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.