I am going with Intus uPVC triple pane windows for my home because of their energy efficiency, build quality, and best bang-for-buck, but I was excited to see that these windows were tested and now meet the Florida High-Velocity Hurricane Zones and Miami-Dade County requirements. It's a pretty tough test in that the windows and doors were subjected to 9,000 wind cycles of high positive and negative air pressure to simulate the force of 200-mph hurricane winds. Firing a nine-pound 2×4 wood stud at the window at 50 feet per second and firing 10 ball bearings at the window at 80 feet per second or 50 mph. These tests are designed to simulate the impact of flying debris during a high-wind event. Intus uPVC Eforte line windows and doors passed all of these tests and are now approved with the Florida Building Code for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones and the Miami-Dade County requirements.

That part of Florida has some pretty insane and tough building codes due to the hurricane category zone rating they are in. So not only do the windows perform well to passive house standards (R7) but they are built like a tank. This rating is also good for areas that experience severe weather like tornadoes. Living in tornado alley would be a good place to install such windows since they are more impact resistant than standard windows. Of course no window is 100% tornado proof but in a storm these will fair a lot better than non-hurricane rated windows would. 

The following tests were conducted:

• TAS 201-94 - Impact Test Procedures
• TAS 202-94 - Criteria for Testing Impact and Non-Impact Resistant Building Envelope Components Using Uniform Static Air Pressure Test
  
• TAS 203-94 - Criteria for Testing Products Subject to Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading Test Required by FBC and TAS 201-94
  

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I would think the glass is the only thing that matters with regards to the 2x4 test and the ball bearing test.  If they are using full triple pane laminated glass, then that is a huge cost associated per window.  I think the air pressure test is more about the assembly, but the impact tests less so.  It is interesting that they don't mention what kind of glass that they are using.  When I was looking at my window quote, I couldn't understand why some windows cost so much more than others, when they were only slightly larger.  Then I realized it was due solely to the laminated glass.  Also, my windows are only double pane.  I used laminated windows everywhere it was specified as tempered glass.

Posted By eugenep on 16 Nov 2013 07:46 PM
I would think the glass is the only thing that matters with regards to the 2x4 test and the ball bearing test.  If they are using full triple pane laminated glass, then that is a huge cost associated per window.  I think the air pressure test is more about the assembly, but the impact tests less so.  It is interesting that they don't mention what kind of glass that they are using.  When I was looking at my window quote, I couldn't understand why some windows cost so much more than others, when they were only slightly larger.  Then I realized it was due solely to the laminated glass.  Also, my windows are only double pane.  I used laminated windows everywhere it was specified as tempered glass.

It's a complete package, in that the glazing and frame strength must work together to reach the desired ratings. If the frame is weak, it cannot contain the glazing properly and the glazing can blow out of the framing altogether.

The way I understand it is that the outer glass is laminated and the other 2 panes are tempered. Both Intus uPVC frames (hurricane and standard) are identical in the design/engineering, but the triple pane glazing would be laminated, tempered, tempered in the hurricane window.

Simply laminating the outer glazing would not make a window "hurricane rated" as it requires the entire window assembly (frame and glazing) to be engineered to work together to test, pass, and get certified as a hurricane rated window. What's nice about the Intus uPVC Eforte line is that even the standard windows have the same stout framing as the hurricane windows and the standard windows still achieve a DP70 rating. Which means the windows are tested and certified to a 205MPH Structural Test Pressure and a 65MPH Water Test Pressure with 11 PSF (inches of water).

Posted By Lbear on 17 Nov 2013 12:38 AM

Posted By eugenep on 16 Nov 2013 07:46 PM
I would think the glass is the only thing that matters with regards to the 2x4 test and the ball bearing test.  If they are using full triple pane laminated glass, then that is a huge cost associated per window.  I think the air pressure test is more about the assembly, but the impact tests less so.  It is interesting that they don't mention what kind of glass that they are using.  When I was looking at my window quote, I couldn't understand why some windows cost so much more than others, when they were only slightly larger.  Then I realized it was due solely to the laminated glass.  Also, my windows are only double pane.  I used laminated windows everywhere it was specified as tempered glass.

It's a complete package, in that the glazing and frame strength must work together to reach the desired ratings. If the frame is weak, it cannot contain the glazing properly and the glazing can blow out of the framing altogether.

The way I understand it is that the outer glass is laminated and the other 2 panes are tempered. Both Intus uPVC frames (hurricane and standard) are identical in the design/engineering, but the triple pane glazing would be laminated, tempered, tempered in the hurricane window.

Simply laminating the outer glazing would not make a window "hurricane rated" as it requires the entire window assembly (frame and glazing) to be engineered to work together to test, pass, and get certified as a hurricane rated window. What's nice about the Intus uPVC Eforte line is that even the standard windows have the same stout framing as the hurricane windows and the standard windows still achieve a DP70 rating. Which means the windows are tested and certified to a 205MPH Structural Test Pressure and a 65MPH Water Test Pressure with 11 PSF (inches of water).

Can you provide a link which describes the window glazing, or the hurricane specification?  I don't see anything on their website except the blog posting.

I guess it is safe to assume that the data doesn't really exist.

http://windowanddoor.com/product/hurricane-resistant-vinyl-windows-and-doors-intus

My opinion is that windows/doors that are exposed to extreme weather conditions should open outwards not inwards.

Posted By eugenep on 21 Nov 2013 02:07 AM
I guess it is safe to assume that the data doesn't really exist.

It does exist. I work full-time so my response time is based on my availability. The certification was done by Architectural Testing, Inc.

Posted By Lbear on 22 Nov 2013 05:59 PM

Posted By eugenep on 21 Nov 2013 02:07 AM
I guess it is safe to assume that the data doesn't really exist.

It does exist. I work full-time so my response time is based on my availability. The certification was done by Architectural Testing, Inc.

it still doesn't say anything about the conditions of the test.  what glazing, what frame structure.  just that it passed something.  the site doesn't say much about anything about any specific company.

Posted By eugenep on 24 Nov 2013 12:05 AM

it still doesn't say anything about the conditions of the test.  what glazing, what frame structure.  just that it passed something.  the site doesn't say much about anything about any specific company.

The glazing was the Triple Pane Intus uPVC Eforte window. The frame structure was the standard uPVC window frame that comes with all Intus uPVC windows. That consists of uPVC window framing with a galvanized steel "U-channel" within the frames, standard.

The windows were tested, passed and now certified and allowed by code in any Wind-Borne Debris region, Florida High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, Coastal Palm Beach County, East Coast US and Texas, and Miami-Dade County code requirements.

The tests conducted:

• ASTM E1886-05 – Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials
• ASTM E19966 – Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Glazed Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Wind-Borne Debris and Hurricanes
• 9,000 wind cycles of high positive and negative air pressure to simulate the force up to 200-mph hurricane winds.
• Firing a nine-pound 2×4 wood stud at the window at 50 feet per second
• Firing 10 ball bearing at the window at 80 fps or 50 mph
  
• TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94, TAS 203-94

If you contact Architectural Testing, Inc. or the Miami-Dade County code enforcement, I am sure they will provide the proper information and documentation you are looking for.

Posted By Lbear on 24 Nov 2013 07:14 PM

Posted By eugenep on 24 Nov 2013 12:05 AM

it still doesn't say anything about the conditions of the test.  what glazing, what frame structure.  just that it passed something.  the site doesn't say much about anything about any specific company.

The glazing was the Triple Pane Intus uPVC Eforte window. The frame structure was the standard uPVC window frame that comes with all Intus uPVC windows. That consists of uPVC window framing with a galvanized steel "U-channel" within the frames, standard.

The windows were tested, passed and now certified and allowed by code in any Wind-Borne Debris region, Florida High-Velocity Hurricane Zone, Coastal Palm Beach County, East Coast US and Texas, and Miami-Dade County code requirements.

The tests conducted:

• ASTM E1886-05 – Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials
• ASTM E19966 – Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Glazed Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Wind-Borne Debris and Hurricanes
• 9,000 wind cycles of high positive and negative air pressure to simulate the force up to 200-mph hurricane winds.
• Firing a nine-pound 2×4 wood stud at the window at 50 feet per second
• Firing 10 ball bearing at the window at 80 fps or 50 mph
  
• TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94, TAS 203-94

If you contact Architectural Testing, Inc. or the Miami-Dade County code enforcement, I am sure they will provide the proper information and documentation you are looking for.

You seem to have the information.  Can you provide a link which gives me that information?  I can't find it on their website or the other website that you mention.  I see where it says it passes some tests, but where can I find which window is being tested.  A simple link is all I need.  Basically, where are you getting your information, and just pass along the link.  You must already have it as you are posting the information as if you read it from somewhere.  Where are you getting the glazing information and the frame information?

The next blog entry on Intus' website specifically mentions laminated windows for their blast test.  I still believe that to pass any kind of 2x4 or ball bearing test, they would also need to use laminated glass.  Laminated glass is a very expensive option, and most people aren't willing to pay for it.  For my windows, it was more than a 50% premium over standard glass.  As a reference, I had one window 3.5'x5' quoted for $1040, and the laminated one at 3.5'x6.5' quoted for $2100.  If we assume the cost of the windows scales as square footage, then the laminated cost was 55%.  Also, my window quote was for thermally broken aluminum, so presumably, the window frame is more expensive than uPVC, so I think the increase for uPVC window might be even greater than 55%.  When I was getting quotes from Intus for their thermally broken aluminum windows, it was more than double that some websites projected price for their uPVC windows of $30-$35 sq/ft.

Yeah, I had some Impact rated glass quoted for my recently purchased Marvin Integrity fiberglass windows. The cost per window was around 50% more for the Impact glass vs. double-pane, Low E w/argon windows. I passed on the Impact glass. It would have added ~$5000 to the cost of my home for all windows and glass patio doors.

The Intus uPVC triple pane windows that were hurricane rated/tested utilized a laminated outer layer and the remaining two layers were tempered. As mentioned, the Blast Proof- Class 2 - GSA Performance windows utilize the same uPVC framing but the outer glass is laminated and the other two panes are annealed glass sandwiched around an interlayer of polyvinyl-butyral (PVB).

According to the site:

"Intus Windows and its Eforte Series uPVC window line now meet those criteria through the ASTM F 1642-04 and GSA-TS01-2003 testing specifications. Testing was performed by Architectural Testing, Inc. utilizing its “shock tube” that is housed in the 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art testing facility in Pennsylvania. The tests that were conducted simulated the effect of a high explosive charge at a specified distance. Shock waves were then generated in the shock tube by the sudden rupturing of a thin aluminum membrane. As the shock wave expands during its travel down the tube, it impacts the window target with a specific positive pressure and impulse. The Intus Eforte uPVC fixed and dual action windows passed the tests and received the GSA Performance Condition rating of “2” with an ASTM Hazard Rating of “Minimal Hazard.”

In both cases the Intus Eforte uPVC triple pane windows were tested and certified as hurricane proof and then they have the blast proof rating. In either case, the framing is the standard uPVC frame with the steel "U-channel" reinforcement that comes standard in all the Eforte windows. It's the glazing options that are different, depending on what you are looking for; either hurricane rated or blast rating.

When you are getting a quote, please get one with the laminated glass and one without, and please inform us which window you decided to purchase.  I presume you have your window schedule already.  Are there any installations in the local Arizona area where you can see the Intus windows?

Lbear
Thread back from the dead.
I am interested in the pricing for the windows now that you have them. I know they are expensive and know window manufacturers that have tested and passed the Florida and Dade County Impact tests which are impressive watching the videos.
I do have to keep cost in mind but if a clearly superior product (U-factor and SHGC) that is worth considering since the house I am building I expect to live in at least 20 years.
Thanks and how do you like them to date?

Posted By fun2drive on 06 Sep 2014 08:54 PM
Lbear
Thread back from the dead.
I am interested in the pricing for the windows now that you have them. I know they are expensive and know window manufacturers that have tested and passed the Florida and Dade County Impact tests which are impressive watching the videos.
I do have to keep cost in mind but if a clearly superior product (U-factor and SHGC) that is worth considering since the house I am building I expect to live in at least 20 years.
Thanks and how do you like them to date?

The standard uPVC triple pane Intus Windows are DP70 rated (205MPH Structural Test Pressure and a 65MPH Water Test Pressure) but in order to get the "Hurricane Resistant" certified windows you have to specifically request them. They then would add the laminated glass panes to the assembly. Both the standard and Hurricane Certified windows use the same uPVC steel reinforced window framing but the major difference is in the glazing type. For my design I will not need the hurricane certification so the glass will be standard although some windows have tempered glass as required in entry doors and in bathroom areas. The Hurricane Certified windows would have the triple pane glazing; laminated, tempered, tempered.

If you are in a hurricane region, I would definitely get the Hurricane Certified version. I would call Intus to get more information...

with your floorplan pretty much set, you must need to order your windows soon or have ordered already.  can you tell us the cost of your intus windows?