What Is a Wind-Borne Debris Region?
A wind-borne debris region is an area defined by the building code (IBC/ASCE 7) where hurricane winds are expected to turn everyday objects into projectiles — generally within a mile of the coast where basic wind speeds reach 130+ mph, plus all of Hawaii. Buildings there must have impact-resistant glazing or shutters on all openings. It fundamentally changes window, door, and cladding specifications.
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Where it applies
ASCE 7 defines wind-borne debris regions based on basic wind speed contours and proximity to the coastline — most of coastal Florida, the Gulf Coast, coastal Texas, Louisiana, the Carolinas, and Hawaii. Your jurisdiction's adopted wind speed map is the authority; the structural engineer confirms whether the site falls inside the region during design.
What it requires
All exterior glazing — windows, sliding doors, skylights, curtain wall — must be impact-rated (large and small missile tests per ASTM E1996/E1886) or protected by code-approved shutters. Garage doors need wind-load and impact ratings. The structural drawings must show the design wind pressures for components and cladding, and product approvals (Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA in Florida) must be on the permit set.
Cost and design impact
Impact glazing typically adds 20-40% to window and door budgets versus standard units, and shutter systems add their own cost and aesthetic compromise. The structural fee increases modestly — the real cost is in the products and the product-approval paperwork. Specify impact-rated openings from schematic design; discovering the requirement at permit submittal means re-specifying every opening.
The bottom line
In wind-borne debris regions (coastal hurricane zones), every opening needs impact-rated glazing or shutters. Confirm the region early — it changes window specs, budgets, and product-approval paperwork.
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