Frequently Asked Questions
These are windows and doors that combine heavy-duty frames with impact resistant laminated glass. The laminated glass is built with a PVB interlayer, sealed between two layers of glass, which allows for strong binding, optical clarity, and tough adhesion.
Many insurance companies recognize the installation of impact windows and doors for insurance discounts. When all openings in your home are protected by our impact resistant windows and doors you can be eligible for a premium discounts. If you are not sure your insurance company offers discounts you should contact your insurance agent before making any purchases. However, keep in mind that the Florida statute 627.0629 for residential properties, requires all insurance companies to provide homeowners with insurance discounts if their homes are protected against windstorms, effectively.
Several elements, including how the frame and sashes are engineered, the type of impact glass used, the quality of weather stripping, and type of low emission coating on the impact glass. Non-Impact windows are not energy efficient because they provide little insulation. However, you can lower your utility bill by installing impact resistant products. Our Ecoguard series of laminated impact resistant windows and doors are built using a PVB interlayer sealed between two layers of glass. PVB is a chemical resin that adheres to the two glasses for strong binding and insulation. At Eco Window Systems we can help you select the appropriate glass combination to achieve great energy savings.
Absolutely. Impact resistant laminated glass eliminates exterior noise significantly. Our Ecoguard systems can provide a substantial noise reduction. Our windows and doors are an ideal solution if you live near a traffic intersection or the noise from your neighbor’s lawn mower disturbs the peace of your home.
It is the Notice of Acceptance (NOA) issued by the Miami-Dade County that certifies a product as impact resistant. This product approval also provides a label for the product that designates how long the certification will last. The NOA also provides information on dimensions, parts, materials, accessories, and installation guidelines for a product. You can download a copy of the NOA from the Miami-Dade County website.
Yes, replacement windows for residential use do pay for themselves. The amount of savings varies from home to home, but impact windows and doors are energy efficient and will lower a home’s energy consumption so over time, your energy and maintenance savings will match your investment.
Yes, impact windows are sometimes referred to as hurricane windows, hurricane impact windows, or hurricane resistant windows. The same applies to impact doors.
Homeowners whose properties have windows and doors over 25 years old should consider having them replaced. New windows and doors, especially impact resistant windows and doors, will lower your utility bills and protect your home against impacts. New windows and doors also add to your property’s value and hurricane windows can help you qualify for insurance premium discounts.
Yes, impact glass comes in a variety of color tints, including gray, bronze, and green.
Yes, impact resistant laminated glass acts as a sun barrier to protect you from UV light while still allowing your home to enjoy the benefits of natural lighting. Our Ecoguard products also help preserve the interior of your home, and any valuable furniture and decorations that would otherwise be subject to discoloration. This benefit is especially important for Florida resident who enjoy beautiful sunshine almost all year round.
Weather stripping is very important because it is a barrier against air and water. In addition, weather stripping, when applied and compressed properly, can improve the insulation of your windows and doors.
Egress requirements indicate the minimum opening sizes that certain windows must meet to comply with building code requirements. Egress requirements vary according to municipalities, so if you wish to know the egress requirements for specifics windows contact your local building code official.
Wind load refers to the application of wind pressure on a structure and its components. After a product is tested for small and/or large missile impact, it is then tested for wind load endurance. Wind load calculations are acquired by applying pressure to a structure so the wind forces act against it, these pressures are classified as positive. But when the pressures act away from the structure, they are classified as negative. Impact resistant windows and doors are tested for both negative and positive pressures and must withstand wind loads for 9000 cycles.
Large missile and small missile are two testing protocols for impact resistant products. Under large missile, a product is subjected to a sequence of blows with a piece of lumber weighing 9 lbs., measuring 2″ x 4″ x 6′ and traveling at a speed of 34 mph. During small missile testing, a product is subjected to 10 ball bearings weighting 2gr each traveling at 130 mph. Impact resistant windows and doors to be placed in a location of no more than 30 ft above ground must pass the large missile impact testing. However, products to be placed in a location exceeding 30 ft above ground must pass either large or small missile impact testing.
