Hurricane-resistant windows are a necessity in hurricane-prone areas. The force of high-velocity debris during a storm can smash standard windows, allowing water, wind and other debris to enter the home. Hurricane windows can help prevent this and may reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums. But what makes these windows so special?
Impact-Resistant Glass
Hurricane-proof windows are a smart choice for homeowners where storms are common. They are more expensive than other replacement windows, but they keep your home safe from strong winds and flying debris during a hurricane. Hurricane windows don’t just protect homes from bad weather; they also lessen the amount of outside noise that enters the building.
It makes them a good option for people who live in noisy or traffic-heavy neighbourhoods. The design pressure (DP) rating on hurricane windows measures how well the windows can withstand wind pressure. It is the standard that most insurance companies require in hurricane-prone areas. This rating also helps you choose a window that meets your area’s specific building codes and regulations.
Double-Laminated Panes of Glass
Unlike traditional windows, which are only tempered glass, hurricane windows contain double-laminated thickened and reinforced glass panes. These layers keep the window sturdier and more resistant to projectiles, such as roof gravel or shingles. The heavy window frames also prevent the glass from bending and cracking during high winds. It is known as “sandwich glass,” the same type used in automobile windshields for safety. These windows give homeowners and business owners peace of mind and security during storms. They also help protect the property’s value by reducing maintenance and energy costs.
Frames
The frames of hurricane windows are made from strong materials like aluminium, vinyl or wood. These materials are designed to hold the glass and interlayer of the window in place, even if it is shattered during a storm. It helps to minimize the risk of flying debris becoming missiles that penetrate a building or home and also helps to prevent interior pressure from combining with exterior pressure to cause damage.
Additionally, the frame construction on hurricane windows is usually thicker than standard frames and often features self-tapping screws to ensure they remain in place during a storm. This feature is particularly useful if your home or business is in an area prone to burglaries, as it can make it harder for someone to break a window with a crowbar or hammer.
Weather-Resistant Hardware
To earn its hurricane rating, a window must pass rigorous testing set by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and local building codes in hurricane-prone regions. It includes a missile impact test that launches a nine-pound two-by-four into the glass at different wind speeds. Hurricane windows are a smart choice for any home or business in a hurricane-prone area.
They help protect against storm damage and may even save on homeowners insurance rates. When selecting hurricane windows, be sure to consider the frame material. Frame options include aluminium, vinyl and wood. Wood frames provide excellent insulation and beauty but require regular maintenance. Also, select windows with energy-efficient features.
Laminate Panes of Glass
Like the shatter-resistant laminated glass in automobile windshields, hurricane windows use a special interlayer between two sheets of standard or tempered glass. It prevents shards of glass from flying during intense storms and can keep residents safe from injury or property damage. Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas usually install plywood boards or put up storm shutters to protect their homes and businesses during severe weather events like tropical depressions, thunderstorms and hurricanes.
But impact windows can eliminate the need for these safety measures and help mitigate hurricane damage. Many impact windows are also energy efficient. These products feature a combination of laminated and insulating glass with low U-factors and R-values. It helps reduce summer heat gain and saves homeowners money on their energy bills.
