If you live in a region that is vulnerable to tornadoes, then we believe you understand the significance of having a secure and stable house. One of the most effective strategies you can adopt is getting hurricane windows.
Although they are called hurricane windows the truth is that they can offer substantial protection against tornados too. But, before we go into the details of the necessity of using hurricane windows in protecting against tornadoes, let us discuss about the impact that a tornado can make.
Tornadoes: Knowledge and Effects
Tornadoes are among the most violent and destructive types of weather phenomenon. Tornadoes are strong and violent windstorms that can form quickly, without much advance notice, and wreak havoc within minutes.
Tornadoes develop from severe thunderstorms as a result of warm and moist air meeting cold and dry air in a rotating column. This funnel cloud starts from the storm cloud towards the ground and has winds moving from 65 to over 200 mph. Tornadoes bring storm winds with erratic speeds and fluctuating pressure that can devastate buildings, pull down trees, and turn objects into missiles.
Tornadoes are further categorized into the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale with the rating of between EF0 to EF5 depending on the wind speeds and destruction it brings. An EF0 tornado has a wind speed of 65-85 mph and results in light damage which includes broken branches and slight damage to roofs.
On the other hand, an EF5 tornado has winds in the region of over 200 mph and can comprehensively level down buildings, strip the trees of branches, and throw boulders despite considerable distances.
Hurricane windows or impact-resistant windows are specifically designed to be able to withstand high pressure from hurricanes and flying objects. They consist of two or more panes of glass separated by a middle layer that is typically polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
This construction helps to avoid the shattering of the glass in case of any impact, similar to the windscreen in a car. Find out more info on this link: https://www.thespruce.com/how-much-cost-will-a-hurricane-resistant-window-add-844562.
Advantages of Hurricane Windows for Tornadoes
The first advantage of using hurricane windows is that they are impact resistant. Tornado brings along with it flying debris which can travel at high velocity to easily damage standard windows. In cases like these, hurricane windows hold these impacts and do not break, thus offering shelter to the interior of your house. This impact resistance is especially important because it prevents everything from shards of glass to bits of debris from penetrating your home.
Next, hurricane windows are very important in improving the structural capacity of a home. By discouraging the shattering of windows they’re preserving the integrity of the building’s envelope which is important during a tornado.
If a window is broken, the pressure indoors can shift drastically and result in a roof collapse or the entire house may cave in. Preserving the window structure also addresses internal pressure and minimizes the danger of complete structural collapse.
Moreover, tornado winds are capable of applying tremendous force on your home. These are pressures that hurricane windows are built to withstand and not succumb to. Due to their sturdy design, they’re capable of bearing powerful wind loads, making them an effective means of protection against the unyielding force of a tornado. This protection does not only cover the window but the walls, roof, and even the foundation of the house as well.
You also need to know that apart from being aesthetically appealing and energy efficient hurricane windows also provide more protection to the people living in your house. These windows are effective in stopping window glass from breaking or shattering hence minimizing the chances of people being injured by falling glass and other objects. This is a very useful safety feature when one wants to seek shelter during a tornado and prevent getting caught in the process.
These types of windows have a desirable bonus – sound insulation. They are characterized by several layers of dense material that can effectively minimize interference from external sources of noise. This could be a plus if you are living in a loud neighborhood or close to a highway.
Lastly, Paradise Exteriors windows are not only durable but also energy efficient. Their design helps insulate your home, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment year-round. The added insulation also helps keep your home more secure during a tornado by maintaining a stable internal environment.
Why Professional Installation Is Crucial
Hurricane windows are one of the most effective products for protecting homes, but their effectiveness depends on the quality of the installation. This is best done by professional installers since it guarantees that the windows are well fitted and sealed to the maximum. Windows not properly installed may therefore fail to perform their intended function of withstanding the force of a tornado.
There are tons of factors involved in installing hurricane windows and only professional installers have the knowledge and experience of handling them. They make sure that the windows are in compliance with various requirements for constructing a structure so that you can have the guarantee that your home is protected in every way possible.
Additional Considerations
Several factors should also be considered when selecting hurricane windows for use in the event of a tornado.
To begin with, seek windows with features that have complied with the requirements of ASTM or Miami-Dade County standards. These ratings describe the windows in terms of their wind resistance and impact capacity.
The frame material is also important. Different kinds of materials that are used include aluminum, vinyl, and wood, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum frames are lightweight yet sturdy, vinyl frames are great insulators, while wood frames are classic but need more care.
Finally, hurricane windows are not cheap, and you have to assess the price as well as the warranties offered on them. A good warranty offers long-term coverage and reassurance of the product’s quality.
