Do Impact Windows Protect Against Tornadoes?
Hurricane season may have ended here in South Florida. But as any long-time resident can tell you, just because it’s winter that doesn’t mean that violent storms are away on vacation. In fact, nasty storms can pop-up down here at any time during the year. While you may already know the benefit of installing impact windows to protect from hurricanes, how well do they fare against other natural disasters? Do impact windows protect against tornadoes?
Tornadoes and Impact Windows
Tornados and hurricanes are both wind-based storms. Tornadoes, however, are much more sudden and can be much more violent than hurricanes. Tornadoes, like hurricanes, require special considerations when it comes to safety. And impact-windows are a great place to start to protect against tornadoes.
Impact-resistant windows protect against impact from debris at high speeds because of their special design. So, whether it is a hurricane or a tornado, your home stands its best chance of survival if you have impact windows installed.
In fact, post-Hurricane Katrina, assessments by the Dade County Building Code Evaluation Team found that the major cause of the damage was the loss of integrity of the structure once the exterior of the structure was breached. In fact, reviews of subsequent investigations and damage reports noted the key-role wind-borne debris played in the devastation.
Because of storms like Katrina, or Hurricane Andrew a generation earlier, Florida has improved. Now it has some of the most stringent building codes in the country. Included in these strict codes is the requirement for all hurricane windows to pass various tests. That proves their durability from both winds and debris.
Large-Debris Missile Test
If your windows are 30 feet or less above ground level, Broward and Miami-Dade counties require that impact windows should pass a large-missile debris test. To pass the test, a window must be able to withstand a 9-pound 2×4 lumber missile traveling at 34 mph, followed by passing wind testing for 9,000 cycles, all while leaving only a small hole in the glass.
Small-Missile Debris Test
If your windows are 30 feet or more above ground level, they are required to complete small-missile debris testing. To pass this testing, the windows must be able to withstand impacts from 10 ball bearings traveling at 50 mph. The product is then subjected to wind loads for 9,000 cycles.
Impact Windows Are Your Home’s Best Bet
While tornadoes, like the ones seen in the Midwest, can destroy an entire home with or without specially reinforced windows and doors, they are fortunately not a reality in South Florida. While typical tornadoes here are much weaker, they still can pack a punch. Impact windows give your home the best bet for survival and protect against tornadoes. That’s because they keep the structural integrity of your home intact – and keep you safe.
Considering Impact Windows or Doors? Call ASP Windows Today!
Living in South Florida is amazing. But fun in the sun is offset by an occasional hurricane or other wind storms. All which can stop the good times. Fortunately, that’s where ASP Windows comes in. At ASP Windows, we want you to be worry free when the next storm’s coming. Fully licensed, insured, and Ygrene certified. We offer no down payment and 100 percent financing until December 2018 on new impact windows and installation. Contact us today at (888) 782-8342 for a free in-home estimate on our extensive range of fully customizable windows, doors, and glass.
