Significant code changes have been made in recent years in response to hurricane damage, requiring building envelopes to be more weatherproof and impact resistant.  The damaging effects of extreme winds and flying debris have been so widely documented that the entire Atlantic Coast has been declared a hurricane-prone region.

In 1992, shortly after Hurricane Andrew, South Florida enacted the first hurricane-resistant building codes and standards.  Following the devastation, engineers discovered that the vast majority of the damage was caused by windborne debris and fluctuating pressures.  They concluded that the “single-gust concept” of design was inadequate to protect against sustained, turbulent winds, which is exactly how Hurricane Andrew caused so much damage.

Based upon these findings, new codes were developed with the intention of reducing the damage caused by hurricane winds and flying debris.

The original test standards or protocols: TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203 were developed by the state of Florida.  After that,  ASTM developed two standards, E1886 and E1996, which have actually been adopted by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Intl. Building Code (IBC).

ASCE 7 says that only buildings constructed in designated “windborne-debris regions” (which are clearly outlined) are required to have impact-resistant glazing to prevent wind from entering the structure, or be designed to withstand increased loads resulting from internal pressurization.

Testing Impact Resistance

For a glazing product to qualify as impact resistant, it must be demonstrated through various tests test, that the system meets specific standards:

• Impact with projectiles representing windborne debris – either large missile (projectile is a 9-pound, 2×4 timber) for systems in the lower 30 feet of a building, or small missile (projectiles are 10 2-gram steel balls) for systems 30 feet and above.

• Followed by cyclic structural loading (9,000 positive and negative static pressure loads) representing fluctuating wind pressures.

Products are qualified based upon their ability of three test samples to resist large- or small-missile impacts, or both, without penetrating the inner plane of the glazing infill, and resist the cyclic pressure loading with no tear longer than 5 inches and wider than 1⁄16 inches through which air can pass. Test reports or product approval documents indicate a description of the test specimen and components, the maximum size, the pressure rating, and type of impact for which the product is approved.

Some Common Glazing Materials

• Traditional PVC laminated glass – good for small-missile impact-resistance

• glass-clad polycarbonate / PET laminated glass – good for large-missile impact-resistant systems.

To Retrofit or not?

It’s not always practical for existing window/wall frames to be retrofitted and be certified as impact resistant.  Nevertheless, it’s far more cost effective to replace the entire unit with pre-tested, rated, and approved systems.

If you have any further questions on impact resistant windows, don’t hesitate to contact Weather Tite Windows, your South Florida hurricane window pros!

In most homes, either French doors or sliding glass doors separate the inside of the home from the backyard patio, or deck.  If neither option seems like a clear choice for you, simply weight their pros and cons.  Consider factors like cost, safety, aesthetics and space – and that should give you a better idea of what you might want.

The “Look”

French doors – When deciding which door-type works best aesthetically in your home, you ought to take into account the overall design of the rest of your decor – as well as the architectural style of your home, in general.  Although not overly fancy, french doors tend to fit well into more ornate or traditional design situations, and they can easily be stained or painted.  They can be installed with complex window designs, and come with many different window pane layouts.

Sliding glass doors – For the most part, if you’re looking for a sleeker, more modern look in your home, sliding glass doors might be right for you.  They create the illusion of “less door,” and that’s really what modern style is all about “less is more.”  For homes that want a more open layout, sliding doors create the illusion of less door.  You should also take into account a screen.  Usually, sliding glass doors have a screen behind the glass so that you can slide the door open during nice weather, and feel the breeze while stopping insects from getting in the house.  French doors don’t usually have this feature.

Pricing

French doors – Although both types of doors vary widely when it comes to cost, the price of  French doors depends a lot on the kind of wood they’re made of.  Usually they come in oak, pine and mahogany, the last being the most expensive.  So, as obvious as it might seem, the higher the quality of French door, the more expensive it will be. Single slab, vintage French doors can be $700 and up.  It’s not unlikely to pay over $1000 for a well-made set of French doors.

Sliding glass doors -  Generally speaking, sliding glass doors will be a little bit cheaper than their counterpart.  A quality sliding door set with screen and vinyl frame will cost around $350, and one with an aluminum frame can cost as much as $600. They typically come pre-assembled but require installation.  Depending on where you buy, installation could be included in the price.

Space Issues

French doors – The amount of livable space a door occupies all depends on how it opens. French doors usually open inward and require the freedom to do so, which means that furniture placement must accommodate the doors.

Sliding glass doors – Sliding doors take up less space because it slides horizontally into a fixed section that does not take up any livable space.  You do not need to adjust any furniture for these doors.

Safety Features

French doors -  In terms of weather and flying debris, the safer door really all depends on how strong the glass is – and you can purchase extremely strong glass for both types of doors.  However, it is often said that the wood frame surrounding the window panes on a French door, makes it so the door cannot be mistaken for being open, and cause a child to run into it.

Sliding glass doors -  Before the days of tempered glass, people were sometimes injured accidentally walking through a sliding glass door.  With safety glass that beads up though, that does not happen a whole lot today.

If you’re thinking about door replacement or installation, get in touch with Weather Tite Windows, your top-notch windows and doors company!

Vinyl Windows and Frames

Pros:

* most popular window type

* most inexpensive windows available in the market.

* never need painting

* not affected by moisture

* some come with an insulated core for sound-proofing.

Cons:

* Need frequent cleaning

* Hinges need frequent lubrication

* Little variety of color, usually white, tan and bronze

* Environmentally hazardous: made of polyvinyl chloride, (a polymer that cannot degrade)

* Replacement can be costly

Aluminum Windows and Frames

Pros:

* Easily replaceable

* Good noise insulator

* Relatively thin compared to vinyl windows of the same dimensions.

Cons:

* Condensation problems

* Not energy efficient: loses heat rapidly

*Can be difficult to purchase: not many commercial suppliers.

So, have you decided which is the better window?  Is it the ever-popular and inexpensive vinyl window, or the sleek, easily replaceable aluminum window?  Still don’t know which to choose?  Well, the reality is that they both have their pluses and minuses, and in the end, it’s all a matter of your personal taste.  Nevertheless, a professional can help you with this big decision.  Don’t hesitate to contact Weather Tite Windows, your Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Georgia, and Florida Window replacement experts!

Being proactive in safeguarding your home from storms and hurricanes is one of the smartest decisions you can make.  By taking the time to make sure your home is fully “storm proof,” you are not only securing your investment, but more  importantly, protecting your family.  Here’s the lowdown on some basic storm protection methods, and other safety items:

Waterproof Your Home

Caulk: Caulk around openings for phone wires, cable wires, and other utilities, as these are all entry points for water to seep between your walls, and cause mold – a major health hazard for you and your family.

Soffits: This is the material that covers the bottom of the roof overhang.  When wind is so powerful that it makes rain fall on angle, it forces the rain up under the overhang, and into your house.  Make sure that the soffit is securely attached to the roof overhang, and is sealed against the house.

Protect Your Roof

Shingles: Examine your roof carefully for any loose shingles, as they are a disaster waiting to happen.  When the wind catches a loose shingle, it rips it off the roof, and other shingles usually follow.  Secure the shingles, and have any leaks repaired, as well.

Roof reinforcements: Apply hurricane straps and clips to your roof to secure its connection to the rest of the house -  preventing it from blowing off in the high winds of a severe storm or hurricane.  Also, you can use a roof harness that straps over the roof and attaches to your house’s foundation.

Protect Your Door and Windows

Storm/hurricane shutters: Use storm shutters to cover all garage doors, patio windows, house windows and doors.

Impact resistant windows: Replacing your old windows with impact resistant windows is a great way to protect them in a storm.

Polyurethane film: This is a relatively cost efficient alternative, that protects your windows against harsh winds.

Protect Your Landscaping

Inspection: Inspect all foliage and trees around your home to make sure that they are healthy, and that there are no loose branches that can fly off and hurt someone, or damage property.

Wrapping: If you know far in advance that a storm is approaching, wrap all of your bushes and flowers with landscaping cloth, so that they will not be torn apart by the high winds.  This will make them more aerodynamic, as the wind will go around them, not through them.

Aluminum screen enclosures

Swimming pool: If have you have a screen enclosure around your pool, inspect it, and replace any rusty screws. Reinforce the anchorage of the columns to the concrete deck, and install diagonal bracing to help the structure withstand the force of high winds.

Other Concerns…

Carports

• Free standing carports are less likely to be damaged (and cause damage to the rest of the home) than attached carports.
• Make sure the roof of the carport is heavily anchored

Storage Sheds

• Build on a concrete slab for better support
• In case of a storm, tie the shed down with heavy screw anchors at all corners, and place a rope harness over the    building.

Outdoor Equipment

Anchor all outdoor equipment (air compressors, air conditioners, water heaters, pool equipment) securely to the house or the ground using metal brackets, screw anchors, or straps.

Living on the Florida coast obviously has its perks: the sound of the waves gently crashing, the ocean breeze in you hair…still, Florida isn’t always this picturesque.  When a hurricane drops by, it turns this paradise into an all out nightmare.  One major step you can take to protect your home, is to install hurricane shutters.  These shutters not only keep debris from entering your home, they help maintain the integrity of the structure itself, by keeping wind and water from gaining access to the building’s walls.

If you want to rest assured that your home is properly protected, purchase your hurricane shutters from a qualified window contractor.  However, if the storm happens to be on its way, and time is running out, here’s some things you should know…

Working With Plywood Shutters

Although they require lots of work, plywood shutters tend to be the least expensive to install.  On the other hand, they aren’t as effective as ones that meet Florida’s building code requirements.

• Cut the plywood to fit the wall opening exactly, and set it in the window so that there is at least an inch between the surface of the plywood and the outside edge of the frame.

• Attached it with three or four-inch barrel bolts (the kind you find as a privacy lock for doors) – one set in the center of each side.

• Drill holes the exact same size as the bolts in the window casing. Larger windows will require more bolts. The goal is to set the plywood into the window frame instead of over it, where the wind or debris can wedge itself under the plywood and pull it off.

• Paint the plywood to protect it from humidity

Professionally-Made Hurricane Shutters

Many codes now require professionally installed hurricane shutters that roll down over the opening, while others consist of separate pieces.  Models range from very simple covers that can be installed with a screwdriver and level by a homeowner, to heavy-duty, complicated models that are usually installed by the pros.

For further questions about what storm shutters might be right for your home, feel free to contact Weather Tite Windows, your South Florida window experts.  When a hurricane strikes, we want you safe!

A sunroom makes a fantastic feature for most homes, not only because it allows lots of natural light, but because it lets you experience the beauty of nature, from an indoor type of environment.  It is a great spot to place your plants, keeps pesty bugs away, and acts as a comfortable santuary for you to relax.

Types of Sunrooms

seasonal room – allows open air and natural ventilation

four season sunroom – includes a fully insulated ceiling and  walls, as well as insulated-glass windows.  A home’s heating and cooling system keeps the room’s temperature the same as the rest of the house.

conservatory – also called a “solarium” is an enclosed patio that provides a panoramic view with indoor ventilation.

screened room – designed to allow fresh air to ventilate the space while keeping insects out, through a simple screen.

knee-wall room – sunrooms with short wall before the window sill, which provides privacy and allows for outdoor views.

Sun Room Wall Structures

A sunroom usually has one of four types of wall structures, depending on the budget and the type of room that is requested.

The walls can be made of…

• vinyl: expensive and strong, but needs some steel reinforcement
• aluminum: good structural support, but not a good heat insulator
• clad: should be maintained like vinyl, but it costs a less
• wood: needs constant maintenance, but is the most natural material

Common Glass Options

• low E
• argon-filled
• tempered glass

With single, double, or triple-panned glazing. All of these options allow the sun’s heat to warm the space.

For help with your current or future sunroom or patio enclosure, contact Weather Tite Windows, your Pittsburg, Ohio, and Florida window experts!

As you can tell from the two pictures, the windows work just like you said
and Simonton advertises. Note the following: today is 4/27/2010, outside
temperature is in the 80s. It is 4:00 PM, clear skies, bright sun. I have
a thermometer with an indoor/outdoor sensor at the front window. As you can
see, the temp outside the window is 105.8 F, with the afternoon sun shining
on the window. The inside temp by the same window is 78.6 F. The glass is
cool to the touch.

Great product.

Sam and Joanne

Mr Michael Hollander,

We recently had 14 new windows installed in our home by James Almond and Marcus. I am writing in regard to the excellent job these two young gentlemen performed. They were proficient and efficient. They were also neat, tidy, and polite. We cannot say enough about them. De Shaun Carter, was also very good, as was Ryan, who measured our windows. If these gentlemen are responsibilities of your company, your in good hands!

P.S. The windows are 1st rate!

Thanks again,

Mr and Mrs. A

March 31, 2010

Mr. Michael Hollander

President

WeatherTite Windows

It is with great pleasure that I write you this letter. The recent installation of windows by your company was without a doubt the most pleasant and rewarding experience of remodeling that my wife and I have ever had.

From the beginning of our window replacement search your company was hands above the other companies that we talked with. You took the time to get to know and respect what we were trying to achieve and to stay in our price range. You offered us different suggestions and were more than willing to spend time with us to explain how and why it is important to understand what makes a good energy efficient window.

You never expressed any negative thoughts or feelings about any other company that we may have talked with and we found this very professional. You explained the difference between the installation of new windows opposed to process of replacing existing windows and that was one thing no other company offered us.

The installation team that arrived at our house was on time and very polite. They worked well together and you could tell they took pride in what they were doing and it surely shows in the final product.

We are more satisfied that words can explain.

Our home is truly a better looking and energy efficient home thanks to you and your company. We look forward to sharing our experience with family and friends, as well as any future customers that you may have.

Sincerely,

Lotus and Bill Eckstein