At Bigfoot Windows & Roofing, one question comes up again and again from homeowners across Florida:
“How strong are impact windows, really?”
It’s a fair question. Impact windows are a significant investment, and while most people understand they’re designed for hurricanes, many don’t truly grasp how much punishment these windows can take — or why they perform so differently from traditional glass.
Instead of relying on technical jargon or marketing claims, Bigfoot Windows & Roofing believes in showing, not just telling. That’s why we’ve gone beyond standard demonstrations and put impact windows through real-world stress tests designed to replicate the types of impacts that can happen during storms, break-ins, and extreme weather events.
Real Testing, Not Just Claims
Over the years, we’ve taken impact windows to places most people wouldn’t expect.
We’ve brought them to gun ranges to observe how laminated impact glass reacts under extreme force. We’ve worked with firefighters, allowing them to train on breaching techniques so we could better understand how these windows perform when emergency access is required.
And now, we’re taking things a step further.
Using everyday tools and objects — the kind you might find in a typical household, or that a burglar might have access to — we’re testing the strength, durability, and resilience of modern impact windows in a controlled but realistic environment.
The goal is simple: to give homeowners a clear, honest understanding of what impact windows are capable of.
Why Impact Windows Are No Longer a “Luxury Upgrade”
One of the biggest misconceptions about impact windows is cost.
In the past, impact windows were significantly more expensive than traditional non-impact options. Today, that gap has narrowed dramatically. In many cases, non-impact windows are only 10–15% less expensive than impact-rated windows.
When you consider the performance difference, that price gap becomes almost irrelevant.
For just a small increase in upfront cost, homeowners gain:
- Protection against hurricane debris
- Increased resistance to forced entry
- Improved structural integrity of the home
- Reduced risk of catastrophic pressure failure
- Long-term durability and peace of mind
Whether you’re in South Florida, Central Florida, North Florida, or anywhere else in the state, impact windows are no longer a niche upgrade. They’re a practical, forward-thinking choice.
Understanding Impact Ratings: From 516 to 916
Not all impact windows are the same.
At Bigfoot Windows & Roofing, we work with different impact ratings depending on a home’s needs, location, and exposure. In previous tests, we’ve demonstrated the performance of 516 and 716 impact windows — both strong, reliable options for many homes.
In our latest testing, we focused on a 916-rated impact window, which represents a higher level of resistance and performance.
To truly understand its strength, we designed a test that starts with lower-impact forces and gradually increases to more aggressive impacts, simulating how damage might occur during a storm.
Simulating Real-World Impacts
Hurricane damage rarely comes from one single, massive hit. More often, it’s a series of impacts — debris striking a window, sometimes repeatedly, sometimes in the same area.
That’s why our testing approach matters.
We began with relatively minor impacts, observing how the glass responded. Even at this level, the results were impressive: small surface scratches, no major cracking, and no penetration.
Next, we introduced heavier objects — similar to what might happen if a neighbor’s patio paver or roof tile became airborne during a storm. Again, the result was surface damage without structural failure.
What stood out most was how the glass handled repeated strikes in the same location. While traditional glass would have shattered early in the process, the laminated structure of the impact window continued to hold, absorbing energy and preventing breach.
Why Laminated Glass Makes the Difference
Impact windows aren’t designed to be indestructible. They’re designed to stay intact.
Even when the outer glass layer cracks, the laminated interlayer holds everything together. This prevents wind, water, and debris from entering the home — which is critical during a hurricane.
Once a window fails and allows air inside, internal pressure builds rapidly. That pressure can lift roof decking, dislodge tiles, and turn a manageable storm into a catastrophic structural failure.
Impact windows play a vital role in keeping the home sealed as a system.
Security Beyond Storms
While hurricanes are the primary reason many homeowners consider impact windows, the benefits extend far beyond storm season.
Impact windows provide a strong deterrent against break-ins. Even when struck repeatedly with tools or heavy objects, they resist penetration far longer than traditional glass. That delay alone can be enough to prevent forced entry altogether.
In short, impact windows don’t just protect your home when the weather turns dangerous — they protect it year-round.
A Practical Decision for Florida Homeowners
If you’re paying only 10–15% more for impact windows compared to non-impact options, the decision becomes clear.
You’re not just buying glass. You’re investing in:
- Safety
- Performance
- Durability
- Peace of mind
And when installed correctly by an experienced team, impact windows become one of the most valuable upgrades you can make to your home.
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing: Built on Transparency and Trust
At Bigfoot Windows & Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve honest information, not sales pressure.
That’s why we test our products the way we do. We want you to see the results for yourself, understand the differences, and make an informed decision based on real performance — not just brochures or claims.
We don’t believe in cutting corners, and we don’t believe in selling fear. We believe in education, transparency, and doing the job right.
Bigfoot Windows & Roofing
Building trust — one window, one door, one roof at a time.