IMPACT VS. NON-IMPACT PRODUCTS
CGI’s impact resistant windows and doors are subjected to a series of rigorous tests. Six basic criteria are tested: air infiltration, water resistance, forced entry, wind resistance, flying debris impact resistance and 9,000 internal/external pressure cycles. This cycling simulates the buffeting effect of hurricane winds after the window is impacted and typically broken. The objective of these procedures is to ensure that the windows and doors, typically the weakest elements of a structure, do not compromise the home during a storm.
 
Non-impact products can be classified as any product that has not met the hurricane or wind-borne debris requirements, also known as hurricane codes, of an approved code body such as Miami-Dade, Florida Building or the International Building Code.

Distinct Advantage of Hurricane Impact Resistant Windows and Doors
Our impact resistant windows and doors are designed to resist the penetration of flying debris, thus protecting a structure from wind infiltration. An object penetrating a structure typically causes the most severe hurricane damage to a structure by allowing winds to enter, creating internal pressure that can cause structural damage.
 
Hurricane code-approved impact windows and doors offer home and business owners the benefit of safety, sound reduction, UV reduction and security.
 
Cost Comparisons
Numerous industry studies have been conducted to determine how impact resistant windows and doors compare in cost with other code-approved products for hurricane protection. When comparing the cost of impact and non-impact products, make sure to look at comparable quality. Combine the cost of the non-impact product and the shutter system, and then compare that to the singular cost of an impact resistant window. Other considerations include cost or effort in installing and removing shutters. Important to any cost analysis, the value of your home or building is likely to increase with the installation of CGI Windows and Doors.