Hurricane windows were first developed in response to the
disaster of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida in August of 1992. They
are effective for protecting your home from high winds and flying
debris. They can be installed during construction or added later as a
home improvement project. The cost of these windows is comparable with
other high quality windows.
Benefits of Hurricane Windows
Obviously, the biggest benefit is protecting your home form the
wind and water during a powerful storm. Most damage done to homes
during hurricanes occurs as a result of broken windows. Flying debris
breaks the window and high pressure air enters the home. This high
pressure air can either blow out the window on the opposite side of
the home, or blow the roof right off your house.
Shutters are often used to protect windows. Other people board up
the windows with plywood year after year. These are both expensive and
labor intensive. Windows designed for hurricanes are always in place,
ready to protect your home. These storms change course quickly and it
will benefit you to be ready all the time. Some people can’t take
shutters on or off the house, due to physical limitations. These
windows eliminate the need for this extra work.
There are other benefits to these windows. They add a degree of
security to your home. Because they are constructed to withstand
enormous pressure, they are difficult to break into. The construction
of the window and the method of attachment to the home make it hard
for someone to enter your home. Many insurance companies offer a
discount for this extra measure of security. Contact your agent to
determine if a discount is available.
The film in the inner layer helps protect your home from
ultraviolet rays. The UV rays of the sun can fade your carpets,
curtains or furniture. In addition, the material helps reduce sound
entering the home as well as sunlight.
Construction of Hurricane Windows
The windows are constructed of two layers of laminated glass. The
glass has a strong, plastic film between the layers. In the event the
window shatters, the film layer stays in place, protecting your home
from wind damage and your carpet from the driving rain. The inner
layer of the window varies according to the size and style of the
window.
These products must go through rigorous testing to ensure their
effectiveness. Impact test are conducted to simulate both small and
large impacts that may occur during a storm. These tests simulate the
flying debris that is typical in hurricanes.
These windows can generally withstand wind speeds of up to 130
miles per hour. They can withstand debris flying at these speeds as
well. In addition to windows, the glass is available for sky lights
and patio doors to protect the whole house.
Installation Procedures
Proper installation is essential for these windows. The best window
in the world will not protect your home, if it isn’t installed
correctly. The method of installation depends on the window and the
materials used in the exterior of the home. In most cases,
professional installation is required. Your warranty may be voided if
an inexperienced person installs them incorrectly.
Use our
Online Storm Panel Estimator Tool to buy Panels online. Simply
enter your window measurements, get a price on your new hurricane
shutters, and make your purchase. It's that easy!
Contact Us Today
for more information about your Hurricane and Storm Shutter options.
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