Insulated Glass Units

For the best energy efficiency, insulated glass units (IGUs) or double-paned windows are a great choice. They contain two panes of glass with a sealed air space in between to improve insulation. You can choose laminated or tempered glass for the panes. IGUs with laminated glass provide the most security and UV protection. IGUs in general can reduce outside noise transmission and lower energy bills. However, they tend to be the most expensive option. In the end, you need to weigh the pros and cons of cost, efficiency, safety, and security for your home. But with impact-resistant glass, you can have more peace of mind that your single hung windows will withstand whatever comes their way.