Ihe bteaftilown on immGt-tesistant ninilows

n ESEARCHERS worldwide have l\predicted another turbulent hunicane season, filled with numerous high-intensity storms. In fact, forecasters from Colorado State University foresee as many as 17 severe storms forming in the Atlantic basin through the summer and fall with approximately five of those events becoming major hurricanes with winds in excess of I l0 miles per hour.

One of the most effective and recommended safeguards against hurricanes and other storms is the use of impact-resistant windows. Known for their ability to provide added protection against airborne debris, rain, and wind, these windows defend against structural damage. Unlike shutters or plywood that are put uP moments before a storm, impact-resistant windows are always on guard 24 hours a day. seven days a week.

As seen. this is a true benefit for afflicted areas since the strength of a hurricane can easily propel heavy objects such as tree branches, signposts, building materials, and furniture through windows, doors, and other glass enclosures. Then, high velocity winds can enter a building and apply significant amounts of pressure, causing the roof to lift and the walls to be pushed outward.

Impact resistant windows can helP prevent such events from occurring by helping to preserve the integrity of the building. They are specially constructed to withstand harsh storm conditions, as well as the potentially devastating effects of severe winds and airborne debris. For instance, the heavyduty construction of the window's frame greatly exceeds that of most window types to provide increased durability and added endurance. In addition, the impact-resistant window's laminated glass is bonded together with an inner layer of rugged,

By Tom Shafer Silver Line Windows

transparent plastic, to provide strength and rigidity that actually offer more protection than today's standard automotive windshields.

To ensure these windows can sustain the punishment of extreme weather conditions, they are tested under hurricane-like conditions, including driving rains, high wind pressure, and impact from debris. Impact resistant windows must satisfy the toughest testing standards in the country, such as those from the American SocietY for Testing & Materials (ASTM) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). In order for a window to be deemed imPactresistant, it must pass the missile impact test and pressure cycle test.

The missile impact test simulates the impact of wind-borne debris bY shooting a 2x4 out of a cannon directly at the glass. The window is then put through a pressure cycle test where it's subjected to positive and negative wind loads, replicating the high-pressure winds created by a hurricane.

Unfortunately, what manY don't realize is that all impact-resistant windows are not all tested to the same requirements. Performance requirements are generally stringent for areas that are closest to the ocean. That's why wind-borne debris regions are separated into four different zones. For instance:

. Zone I is defined as areas within one mile of the mean high tide lines, with winds from 110 mph up to 120 mph.

. Zone 2 includes areas more than one mile from the mean high tide line, with winds 120 mph to 130 mPh.

. Zone 3 is designated as areas

(Please turn tu Page 44) ff REEN building practices and \fproducts has moved from a topic of highbrow discussions to real-world reality. More than 97,000 homes have been built and certified by green building programs since the mid1990s, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Of these, 36,000 have been built and certified since 2004-a 507o increase.

Choosing the right windows and doors contributes to a building pro- ject's green goals, as these products can offer ample daylight, natural ventilation, and increased energy efficiency. As an example, if all 2 million homes built each year in the U.S. used windows with LoE2 glass, the saved energy could: heat 700,000 homes for a year;

. provide electricity for 230,000 households for a year; equal 200 million gallons of gasoline or 4.2 million barrels of crude oil, and

. eliminate eight coal-fired power plants or two nuclear plants.