How to Evaluate Windows for Hurricane Resistance

Preparing for hurricanes is always top of mind during late summer; regardless of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predictions, it is always best to be prepared with windows designed to protect against potential flying debris.

How to Evaluate Windows for Hurricane-Resistance

Hurricane-resistant fenestration is designed to prevent catastrophic damage to buildings by providing enough structural strength to resist extreme winds, impact from wind-borne debris, and water penetration.

Current building codes for damage resistance due to wind pressure are proven indicators for preventing high-velocity winds from entering buildings and causing extreme structural damage. However, destruction from windborne debris is often a more significant concern.

When choosing fenestration - windows and window glazing - for hurricane resistance, it’s essential to consider both wind and debris damage.

How to Choose the Best Hurricane-Resistant Windows

So, how do you prepare for both wind and debris damage? The Facility Executive suggests some specifics when choosing hurricane-resistant windows.

They should be independently tested by an accredited third-party laboratory and certified by an accredited certification body. All hurricane-resistant fenestration requires laboratory testing under simulated storm conditions per Miami-Dade protocol TAS 201/202/203 or AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 and ASTM E1886/1996. To pass these tests, the product must meet the specific air infiltration, water penetration, and structural performance, and remain intact after simulated windborne debris pressure cycles.

Key features to consider include:

• Laminated glass with a heavy interlayer, often polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or polycarbonate, between two pieces of glass bonded by heat and pressure.
• Anchorage to the building, additional fasteners secure the product to the rough opening and ensure maximum stability.
• Proper installation, even hurricane-resistant windows may leak if not properly flashed and sealed by joining the frame with the exterior sheathing and water-resistive barrier to form an integrated drainage plane.

Overall, hurricane resistance can be maximized using impact-resistant glazing, a robust framing system, and appropriate installation into the building openings.

Keep these guidelines in mind during the build stage of any project to ensure that an entire building is prepared for hurricanes. Not sure which materials are suitable for your project? Contact us for a quote and learn more about St. Cloud Window impact window and door options.