When it comes time to protect our window and door openings from the potential affects of hurricane conditions, there are many options for protecting glass openings. These options include: impact resistant glass, corrugated metal shutters, roll away shutters, and plywood. Window films are often thought of as a means to protect window glass from wind-borne debris. While window films can increase the strength of windows, statements such as “Window films can protect your home from hurricane and tropical storm damage” or “Window film is the best possible measure that any homeowner can take” are beyond misleading, they are patently false.

Window films are well suited to shield the rays of the sun. Window films are also capable of reducing exposure, damage, and the risk from glass shattering into flying shards. However, window films in and of themselves are not capable of preventing breakage as a result of impact.

In its literature and on its website 3M™ states:

“Ultra Films are not hurricane-proof, earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, bomb-proof, nor burglar-proof. Again, they are designed to make the window glass more shatter-resistant.” 3M™ then goes on to state “In the event of a windstorm, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the storm (and the type of glass, framing system, size and velocity of objects, and more).”

In fact, the International Window Film Association states on its website (http://www.iwfa.com):

“the window film trade associations are not aware of any film which can meet the large missile impact test. Any claim by the seller of a product should alert the consumer to ask for a copy of the written approval for the specific product in question.”

It is important to note that Section 1609.4.1 of the 1004 FBC states the following:

1609.1.4 Protection of openings.

In wind-borne debris regions, glazing in buildings shall be impact resistant or protected with an impact resistant covering meeting the requirements of SSTD 12, ASTM E 1886 and ASTM E 1996, ANSI/DASMA 115 (for garage doors and rolling doors) or Miami-Dade TAS 201, 202 and 203 or AAMA 506 referenced therein as follows:

1. Glazed openings located within 30 feet (9.1 m) of grade shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test.
2. Glazed openings located more than 30 feet (9.1 m) above grade shall meet the provisions of the Small Missile Test.

While window films have their applications with regards to window tinting and shatter protection, they do not offer complete protection from wind-born debris in the event of a hurricane. Therefore, the best protection from wind-born debris remains impact resistant glass, solid corrugated shutters, roll away shutters, or other building code approved materials.

Regardless of size or type of the structure, all structures in Florida should be prepared for hurricane season. If you would like information on preparing your structure for or recovering from a structural disaster, our disasters group is ready to assist you. Please contact Tim Roda at troda@brackenengineering.com.

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