Hurricane Resistant

Hurricane Resistant Systems

Our ability to engineer and deliver hurricane-resistant curtain wall systems at a scale and strength unmatched by most competitors makes Physical Security a trusted choice for large public and private building projects in areas at risk for hurricane- and tornado-force winds.

Expertise Developed in the U.S. Hurricane Epicenter

Our South Florida team has built a foundation of expertise in hurricane resistant systems that adhere to the rigorous and complex performance standards of the Florida Building Code, which are among the most stringent in the country for hurricane protection. 

Impact Resistance

For impact resistance, curtain walls must withstand the effects of wind-borne debris from small and large missiles during hurricanes. They also must feature multiple layers of glass and 

interlayers that hold the glazing together upon impact, preventing penetration and risk of injury.

Structural Wind Resistance

Hurricane resistant systems must resist negative and positive wind pressures expected at the building’s location and height. Curtain wall mullions and framing must limit deflection under wind load, which prevents glass breakage and maintains seal integrity.

Water and Air Infiltration Control

Pressure equalization or sealant systems prevent hurricane-force wind and rain from penetrating the interior, while gaskets, flashings, and sealants keep components watertight during sustained wind and rain events.

Anchoring and Framing

Mullions and perimeter framing must be anchored to withstand both wind and impact forces. Multiple and redundant fasteners or attachment points are key to preventing catastrophic failure if one connection point fails.

Redundancy and Progressive Failure Prevention

Damage to one panel must not compromise the structural integrity of adjacent panels. This system-level integrity minimizes debris and injury hazards inside the building.

Engineered for Modern Hurricane Market Demands

With over four million square feet of impact-rated glass wall installed across the Southeast, Physical Security has rapidly established itself as an industry leader in hurricane protection solutions. Hurricane-rated curtain wall systems now make up about half of our contracts.

Our Hurricane Resistant System was engineered from the ground up to address the specific challenges of glazing in coastal and high-risk environments. Decades of fabrication, design, and installation expertise inform every aspect of our system. We continually update and expand our Florida Product Approvals to meet the evolving demands of codes, ensuring the system remains at the forefront of hurricane-resistant façade technology.

Projects

Orlando International Airport

Location

Orlando, FL

Year

2024

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FAQs About Hurricane Resistant Curtain Walls

  • What makes a curtain wall hurricane-resistant?

    A hurricane-resistant curtain wall is engineered to withstand extreme wind pressures, impact from wind-borne debris, and rapid changes in air pressure. These systems use laminated impact glass, reinforced framing, and anchorage designed to meet stringent codes such as the Florida Building Code (FBC) and Miami-Dade TAS standards.

  • Do hurricane-resistant curtain walls need to be tested?

    Yes. All hurricane-resistant systems must undergo third-party testing for structural loads, large-missile impact, small-missile impact, water infiltration, and cyclic wind pressure. Approval is subject to state or local testing regimes and code requirements. In the absence of state or local standards for impact resistance, codes generally use national ASTM standards (like ASTM E1886/E1996). 

    In Florida, projects must be tested and receive Florida Product Approval (FPA) or Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (a more stringent standard than FPA and local to the Miami area, which is classified as a High Velocity Hurricane Zone, or HVHZ). Physical Security’s Hurricane Resistant System – the RT-3 – has been successfully tested to ASTM Level E, the most stringent hurricane impact standard. We hold FPA approvals for the largest piece of glass tested in the state and the widest span between anchors tested in the state.

  • Can hurricane-resistant curtain walls be integrated into custom architectural designs?

    Yes. Modern systems are engineered to meet high-impact requirements while maintaining clean sightlines, custom finishes, and architectural flexibility. Performance upgrades do not require sacrificing aesthetics.

  • How does hurricane-resistant glazing differ from standard glass?

    Impact glazing uses laminated glass with multiple interlayers that hold the glass in place even when cracked. This prevents breach of the building envelope, which is critical for avoiding catastrophic internal pressurization during a storm and protecting people and assets within.

  • What wind speeds can hurricane-resistant curtain walls withstand?

    Certified curtain walls can withstand wind pressures equivalent to 150–200+ mph wind speeds, depending on building height and location. Engineers calculate project-specific design pressures before system selection.

  • Do these systems improve energy efficiency as well?

    Yes. High-performance, impact-rated curtain walls often include insulated glass units, low-E coatings, thermal breaks, and optimized framing that significantly reduce solar heat gain and improve occupant comfort. This contributes to long-term energy savings and supports sustainability goals.

  • Are hurricane-resistant curtain walls more expensive?

    They typically cost more upfront due to specialized glass, reinforced framing, and testing requirements. However, lower risk of storm damage, reduced insurance costs, long-term durability, and improved energy performance often make them cost-effective over the building’s lifespan.

  • How do I know which hurricane rating my project needs?

    Requirements depend on your project’s location, elevation, exposure category, and building type. Structural engineers determine the necessary design pressures, and glazing specialists match the correct system with approved testing for those loads.

  • Can hurricane-resistant curtain walls be used in retrofit projects?

    Yes. Many systems are designed for retrofits, where old glazing is removed and replaced with impact-rated assemblies. This approach upgrades building safety and performance without reconstructing the entire façade.

Your Project Starts Here

Let us help you plan, design, and execute your hurricane resistant curtain wall system.

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