Laminated vs Tempered for Wind

Both glass types are strong, but only one keeps the hole sealed when debris breaks through. Watch what happens when each glass type gets hit during a hurricane - one keeps you safe, one lets the storm in.

Laminated Stays intact
Tempered Falls out
Impact Test Comparison
LAMINATED
ENVELOPE SEALED
TEMPERED
OPENING CREATED

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key differences between laminated and tempered glass for hurricane protection.

Laminated Glass

Stays together when broken
  • After impactCracked but intact
  • Opening createdNo
  • Debris protectionContinues working
  • Pressure cyclesPasses 9000+
  • HVHZ approvedYes, standalone
  • Relative costHigher

Tempered Glass

Shatters into small pieces
  • After impactCubes fall out
  • Opening createdYes, completely
  • Debris protectionNone after break
  • Pressure cyclesN/A - open hole
  • HVHZ approvedOnly with shutters
  • Relative costLower

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about glass types for hurricane protection.

Why is laminated glass required for hurricane windows instead of tempered?
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Laminated glass stays together when broken because the plastic interlayer holds the pieces in place. Tempered glass shatters into small cubes that fall out completely, leaving an open hole. In hurricanes, that hole lets wind pressure and debris inside, which can blow off the roof.
What is the difference between laminated and tempered glass?
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Tempered glass is heat-treated to be 4-5x stronger than regular glass and breaks into small safe pieces. Laminated glass is two pieces of glass bonded to a plastic interlayer (PVB or SGP) that holds fragments together after breakage. Laminated can be tempered for even more strength.
Is tempered glass ever acceptable for hurricane zones?
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Only when protected by approved hurricane shutters. If shutters are deployed before a storm, tempered glass behind them is acceptable since the shutters block debris. However, impact-rated laminated glass works without shutters and many homeowners prefer it for convenience.
Does laminated glass cost more than tempered?
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Yes, laminated glass typically costs 25-40% more than tempered of the same thickness. However, when you factor in the cost of hurricane shutters plus tempered glass, impact-rated laminated windows often cost about the same as tempered windows plus quality shutters.

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