Hurricane windows are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds, but not impacts; on the other hand, impact windows are designed to protect not only against hurricane-force winds but also impacts from flying debris.

Not only are impact windows and doors specifically engineered to withstand high winds and impact from flying debris, they also contain a laminated layer of glass that is less likely to shatter into large shards with the potential to become projectiles in and of themselves during storms.

Impact windows, also referred to as hurricane windows, are designed with reinforced frames and impact-resistant glass. This means the glass won't shatter or be compromised by heavy winds.