Pass or Fail

Hurricanes turn ordinary objects into deadly missiles. A piece of lumber becomes a battering ram. Roof gravel becomes shrapnel. Miami-Dade's strict impact tests ensure your windows and doors survive the worst nature throws at them.

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Impact Test Simulator
9 lbs
Missile Weight
34 fps
Impact Speed
162 ft-lb
Impact Energy
PASS
Test Standards
TAS 201
Large Missile
TAS 203
Small Missile
NOA
Required Approval

Two Tests, One Goal: Keep Debris Out

Miami-Dade requires both large and small missile tests to simulate different types of hurricane debris.

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Large Missile Test

TAS 201-94 / ASTM E1996

Simulates a flying 2x4 board - the kind of debris that causes major structural damage during hurricanes. The 8-foot lumber piece weighs 9 pounds and impacts at speeds simulating Category 5 winds.

Missile 2x4 Lumber (8 ft)
Weight 9 pounds
Speed 34 ft/sec (23 mph)
Impact Location Center + Corners
Pass Criteria No Penetration
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Small Missile Test

TAS 203-94 / ASTM E1996

Simulates roof gravel, glass fragments, and other small debris. Ten steel ball bearings are fired in a pattern to find weak spots. Even small penetrations fail the test.

Missile Steel Ball Bearings
Weight 2 grams each
Speed 50 ft/sec (34 mph)
Quantity 10 balls in pattern
Pass Criteria No Penetration

What Needs Impact Testing?

In Miami-Dade HVHZ, anything that protects the building envelope must pass impact tests.

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Impact Windows

Laminated glass with interlayer that holds together on impact

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Entry Doors

Reinforced doors with impact-rated glass panels

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Hurricane Shutters

Steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate protective systems

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Skylights

Roof-mounted glazing with impact protection

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Storefronts

Commercial glass curtain walls and entries

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Garage Doors

Reinforced panels that resist wind and debris

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Wall Panels

Exterior cladding and rain screen systems

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Equipment Screens

Rooftop equipment enclosures and louvers

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about impact testing in Miami-Dade

The large missile test fires a 9-pound 2x4 lumber piece at 34 feet per second (about 23 mph) at the product. The 2x4 is 8 feet long. Products must not allow penetration - meaning nothing can pass through to the protected side. This simulates debris flying in a Category 5 hurricane.
The small missile test uses 2-gram steel ball bearings fired at 50 feet per second (about 34 mph). Ten balls are fired in a specific pattern. This simulates gravel, roof tiles, and other small debris that hurricanes turn into dangerous projectiles. Products cannot allow any balls to penetrate.
When windows break in a hurricane, wind enters the building and creates massive internal pressure. This pressure can blow off roofs and collapse walls. Impact-resistant products keep the building envelope intact, protecting both structure and occupants. Miami-Dade's strict standards emerged after Hurricane Andrew's devastating damage in 1992.
All exterior glazing (windows, doors, skylights) and their protective systems (shutters, screens) must be impact tested. Additionally, roof-mounted equipment covers, exterior wall panels, and any product that could allow wind/debris penetration needs testing and Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance).

Need Impact-Rated Calculations?

Our PE-stamped wind load calculations specify the exact impact ratings your project needs for Miami-Dade HVHZ compliance.

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