Wind Ratings For Hurricane Windows

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Wind ratings for hurricane windows. Impact resistant windows are a coastal homeowner s best friend especially during hurricane season. An average single hung window costs between 500 and 600 materials only. In order to quantify this rating the windows must go through rigorous design pressure test to ensure the windows can hold up to dangerous storm conditions. Hurricane wind storm resistant windows doors guide how to protect building windows doors from storm damage miami dade county standards for storm resistant windows international residential code for impact resistant windows storm resistant window construction performance grade and design pressure for windows industry associations for windows doors questions answers about building.

Some studies have shown that by installing hurricane windows the construction cost is increased only by a few thousand dollars on a new home. If you re thinking of retrofitting your home with hurricane windows here s what you need to know before you begin the process of replacing your regular windows with impact resistant glass. Power outages can last for weeks or even months after storms of. Coastal products a series e series weiland big doors 400 series 100 series.

Wind pressure failure of glazing is also occasionally observed. A category 4 hurricane will blow out most windows on high rise buildings uproot most trees and will likely down many power lines. Creating a checklist to prepare for a hurricane or other high force wind event can help identify necessary repairs and minimize risk of damage for added peace of mind. Some of the windows are even labeled with hurricane rated tags but the fine print reads much differently.

But unless you ve bought the expensive impact rated version you re windows are completely vulnerable to breakage from wind borne debris. Window myths taping windows does nothing to stop them from breaking when wind speeds soar according to cbs news. Windows and doors can fail if they are not strong enough to resist wind pressures from a high wind event or if forces exerted on the doors or windows. All impact windows should have a design pressure rating.

For example windows in miami may be subject to design pressure ratings of 50 to 70 psf allowing them to withstand wind speeds of 140 to more than 160 miles per hour. Typically this test is a three pronged test that is based on the structural components air and water pressure. National fenestration rating council nfrc stc sound transmission class impact windows doors designed for strength. Figure 10 1 shows how the failure of a large window led to the loss of the roof structure.