Impact Resistant Windows
Consumer Impact Resistant Window Information
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Window Frames and Impact Resistance
While you definitely need to protect your home from high-velocity hurricane winds by carefully choosing your glass, the frames of your windows are equally important. After all, if you window is broken by debris but stays intact, a strong enough wind could use the resistance of the unbroken glass to rip the entire frame out of the house.
The first impact resistant windows did not have very much variety in their frame designs. Normally stainless or galvanized steel, they didn’t necessarily contribute to the aesthetic appeal of houses. Today, however, impact resistant or shatterproof windows can be installed with frames made from wood, vinyl, metal, or any combination. In fact, many impact windows are simply reinforced with steel interior stiffeners.
The other element that makes the frames of impact resistant windows durable is the screws used. Rather than normal screws or bolts, which don’t extend terribly far into the frame of your house, shatterproof windows have extra-long screws that give a much better hold on the frame of your home. This makes the frame slightly more difficult to install, and because there is no standard installation process for the window frames, you should always consult a contractor or the manufacturer of the window.
Find out what other steps you can take to practice better hurricane safety.