Wind & Impact Resistant Windows

Overview

Wind & Impact Resistant Windows

Insulgard’s STORMDEFEND wind and impact resistant windows can be effectively used in a 250mph wind zone, which makes them ideal for tornado and hurricane-safe rooms. 

As an industry leader for 50 years, Insulgard offers robust protection for new-build safe rooms and storm shelters by testing and certifying all products to exacting standards. Our STORMDEFEND TTH600 ST window system meets rigorous ICC 500-20, ICC 500-23, and FEMA361-21 requirements based on testing conducted by Underwriters Laboratory. As a result, this system:  

  • Is compliant with the International Building Code® from 2015 or later, which requires all K-12 schools and critical emergency facilities in 250mph wind zones to be built with storm shelters that can withstand an EF5 tornado. 
  • Meets UL752 Level 3 for bullet resistance for added peace of mind. 
  • Defends against air exchange, which ensures an energy-efficient building. 
    Features TG30-IG glazing, a system certified for use in storm shelters and safe rooms. 
  • Conforms to your preferences with Low E coatings and standard tints. 

Along with these specs, STORMDEFEND TTH600 ST window systems excel at everyday performance. See for yourself why many architects and construction professionals have put their trust in reliable, resilient Insulgard security products. 

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GALLERY

Wind & Impact Protection

Performance & Protection Benefits

Protection Against Severe Weather   

Standard windows breaking under high winds can lead to severe structural damage to infrastructure. By contrast, reinforced frames and impact glass offer superior strength against wind, hail, and even tornadoes.   

Double-pane structures mitigate air pressure changes and water intrusion, ensuring safety and minimizing costly damage.   

Cities and states in high-risk storm areas are increasingly mandating tornado and hurricane impact-resistant windows in new construction. These measures not only mitigate storm damage but also potentially lower insurance premiums.  

Enhanced Security   

As windows are a common and obvious target for vandals, burglars, and bad actors, one of the best ways to enhance physical safety is to install a strong deterrent like Level 3 bullet-resistant, impact-resistant windows.  

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Certified Performance Testing

Testing Standards 

Upon passing the following tests, a window can be certified as impact-resistant:  

  • Large missile impact: withstanding the impact of a 15# at a 100mph  
  • Wind simulation: withstanding simulated hurricane-force winds of 200+ miles per hour 

Insulgard goes above and beyond strict testing standards set by FEMA, ICC-500, and state codes. By evaluating and independently verifying factors like structural integrity, impact resistance, and thermal performance, our windows exceed industry standards for safety and durability. See our testing in action:

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Security Without Compromise

Construction Specifications 

Built with extruded aluminum 6061-T6 alloy temper, these windows provide a tensile strength of 290 megapascals (MPa), as well as a yield strength of 240 MPa. When it comes to interior and exterior glazing gaskets, the use of EPDM sponge rubber ensures optimum water resistance and durability. 

Water resistance is improved even further thanks to the specialized weep design, which allows moisture to efficiently escape from the sill. Additionally, concealed anchors ensure the windows are as aesthetically pleasing as they are robust.

Quality construction is accompanied by numerous features which offer both practical and aesthetic benefits:

  • Customized Finishes: Finishes can be anodized or painted, depending on your preferences.
  • Anchorage Requirements: For your convenience, we provide anchorage requirements that are specific to distinct jobs and projects.
  • Ease of Installation: Windows are shipped fully assembled, meaning they can be installed in buildings immediately upon arrival.
  • Compatibility: These windows are also compatible with standard glazing methods for a more versatile product.

We offer three separate configurations to fully accommodate the needs of our customers:

  • Four-Lite with Horizontal and Vertical Mullion – UL Certification ZHLA.56
  • Ribbon Window with Vertical or Horizontal Mullions – UL Certification ZHLA.55
  • Single Lite – UL Certification ZHLA.52

Please keep in mind that ICC500-20 requirements stipulate that minimum and maximum sizes be tested for each window configuration offered. Feel free to reach out to us to provide specific sizes so that we can confirm they adhere to testing and certification limitations.

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Who We Serve

Applications & Use Cases

The STORMDEFEND TTH600 ST window system is designed for ICC 500-certified storm shelters and safe rooms in:  

  • Standalone emergency shelters  
  • Fire, rescue, medical, and law enforcement facilities  
  • Cafeterias, gyms, or other designated storm refuge areas of K-12 schools and learning institutions in 250 mph wind zones 
  • Universities and colleges (not typically under legal mandate, but as a best practice)    

Contact us if you’re unsure what version of the IBC code your city/state is operating under.  

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Certified Code Compliance

Compatibility with Building & Local Codes 

Insulgard’s STORMDEFEND TTH600 ST window system meets the most rigorous building code standards:  

ICC 500 standards apply specifically to the design and construction of storm shelters and safe rooms, ensuring they meet stringent criteria to withstand extreme weather conditions and protect occupants. 

Under ICC 500, doors and window systems in a storm shelter or safe room must endure wind speeds up to 250 mph and the impact of an EF5 tornado, the most severe category. 

The IBC from 2015 and after mandates that in 250mph wind zones, all new emergency operations facilities, including ambulatory units, 911 call centers, and police/fire/rescue stations, incorporate safe rooms or storm shelters built to ICC 500 specifications. 

It also requires educational facilities located in 250mph wind zones that have an occupant load of 50 or more to include safe rooms or storm shelters constructed to ICC 500 standards. 

Many municipalities in Tornado Alley (e.g., Oklahoma, Kansas, parts of Texas) and hurricane-prone coastal areas (e.g., Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina) have proactively adopted ICC 500 standards for specific new construction projects to enhance public safety. 

Additionally, local governments may enforce their own stringent building codes to prioritize public safety, reduce disaster recovery costs, and improve infrastructure resilience against natural disasters.  

For example, in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) of Florida, which includes Miami-Dade and Broward counties, the Florida Building Code requires that new construction and major renovations meet stringent wind resistance standards. This includes the use of lab-tested, wind-resistant windows, doors, and eaves to ensure structures can withstand hurricane-force winds. 

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BE PREPARED WHEN SEVERE WEATHER STRIKES.

Here at Insulgard, we design and construct products that can defend against even the harshest weather conditions. If you’re interested in incorporating STORMDEFEND TTH600 ST tornado-resistant windows into your building, feel free to request a quote.

We also encourage customers to contact us for more information on our other products and to learn what they can do to increase the safety and security of your building.

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Testimonials

Why industry professionals choose Insulgard

Brad Cleaveland

It has been great working with your team and you all have been very helpful and each project you have sent us has installed with no problems. What is great is that our install crews like how your system goes together, which keeps these guys happy. I look forward to doing more with your team.

Brad Cleaveland

Estimator at Midstate Glass of Citrus Co.
Inverness, FL

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