If you live in a storm-prone area, hurricane impact windows are one of the best upgrades you can make. They’re built to stand up to high winds and flying debris, and they also feel solid—the kind of solid that makes you wonder: Are hurricane impact windows burglar-proof? Short answer: No window is 100% burglar-proof. Longer answer: High-quality impact windows are far more burglar-resistant than standard glass and can be a powerful part of your home security strategy.
Below, we’ll break down how impact windows are made, what they’re tested for, how they perform against break-in attempts, and what else you can do to turn that “resistance” into real-world protection.
What “Impact” Actually Means
Impact windows use laminated glass, two (or more) panes bonded by a tough interlayer, set in reinforced frames. Even if the glass cracks, the interlayer holds the pieces together, making it extremely difficult to punch a hole big enough to crawl through. In North America, debris-resistance for these systems is defined by ASTM E1886/E1996, a pair of standards that specify how assemblies are built and tested for wind-borne impacts.
Fact 1: ASTM E1886/E1996 are the specific debris-impact standards referenced for impact-resistant glazing in North America.
That’s different from ordinary “safety glass” like tempered glass, which shatters into small pebbles. Tempered glass is safer than annealed glass, but it can still fall out of the frame. Laminated glass stays together, which is exactly what you want during a storm—or an attempted break-in.
How These Windows Are Tested
If you shop in Florida or other coastal zones, you’ll also see Miami-Dade references and “TAS” test numbers. The big one for debris is TAS 201, the “large missile” test, where a heavy 2×4 is launched at the window to simulate storm debris. Passing products are then pressure-cycled (TAS 203) to mimic the push-pull of hurricane winds.
Fact 2: Miami-Dade’s TAS 201 specifies full-size specimen testing with a propelled “missile” (e.g., a 2×4) to evaluate resistance to wind-borne debris.
None of those tests are “burglar test” per se. But if a window can withstand a 2×4 fired at highway speeds and stay in its frame, it’s going to take a lot more than a brick or hammer to make a person-sized hole. That’s why so many homeowners notice a security benefit the moment they upgrade.
So… Are They Burglar-Proof?
No glazing system should be advertised as “burglar-proof.” With enough time, tools, and noise, determined intruders can eventually compromise most barriers.
What impact windows do is change the economics of a break-in:
- They resist blunt force. The laminated construction makes it tough to create an opening, even after visible cracking.
- They’re noisy to attack. Repeated strikes are loud and attention-grabbing—exactly what most burglars want to avoid.
- They buy you time. Alarms can sound. Neighbors can notice. Police can respond. The longer it takes, the lower the odds of a successful entry.
Put simply, impact windows are burglar-resistant, and significantly more so than standard single-pane or even tempered windows.
Why Burglar-Resistance Matters In The Real World
Burglary patterns help explain why stronger windows pay off.
Fact 3: The FBI reports that 55.7% of burglaries involve forcible entry, meaning an intruder had to break or force something open to get inside. If you make that forcing harder and louder, you reduce your risk.
What about entry points? While doors are the most common, first-floor windows are a frequent target because they’re often hidden by landscaping and easier to approach quietly. The tougher those windows are to breach, the more likely it is that an intruder moves on.
Burglar-Resistant Impact Windows Vs. Security Film
Security films can help hold broken glass together, but they don’t upgrade the frame, the sealant, or the anchorage to the structure. Impact windows are engineered as complete systems, laminated glazing paired with reinforced frames, hardware, and installation methods designed to retain the unit under stress. That’s a big reason they perform so well in both storms and attempted break-ins.
What To Look For When You’re Comparing Options
If security is part of your goal, don’t just pick any “impact” label and call it a day. Ask about:
Standards & Approvals
Look for products tested to ASTM E1886/E1996 (North America) and, in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, Miami-Dade/TAS protocols (TAS 201/202/203). These are storm standards, but they correlate strongly with toughness against forced entry.
Glazing Build
Thicker interlayers and multi-ply laminates generally resist attack longer. Not all laminated glass is the same; ask about interlayer type and thickness.
Frame & Hardware
The frame is part of the security equation. Reinforced frames, robust corner keys, and quality multipoint locks make it harder to pry or lever the sash.
Installation & Anchoring
Even the best unit underperforms if it’s poorly anchored. Proper fastener schedules and substrate prep keep the assembly in place during both storms and tampering.
Alarms & Sensors
Pairing impact windows with perimeter sensors or glass-break detectors increases the “time pressure” on an intruder.
Practical Tips To Maximize Security
- Light it up. Exterior lighting and visible cameras increase perceived risk for burglars.
- Trim landscaping. Keep sightlines open around first-floor windows.
- Use quality locks. For operable units, choose strong locks and engage them.
- Layer defenses. Alarms, dogs, and neighbors who look out for each other are all force multipliers.
Remember: the goal isn’t to create a fortress, it’s to make your home a hard target that intruders are likely to skip.
Are hurricane impact windows burglar-proof? No, nothing is. But burglar-resistant impact windows dramatically raise the effort, time, and noise required to break in. When you combine laminated impact glazing, reinforced frames, proper installation, and a few smart security layers, you get storm protection and a meaningful security upgrade.
Talk To A Pro You Can Trust
Wondering if hurricane impact windows are burglar proof? Window Solutions Group offers secure, storm-ready installations. Call (239) 898-9394 for a free quote.
