Hurricane season is about to start and this year, experts are predicting an active one. If you live in hurricane-prone areas, consider windows with impact-resistant glass, which can deliver safety and security in even the worst storms.
People with primary or secondary homes in coastal areas prone to severe weather should make certain to thoroughly check the condition of their windows before hurricane season starts on June 1st. In fact, the experts at Simonton Windows® say now is the perfect time to check the functionality and security of ALL your windows and doors.
“After any high-wind event, and before the start of every hurricane season, homeowners should carefully examine their windows to make certain they’re still extremely functional and that high-flying debris hasn’t damaged their windows,” says Rebecca Taylor with Simonton Windows. “Even impact-resistant windows, made especially to handle high winds and storm conditions, should be checked prior to the start of hurricane season to make sure they’re ready for the next storm.”
Taylor recommends that homeowners in hurricane-prone areas strongly consider investing in impact-resistant windows to help protect their homes and property. “The insulating glass unit in Simonton StormBreaker Plus® windows features impact-resistant laminated glass, which consists of a durable interlayer sandwiched between two pieces of glass, along with an outer layer of tempered glass,” Taylor says. “This high-performance laminated glass is designed to help resist strong winds and penetration from windborne debris that can jeopardize a home and its contents during a high-wind event, such as a hurricane. Even if the outer layer of tempered glass is shattered, the tough interlayer is extremely resistant to breaking — reducing the possibility of injury or damage.”
Approved to the High Velocity Hurricane Zone certification standards through the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Florida Building Commission to withstand flying debris during severe storms, Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows and doors work 24/7 and never need to be boarded up or shuttered if properly installed and maintained. The windows are also tested in compliance with the windborne debris standards adopted in the International Residential Building Code, and the Florida Building code, ensuring that StormBreaker Plus windows can be used in all regions of the country that have building code requirements for impact-resistant products. This includes the Florida coast, the Gulf of Mexico coast and the East Coast, and is recognized by the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm inspection program.
“There’s a great deal of testing involved in these windows because they’re so important in helping keep a home secure during severe weather,” Taylor says. “At our testing facilities, we conduct impact, structural pressure and water infiltration testing on our Simonton StormBreaker Plus products, subjecting them to extreme weather conditions. We simulate the effects of severe storms on the windows to ensure they’ll help protect a home.”
In addition to enhanced protection from severe weather, StormBreaker Plus windows and doors offer superior energy efficiency benefits to homeowners, helping reduce energy bills. The windows and doors also reduce noise infiltration from the exterior of the home along with solar penetration. Burglary attempts are also deterred by the impact resistance of the durable windows and doors.
“These top-of-the-line windows and doors really help protect the home while saving people money,” Taylor says. “In addition to reduction of energy costs, many insurance companies also offer a discount when people have impact-resistant products installed in their home.” Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact resistant products. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit www.simonton.com.
Even if these are installed, if the are damaged you still have the expense of replacing them. What we need are attractive, easy to install and less costly shutters.