Failure Analysis: Hurricane Window Defects

Laminated Glass: A glass failure analysis expert witness was engaged to inspect hurricane window defects. These windows were sold to meet the Miami Dade/State of Florida Building Code Requirements for hurricane resistance, and during development of the process, it appears as if these requirements were met. However, the laminating plastic in these windows interacted with the heat and humidity in south Florida. It appears that the laminated windows have a lamination plastic that dissolves and looses adhesion to the glass (please see attached photos). After deterioration these windows are no longer acceptable visually. In addition, it is certain that they will not pass the required code tests.