Wind force alone does not damage windows and doors. However, when wind forces combine with a lot of debris circling in the air, it is much more dangerous.
It is why it’s essential to protect your home with hurricane-proof windows. Whether you live in a coastal region where hurricanes are a severe threat or in an area that’s more prone to hurricanes, it’s essential to have hurricane-impact windows installed. These windows protect your home from hurricane-force winds and flying debris that can cause structural damage and collapse.
Impact-Resistant Glass
Impact-resistant glass is designed to withstand heavy impacts like hail and flying debris during a hurricane. It typically combines tempered and laminated glass with a solid polymer film.
Another way that impact-resistant glass sets itself apart from traditional options is its ability to flex. When air pressure changes, a window’s capacity to move up to several inches is crucial for maintaining its integrity.
To be hurricane-resistant, a window or door must undergo extensive testing that tests the window’s strength against air, water, and structural pressure. The result is a window’s Design Pressure (DP) rating.
The DP rating is typically given on the label of the window. It will indicate how many points the window has to withstand before it begins to fail the test.
Additionally, hurricane proof window is thicker than regular window frames to help prevent them from separating. They also undergo extensive testing to ensure they’re capable of withstanding the force of a hurricane.
Shutters
Hurricane shutters are a great way to protect your windows and doors from high winds and flying debris during a storm. But with so many different designs, choosing the right one for your home can be challenging.
Whether you’re looking for a way to add beauty, value, and energy efficiency to your home or a quick, easy, and budget-friendly storm protection option, they stack beside the window openings when not in use and unfold accordion-style to cover the windows and keep out storm debris.
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is a crucial part of preparing your home for hurricane season. It prevents water from entering your home and helps keep the interior warm and cozy.
It also reduces air leaks around your doors and windows that can cause drafts and reduce energy use. It’s beneficial for sealing gaps around doors that lead to uninsulated attics, basements, and garages.
Whether installing it yourself or hiring a professional, ensure you know exactly where to apply it. Sealing these air leaks can save up your heating and cooling bills.
Window weatherstripping comes in various types and widths to suit your needs. Some styles are glued, while others are press-on and clip-on.
Hardware
Hardware is a term that refers to the physical parts that make up a computer or machine. Among other things, hardware includes the processor, the memory, and the video card.
The best hurricane-proof windows use laminated glass panes reinforced with a polymer material that prevents them from shattering. The glass is also treated with an optically clear, non-reflective coating that helps keep it from being broken into small pieces when struck by a flying object.
While not all windows are made with this kind of technology, it is an essential piece of the puzzle regarding hurricane protection. A little research will yield a wealth of information on what to look for and how to get the most out of your investment.
Installation
Hurricane-proof windows are a great way to protect your home from damaging hurricane winds. They can be a significant investment, but they can pay for themselves by preventing storm damage and by saving you money on homeowners insurance.
They should be installed by a qualified professional who has experience with storm protection and window installation. This is especially true if the windows are installed on a second story or above.
A qualified window replacement contractor can ensure the proper materials and installation are used correctly. They should also be able to offer suggestions for how to make your new windows fit into your existing frames and doors.