Many homes in Miami, Florida, now use hurricane windows to protect against strong tropical storms and hurricanes. Buyers should make informed decisions about the terms and specifications of these products. Understanding hurricane window ratings is crucial, as higher-rated windows offer better protection.
As a homeowner, if you are wondering, ‘Are there different grades of impact windows?’, the answer is yes, and that is why you have to go for the one that offers sufficient protection. Whether it is the design pressure or the performance grade, you must consider many factors when looking for the glass quality. There are distinct differences of the impact windows when compared to the traditional glass windows and these are the basics that need to be understood.
Understanding the Hurricane Window Ratings
The hurricane windows are manufactured with specially treated glass so that it doesn’t break loose or shatter from the frame of the window when there is a hurricane or a violent storm. It is worth mentioning that the glass may still be shattered when airborne objects because of the powerful winds strike them, but the impact window has a design that keeps it intact. If you are planning to buy one, you need to understand the window impact rating scale, so that you can make an informed decision.
There is a difference between the hurricane and the regular windows regarding resilience and construction. The main purpose of a regular window is to provide light, views, and ventilation, but its resistance to impact is minimal. On the other hand, the hurricane window has a reinforced frame, and its impact-resistant glass can withstand high winds and flying debris. The hurricane level chart can help classify these windows so that you can judge their strength according to the speed of the wind.
DP and PG Ratings
DP Ratings
- This type of rating represents how an impact window can withstand high wind pressure force. There are three different criteria that this numerical rating encompasses, which include structural load, air infiltration and water infiltration. When looking at the hurricane level chart, if the rating is higher, then the window can withstand the criteria in a much better way. If the window has a 50DP rating, then it can withstand 75 pounds of pressure per square foot. Keep in mind that there are manufacturers that misrepresent the rating, but the majority of manufacturers show honesty regarding the DP rating.
PG Ratings
The main purpose of developing these ratings was to promote or encourage the true measurements of the efficacy of the impact windows. The PG rating has to meet all three criteria and there are no exceptions, while the DP ratings can meet two or three of the criteria.
One needs to have a look at the impact window glass thickness chart. If the rating of the impact window is 40, and it meets two of the three criteria, then there are chances that there will be a lower score for the window.
Classifications of the Hurricane Windows
- When there is a Category 1 storm, the speed of the winds is between 75 to 95 mph, and a storm of this speed is capable of damaging gutters, roofs, power lines and trees.
- The Category 2 storm can be quite dangerous where the speed of the windows can reach around 96 to 110 mph. This type of storm can cause a lot of damage, even if a home is well-built.
- The Category 3 hurricane can inflict devastating damage to the residential areas with strong winds of 111 to 129 mph.
- Catastrophic damage can be caused by a Category 4 storm because it has sustained winds with speeds of 130 to 156 mph.
- A storm with winds of 157 mph or more is Category 5 and can cause severe damage to the homes in the affected area. For the storm of this category, a DP50 window rating is required.
How to Look for the Hurricane Window Performance?
As a homeowner, if you want to have hurricane windows, the best way to understand how well these windows will perform is to ask whether they are capable of meeting the Florida Building Code Standards for hurricane zones that are of high velocity. You can go for the window wind ratings to understand how strong a window is. The best way for you is to make sure that you invest in windows that are hurricane-rated.
As there is a threat of hurricanes in Miami, Florida, the hurricane windows come with high standards. This way, the homes are protected from any damages, and the insurance costs are lower for the homeowners. Because of Hurricane Andrew, the majority of homes in Miami-Dade need the Miami-Dade impact window ratings of a minimum of +/- 60 to protect against strong hurricanes. Therefore, you need windows that can withstand the most formidable storms.
Conclusion
There is a misunderstanding among many that a regular window can be strengthened or coated to become resistant to hurricanes. If you live in Miami, Florida, then you must have an idea of the hurricane window ratings. A window known to be hurricane-rated has to be has to undergo testing to make sure that it can withstand flying debris and brutal winds. Other than that, if you want the hurricane window to perform at its best, then proper installation becomes crucial so that you can have peace of mind.
FAQs
What are the different hurricane window rating factors?
When going for the window wind ratings, you have to consider a few factors. These include the condensation resistance, air leakage resistance, U-factor as well as the R-value. This will give you a good idea regarding how strong the window is and what are your needs.
How strong is an impact window?
The design of the impact window is created in such a way that is capable of withstanding different weather conditions. So, whether it is a Category 5 hurricane, heavy hail, flying debris or windows of up to 160 mph, these windows are the best option. For more assistance, you can also have a look at the impact window glass thickness chart.
How to know whether a window is impact-rated or not?
If you can see the presence of a permanent mark on the window on the glass corner, then you will be able to identify it as a hurricane window. Normally, this mark is frosted and distinguishes an impact-resistant window from a regular one.
