How Do I Know if I Have Hurricane Windows?
Did you move into a new home, and now you’re wondering whether all or some of its windows are outfitted with impact-resistant hurricane glass? After all, for aesthetic reasons, hurricane windows are typically designed to look just like non-impact windows. Their defining feature is the special laminated glass that is engineered to withstand a high-speed strike from wind-propelled debris, but its presence is usually not readily apparent. So you may need to do some sleuthing to determine whether your home’s windows meet the standards to be called hurricane windows. Here are a few clues you can use in your detective work:
Were Hurricane Windows Listed as a Selling Feature?
In areas where homes face the threat of damage from powerful windstorms, hurricane windows represent a significant value to the homeowner. Impact-resistant windows stand ready to protect homes at any time of year, making them a superior choice for storm protection when compared with plywood, exterior shutters, and even removable fabric panels. Moreover, hurricane windows also offer protection against forced entry, as would-be intruders will find it nearly impossible to break the glass. For all these reasons, the home seller probably listed its hurricane windows among your home’s desirable features if they were installed before the sale.
Visible Signs You Can Look For
In many cases, the glass in hurricane windows bears a permanent mark in a corner that includes the supplier’s name and the hurricane certification standards it meets. However, because high-quality windows are custom-sized, there may be instances when this mark was cut away during building. For this reason, you may find a removable label that includes the same information.
Even if there’s no etching or label on the glass, it could still be impact-resistant. One way to eliminate the possibility that you have hurricane windows is to check your reflection in the glass. A window requires two or more sheets of glass to meet hurricane-rating standards, so you should see two or more reflections in the glass. If you see only one reflection, the window probably doesn’t meet the standards for hurricane protection.
It’s important to remember that hurricane windows are rated for various factors, including the wind pressure they can withstand, so not all hurricane windows provide the same level of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell If My Windows are Hurricane Windows?
Ensuring the safety and resilience of your home during severe weather is a top priority, and understanding the characteristics of hurricane windows is crucial. Hurricane windows, also known as impact-resistant windows, are specially designed to withstand the forces generated by hurricanes and other extreme weather events.
One straightforward method to identify hurricane windows is the presence of a permanent mark in one of the glass corners. This mark, often frosted, distinguishes impact-resistant windows from standard ones. It typically contains vital information such as the supplier’s name, fabrication place, building date, and certification details regarding safety standards. Unlike standard glass, which might have a label that sticks to the surface, impact-resistant glass requires this permanent mark, showcasing its compliance with rigorous safety standards.
Additionally, hurricane windows are noticeably thicker than their standard counterparts. This is due to their construction, which involves two sheets of glass and a layer of durable plastic. The robust build is what enables these windows to endure the impact of debris carried by high winds during a hurricane.
Do Hurricane Windows Offer Protection Against Forced Entry?
Beyond their primary role in storm protection, hurricane windows also contribute to enhancing the security of your home. The same features that make them resilient against hurricane-force winds—such as the multiple layers and durable materials—also act as formidable barriers against forced entry.
The construction of hurricane windows, with impact-resistant glass and reinforced frames, makes it significantly more challenging for potential intruders to break into your home. This added layer of security provides homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that their windows serve a dual purpose in safeguarding against both natural and human threats.
What Information Should Be Present in the Markings on Hurricane Windows?
The markings on hurricane windows play a crucial role in communicating essential information about their construction, certification, and suitability for specific weather conditions. When inspecting these markings, you should find details such as the supplier’s name, place of fabrication, building date, and certification indicating adherence to safety standards.
These marks are not just symbols; they are a testament to the rigorous testing and quality standards that hurricane windows undergo to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for storm protection. Paying attention to these details helps homeowners make informed decisions about the safety and resilience of their homes.
At NewSouth Window Solutions, we’re immensely proud of the high-quality hurricane windows we build and install for homeowners throughout the South. If you’re interested in upgrading your windows for hurricane protection, we’ll be happy to discuss all the details that make our windows the industry standouts. Contact us today for more information.
