Wind Ratings For Hurricane Windows

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Wind ratings for hurricane windows.

Window myths taping windows does nothing to stop them from breaking when wind speeds soar according to cbs news. 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. 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. Pgt invests hundreds of hours testing our hurricane impact windows and doors to ensure that they will perform at their optimum level for many years to come.

A category 4 hurricane will blow out most windows on high rise buildings uproot most trees and will likely down many power lines. 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. 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. National fenestration rating council nfrc stc sound transmission class impact windows doors designed for strength.

In theory its true the dp50 rated window is designed to take those wind loads. 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. Figure 10 1 shows how the failure of a large window led to the loss of the roof structure. Some studies have shown that by installing hurricane windows the construction cost is increased only by a few thousand dollars on a new home.

An average single hung window costs between 500 and 600 materials only. Wind pressure failure of glazing is also occasionally observed. Typically this test is a three pronged test that is based on the structural components air and water pressure. But unless you ve bought the expensive impact rated version you re windows are completely vulnerable to breakage from wind borne debris.

All impact windows should have a design pressure rating. Exceed the strength of their anchorage. Some of the windows are even labeled with hurricane rated tags but the fine print reads much differently. Impact resistant windows are a coastal homeowner s best friend especially during hurricane season.