Benefits and Installation of Impact-Resistant Windows

An impact-resistant window must be firmly anchored into the home’s framing to withstand wind force and effectively transfer its load to the building. Hurricane-tested screws are longer than standard window anchors. Coastal installations must also be stainless steel or galvanized for inland use. Dave Olmstead, spokesman for PGT Industries in Venice, Florida, agrees that no matter how strong a window is the attachment to the building structure is critical. Olmstead says a window that is 53-inches by 76-inches would have 28 square feet of exposure, and with a wind speed of 146 mph from a category 4 hurricane would result in a load on the window equivalent to 1,958 pounds of pressure. For the window to perform correctly, the load has to be transferred to the building itself, which is done by using suitable anchors to transfer the load from the window or door frame to the rough opening without causing failure. Keep Windows Tight A key factor when installing impact-resistant windows is a watertight caulk seal. “Caulking of the window is also critical to prevent water intrusion,” Olmstead says. “Both the window bucks (square box or frame within a concrete foundation for future window installation) and the window itself must be thoroughly sealed to the building.” Oftentimes, the closer the home is to the coastline, the more stringent the requirement for fasteners. Homes on the beach typically require stainless steel screws to stand up to the salt spray. Those further inland may require galvanized screws. Screws rather than nails are specified because nails are less resistant to pull-out when lateral force is applied to the window and surrounding wall. Screws pull material together and won’t pull out. Storm-Ready Building Codes It’s not just Florida that needs protection from wind and wind-borne debris. Since tougher building codes took effect in Florida following the devastation of hurricane Andrew, numerous other states have followed suit by adopting storm-ready building codes of their own. According to the International Building Code, the following states now require impact-resistant windows in new construction and remodeling: · Alabama · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Maryland · Massachusetts · Mississippi · New York · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Texas · Virginia Cost and Availability Impact-resistant windows are available nationwide by special order, but are most readily available in coastal states mandating their installation through tougher building codes. They can be ordered and shipped anywhere, however. According to an independent study recently completed by the North American Laminated Glass Information Center, adding impact-resistant windows will only increase construction costs by a few thousand dollars on an average new home. As with all building enhancements, the familiarity of the crew with the product will directly impact how long the windows take to install and how much labor will cost. Compare the cost of the product, cost of the product installed, and any insurance benefits before making your decision. Insurance Benefits Benefits from impact-resistant windows extend beyond the storm belt to broader security concerns. Impact-resistant windows are considered to be security features because they are so difficult to penetrate or separate from their frames that they reduce break-ins, theft, and property damage. There are insurance breaks for new homes built with impact resistant windows, and for existing homes remodeled to include the tougher windows and frames. Check with your homeowners insurance carrier to see what kind of a discount is available.

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