Prior to Installation of Hurricane Impact Windows – What All Do You Need to Know?

Most people do not know there are tough testing procedures and installation standards that the hurricane impact windows must meet to offer proper protection to your home. You need to know few important facts before you buy the hurricane impact windows for your house or condo. This is very much a buyer-beware situation that needs you to do proper research to ensure that you are getting the value and protection you need.

Here are 6 important things that you need to know before installing hurricane impact windows in your home or condo:

Test the windows for wind-borne debris - The exterior opening, including windows, must be protected from wind-borne debris that are caused by hurricanes. The two main elements of wind-borne debris testing are the impact and pressure requirements. Also, the performance of the windows during these tests also determine their rating.

The length and height of windows matters a lot - If you reside in a building where the windows are located at about the 30 feet or less above ground level, then your windows must pass the large-missile test. If they are located 30 feet or more above ground level, they must pass either the large or small-missile tests.

It should have a standard Label - Any product that is commercially produced and tested should have a certificate or label that shows which standard(s) it has passed.

You should have knowledge about the Installation Requirements - The geographical location of your home dictates the wind zone and exposure category of your home, and the installation specifications of your windows. If the windows meet these standards that have been set, they are safe in other counties.

Need of a Building Permit - Before installation of hurricane impact windows you need to have a building permit. This is to your benefit, the applicant for the building permit must provide information such as what is being installed, the manufacturers, product approval numbers and often the installation instructions. It is the role of the building department to confirm that the products meet the standards for the building.

Installation should be proper - The window needs to be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation requirements in order to perform optimally. If it’s not installed properly, it won’t protect as well. For further peace of mind, you can either inspect the installation job yourself, or hire someone who is knowledgeable to perform the inspection.

Don’t be fooled by advertising for windows that claim full hurricane protection. Knowing more about testing and installation requirements for hurricane impact windows can help you to ask the right questions and to make the best choice for hurricane protection of your home.

Our dedicated professionals from Florida Style Installation Company work together as a team to provide our clients with a smooth process and a superior result. Our extensive product lines are designed to adapt to the demands of your project regardless of your budget, maintaining the highest quality standards and complying with all States of Florida.