As a resident of South Florida, you should be aware that hurricanes are a reality for you and your family. If you are still not convinced of using Impact Windows for your home, here we explain everything you should know about the advantages of using these and why these are the best option over the non-impact windows.
1. Protection
Most building codes in the state of Florida require windows that protect you and your property during high wind events. Standard or non-impact windows don’t provide the protection required. In case an object impacts the monolithic (non-impact) glass, it will break allowing water and wind can get into your home, experiencing severe damage during a storm.
On the other hand, Impact/Hurricane Windows use double layered/laminated glass to prevent damage. If high winds send an object against your window, the frame and the glass are strong enough to withstand it. The object may break the glass but it will stay adhered to an innerlayer or membrane preventing shards to come into your home. At the same time, wind and water will not come into your home. Preventing significant damage during a storm.
2. One less thing to worry about
If a hurricane is headed towards your area, then you have a lot to think about. Worrying about your windows only adds to your list of things to do. If you have standard windows, then it could take hours to prepare them to weather the storm.
Impact Windows give you one less thing to worry about. Instead of securing your windows, you can focus on what really matters – the safety of you and your family.
3. Energy Efficiency
Impact Windows allow more light into your home than shutters. When a hurricane hits, it is very common to run out of electricity. During this time, your impact windows could come in handy, allowing you to have natural light in your home. Additionally, you don’t need to rush to take down any shutters after a storm.
4. Noise reduction
Impact-resistant windows provide an excellent noise barrier to block disturbing sounds in addition to protecting against hurricanes.
As a conclusion, having impact resistant/hurricane windows adds the most benefits to your property and provides peace of mind. If you already own these systems, it is imperative to keep these working all year round. Proper maintenance and repairing your products with a specialized firm will ensure this. Most manufacturer’s recommend a preventive maintenance at least every six months. If you are interested in this service or in any other type of repair, please visit our website at www.impactlgassmiami.com You can also contact our customer service department at 786-245-4595 or [email protected].
In some cases, having impact resistant windows is not enough to avoid headaches during a storm. To mitigate damages of your floors, baseboards, drywall, blinds, carpet, and furniture among others, it is very important to maintain or inspect certain components to guarantee the systems performance.
1. Are Locks Working Properly?
Inspect the locking hardware. Ensure operable panels are locked properly to avoid them opening with the high winds a storm can bring. Periodically, clean the locks and lubricate them to maintain their proper function.
2. Is your Weather-stripping, Gaskets, and wet glaze in good condition?
Inspect the weather-stripping, gaskets and wet glaze of the doors and windows. Visually inspect these components for any missing chunks, damage, cracks, movement, or lack of compression. Any of these signs, could mean that the component needs to be replaced.
3. Are the weather components in the correct position?
This is one of the hardest inspections to do. Each System/manufacturer has weathering components strategically installed along the frame to minimize the strength of air coming thru.
It is important to keep in mind that operable system is not air and watertight. Existing gaps are necessary for panel movement and alignment.
4. Are weep holes unclogged and/or debris-free?
Weep holes are small openings that allows water to drain from within an assembly. It is crucial to have the weep holes inspected to make sure they are free of debris. If they get clogged, these must be cleaned to restore their proper draining function.
5. Are screw heads sealed properly?
Since it rains most of the year in Florida, this inspection should not be limited to just hurricane season, but throughout the entire year. Anchors need be sealed to avoid water entering the frame’s predrilled penetrations. Within time, this sealant disintegrates or peels, leaving a perfect path for water to enter the system causing mold growth and destroying surrounding components.
6. Are the Vents or Panels properly aligned?
Check the Alignment of Vents and/or panels with the frame. Proper alignment will guarantee that the locks, weather-stripping, gaskets, and pile pads can achieve their purpose. This simple step is a compliment to all previous maintenance steps.
Following these guidelines, will ensure that your impact resistant product(s) will be preforming at the very best level that they were designed. It is recommended that all of the above procedures be conducted by a professional licensed contractor at least every 6 months to ensure that your windows will be in the best shape possible to confront the worst of the elements.
Casement Windows
A casement window swings open like a door. Hinged on the side, casement windows provide excellent ventilation and unlike a single hung, it has no center rail to obstruct the view.
Casement windows have very clean lines and incredible eye appeal with the advantage of quality aluminum construction.
Single Hung Windows
A single hung window is a traditional style sash operable window that opens without using any interior or exterior space. It is a perfect choice for most living areas in your home.
The single-hung window is constructed with commercial-grade aluminum frames, architecturally correct and even sightlines, a water and air resistant captured bottom rail, stainless steel fasteners and multiple points of weatherstripping while maintaining the stylish look of a traditional single-hung window.
Horizontal Rolling Windows
A horizontal rolling window operates similar to a sliding door. The sash slides open perfect for satisfying bedroom egress requirements and is a popular style for contemporary and modern homes.
The horizontal rolling window is available in very large sizes up to 111″ x 76″ (58.5 SQF) in two and three panel configurations and with very high design pressures as high as +120 /-150 PSF. Each operating sash is manufactured with a pair of patented stainless steel ball bearing supported quad rollers that ride on a nylon track providing a consistent and durable window operation.
Fixed Windows
Fixed windows are typically used for openings that are larger or where an opening window is not required. They are used to expand the view and bring in more daylight. A great choice for living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms and where ventilation is not a concern.
Rectangular fixed hurricane windows are perfect for really big openings. This product series is available in sizes up to 6′ x 10′. These products are great for modern and contemporary styling, or where large openings are desired.