Hurricanes pose a significant threat to buildings and their glazing systems, bringing powerful winds, torrential rain, flooding, and—along coastal areas—destructive storm surges. Among these dangers, high winds are particularly hazardous for glass products, turning airborne debris into dangerous projectiles.

With the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, the need for impact-resistant glazing has never been greater. Once a storm strikes, building owners have little control over the outcome—so the time to prepare is now.

Hurricane Protection Starts with the Right Glazing

While temporary solutions like plywood board-ups, storm panels, and shutters provide some level of protection, the most effective defense is built-in hurricane-certified glazing. Impact-resistant glass, reinforced with a polymer interlayer, is designed to withstand high winds and flying debris without shattering into hazardous shards.

That’s why Unicel Architectural offers Vision Control® insulating glass units (IGUs) with integrated louvers and hurricane-certified aluminum curtain walls, meeting the stringent requirements of the Florida Building Code, including HVHZ (High-Velocity Hurricane Zone) certification (Florida Building Product Approval FL 41609).

Hurricane-Certified Aluminum Curtain Wall System (700S)

Our 700S Aluminum Curtain Wall system is engineered for hurricane resistance and can incorporate:

• Vision Control® IGUs (with integrated louvers for privacy and daylight control)
• Vision Control® Mini IGUs (a more compact version for specific applications)
• ViuLite® IGUs (integrated blinds for enhanced light and privacy control)
• Standard insulating glass units (without integrated shading)

Proven Performance & Compliance

Designed to withstand extreme conditions, our hurricane-certified curtain wall system meets or exceeds industry standards:

• HVHZ Compliance – Meets large and small missile impact requirements with no need for additional impact-resistant coverings.
• Outside HVHZ – Complies with ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996 for windborne debris protection (large missile/missile level D, wind zone 4 or lower).
• Testing & Certification – Successfully passed TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94, TAS 203-94, ASTM E1886-13, and ASTM E1996-17.

System Features:

• Certified with Structural Silicone Glazing (with or without a cap)
• Multiple reinforced glass panes with polymer interlayers for enhanced impact resistance
• Available with monolithic double-laminated glazing for Vision Control®, Vision Control® Mini, and ViuLite®
• Compatible with Florida/Miami-Dade County-approved entrance doors

Key Benefits:

• Withstands high wind loads for extended durations
• Protects against airborne debris—glass won’t shatter on impact
• Maintains building envelope integrity during severe storms
• Eliminates the need for storm shutters or additional protective measures

With Unicel Architectural’s hurricane-certified glazing solutions, your building is prepared to stand strong against the elements—delivering safety, durability, and peace of mind when it matters most.