Hurricane Ratings For Windows
Category 1 and 2 storms are still dangerous however.
Hurricane ratings for windows. In theory its true the dp50 rated window is designed to take those wind loads. Burglars run once they try to smash one. In response to this certain hurricane prone areas have adopted new asce american society of civil engineers guidelines for windows in new construction. However the window is tested to withstand 170 mph winds.
The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale classifies hurricanes in the following format. But unless you ve bought the expensive impact rated version you re windows are completely vulnerable to breakage from wind borne debris. The benefits of impact resistant windows exceeds just those homes located in areas prone to hurricanes. Falling debris could strike people livestock and pets and older mobile homes could be destroyed.
South florida is a hotbed for hurricanes and severe weather. Some of the windows are even labeled with hurricane rated tags but the fine print reads much differently. The pg rating of a window typically falls anywhere between 15 and 70. For example a window with a dp30 is rated to take the equivalent of 110mph wind.
In a category 1 hurricane winds range from 74 to 95 mph. This number correlates directly with the amount of wind pressure the window can endure. The call for hurricane resistant windows hit full stride after hurricane andrew struck florida in 1992 causing an estimated 25 billion in damage. Exterior storm windows and hurricane windows are designed to enhance the energy efficiency of existing windows especially single pane units.
A window with a pg of 35 can handle 35. The saffir simpson hurricane wind scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane s sustained wind speed. The simplest way to read ratings. Protected glass windows will generally.
Hurricane windows are not the same thing as impact resistant windows. They also help homes withstand damage during harsh. This scale estimates potential property damage. Beginning in 2001 new homes in florida and.
Impact windows also increase safety noise reduction and intrusion resistance. Hurricanes reaching category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes because of their potential for significant loss of life and damage. As a result south florida has different requirements for rating approved impact resistant windows. Our hurricane strength windows and patio doors offer some of the best protection from coastal storms.
The term hurricane windows is a little misleading.