 |
| Photo Credit: nasa.gov |
By Gates Dearen
Our recent brush with hurricanes Arthur and Bertha may have made you wonder whether your house was ready for hurricane season. If your windows or doors rattled, or if you heard wind whooshing through – or worse, saw rain coming in – it may be time for some updates. Rain and wind are obvious troublemakers, but have you thought about the UFOs (unexpected flying objects) that might come barreling through your yard – and straight for your windows and doors – in the midst of the storm? Such objects cause millions of dollars in damage every year (and take many lives), either because they weren’t secured prior to the storm or because homeowners had old windows and doors that were not impact-resistant. Hurricane season lasts until November 30, and late summer/early fall storms are historically stronger and cause more damage than early summer storms. If you haven’t already safeguarded your home against hurricane damage, now is the perfect time.
Our recent brush with hurricanes Arthur and Bertha may have made you wonder whether your house was ready for hurricane season. If your windows or doors rattled, or if you heard wind whooshing through – or worse, saw rain coming in – it may be time for some updates. Rain and wind are obvious troublemakers, but have you thought about the UFOs (unexpected flying objects) that might come barreling through your yard – and straight for your windows and doors – in the midst of the storm? Such objects cause millions of dollars in damage every year (and take many lives), either because they weren’t secured prior to the storm or because homeowners had old windows and doors that were not impact-resistant. Hurricane season lasts until November 30, and late summer/early fall storms are historically stronger and cause more damage than early summer storms. If you haven’t already safeguarded your home against hurricane damage, now is the perfect time.
 |
Safe Windows
If you think that taping your windows will keep your windows from
breaking, think again. According to the U.S. Government disaster preparedness
site www.ready.gov,
those in areas at risk for hurricane damage should cover windows, an unsightly
option, or install windows made of impact-resistant glass. The latter is a
better choice because these windows are more attractive and do not have to be
taken down in the winter and put up again in the summer, as do outdoor window
covers.
If you do choose to replace your windows and/or sliding doors, look for
the AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) label and the
National Fenestration Rating Council certification. These organizations have
high standards for quality and their seals of approval carry a lot of weight. Next,
do your research on both the company and the product. Has the company been
around for a while? If so, that’s a good indicator that they’ll still be around
if you need them in the future. Do they have customer testimonials? If they’ve
done a good job for other customers, they’ll likely do a good job for you too. How
is the impact-resistance of the windows created? Ask if there is a layer of
poly material between the panes of glass. These types of windows and sliding
doors not only keep out wind and rain, but also protect your home, and its
occupants, from wind-blown debris.
Impact-resistant windows and sliding doors have the additional benefit
of being more energy efficient than their non-impact-resistant alternatives.
Safe Doors
When it comes to hurricane safety, you may have thought more about your
windows and sliding doors than about your entry doors, but in some cases entry
doors have nearly as much glass as sliding doors or windows. In such cases,
it’s equally important to choose impact-resistant glass. You may be surprised
to find how many options are available to you in impact-resistant,
weather-resistant attractive door glass. Whether you prefer etched glass, a
stained-glass look, or blinds-between-panes, you can find whatever suits your
taste, made with glass that will protect your home and keep your family safe.
Additionally, most glass panels for entry doors that have been crafted to
resist impact also have a Low-e coating which allows sunlight in while keeping
heat out, helping to conserve energy and prevent fading of carpets and
furniture.
For all doors, glass or not, a good fit is crucial. No matter how good
the materials, if your door does not fit properly, it will not keep out the
weather. Make sure the weather stripping is in good condition and that it seals
tightly when the door is shut. Check that the threshold meets the bottom of the
door with no gaps. This is also a good time to see that your garage door closes
tightly and doesn’t rattle or buckle in the wind; consider reinforcing your
garage door to prevent flooding or structural damage.
UFOs - Unexpected Flying
Objects
Storms can come up quickly in Florida ,
and we don’t always have notice. If you’ve lived here for any length of time,
chances are good that at least once you’ve looked out your window and seen
something flying across your yard. With hurricanes and tropical storms, though,
we usually have at least a little warning. One of the best ways to keep your
windows and doors – and your entire home – safe is to secure loose objects in
your yard, or bring inside whatever you can. Items such as outdoor furniture,
yard tools, and grills can become dangerous missiles when propelled by high
winds. This is a situation where a small amount of effort up front can save a
lot of trouble down the road.
Window and doors really can protect your home – and your family – from
a natural disaster. With a little planning and “refortification” on your part,
your doors and windows can work with you to keep the weather where it belongs:
outside.
In this article
we’ve explained how your windows and doors can help to protect your home in a
hurricane. We’ve also given some tips for securing items outside your home to
prevent them from damaging your home’s exterior, windows, and doors.
Gates Dearen is the co-owner of HomeRite Windows and Doors in
Jacksonville, Florida.
Owners Dearen and Richard Walden have been serving the
building products industry in Florida
