Simonton Windows Advises: Check Windows Before Start of 2014 Hurricane Season
Columbus, OH (PRWEB) May 21, 2014 -- Will it be Arthur, Bertha or Cristobal that makes a new name for itself during the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season? Following a spring of severe weather outbreaks across the country, experts at Simonton Windows advise people to evaluate the windows in their homes and businesses as part National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 25-31, 2014.
"Windows should be checked annually to assure that they are in solid, working condition with no leaks or cracks," says Matthew Minerd with Simonton Windows. "Especially if your location experienced severe weather of any kind in 2013 or early 2014, you need to make certain that your windows --- one of the four most vulnerable areas in the home --- are ready to handle the 2014 Hurricane Season which starts on June 1st."
Minerd advises that impact-resistant glass packages in windows of homes and commercial properties both in direct coastal locations and further inland should be checked during National Hurricane Preparedness Week. He encourages property owners to check the seals on windows and doors along with the frames. Even if a unit appears to have held up well, Minerd advises to make absolutely certain that frames are not cracked or the units are not compromised in any way.
"If you're building a new home or replacing windows in a cherished coastal home, one of the best ways to help protect your property is to request impact-resistant glass, like that found in Simonton StormBreaker Plus® windows and in the Simonton ProFinish® Brickmould 600 SafePoint™ glass package," says Minerd. "This sturdy glass helps protect the house from windborne debris --- like tree limbs, lawn furniture and trash cans --- that can fly through the air during severe weather. It also helps reduce outside noise from entering the home, is extremely energy efficient and helps prevent intruders from breaking the glass and entering the home.”*
Impact-Resistant Glass for Windows
Constructed of remarkably sturdy reinforced vinyl profiles, Simonton products with impact-resistant glass help withstand high winds and flying debris without the need for plywood or shutters. Approved to the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) certification standards through the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Florida Building Commission (FBC) StormBreaker Plus windows and doors are tested in compliance with the windborne debris standards adopted in the International Residential Building Code, and the Florida Building code.
This testing ensures that the units can be used in all regions of the country that have building code requirements for impact-resistant products. This includes the Florida coast, the Gulf of Mexico coast and the east coast, and is recognized by the Texas Department of Insurance windstorm inspection program. Products with SafePoint glass have passed ASTM E1886-05/1996-09 at the Missile “C” level and can withstand repeated blows by a heavy object.
"Reports from a variety of weather forecasters say that the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season will have a below average number of storms, just like in 2013," says Minerd. "However, that doesn't mean homeowners can let down their guard.
"All it takes is one powerful storm with high winds--- not necessarily even a named hurricane --- to cause damage to a home or business. Being ready for the unexpected with impact-resistant windows and patio doors can bring tremendous peace-of-mind to property owners."
New HVHZ-Approved Sliding Patio Door
In late 2013 Simonton introduced the Simonton StormBreaker Plus HVHZ-approved sliding patio door.** The impact-resistant patio door from Simonton is tested and certified to meet AAMA and ASTM standards for impact-resistant products, HVHZ Miami-Dade County, Broward County and select areas of Palm Beach County protocols** for the Florida Building Commission and Texas Department of Insurance evaluations for the Texas Coast.
"This important product line expansion helps builders and contractors in specific areas of Florida and Texas meet code requirements for the highest level of impact-protection," says Minerd. "For architects and building industry professionals this means they now have the ability to specify and construct an entire home with Simonton StormBreaker Plus products that are designed and tested to meet the strict code requirements of south Florida and the Texas coast areas."
About Simonton Windows
Simonton Windows has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Windows and Doors, Four Years in a Row. Tied in 2013.” by J.D. Power and Associates. Simonton produces ENERGY STAR® qualified vinyl replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products.
Simonton was also ranked #1 in quality in the 2013, 2009, 2007, 2002 and 1998 Brand Use Studies sponsored by Builder magazine and has won three Best In Class Awards administered by LBM Journal Research Institute.
Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver the industry’s shortest, most dependable lead-times. Part of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (NYSE: FBHS), Simonton delivers award-recognized products throughout the United States and North America. Simonton is a Founding Sponsor of The Weather Museum, a Lifetime Founding Sponsor of the Lead Safe America Foundation, and a supporter of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON (1-800-746-6686) or visit http://www.simonton.com.
Simonton Windows received the highest numerical score among window and door manufacturers in a tie in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010-2013 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction StudiesSM. (Tied in 2013). 2013 study based on responses from more than 2,554 consumers measuring 11 brands and measures opinions of consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors in the previous 12 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in January – February 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.
ENERGY STAR is a government program that helps consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency and is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
*SafePoint laminated glass has an impact-resistant interlayer that can withstand repeated blows by a heavy object. SafePoint glass complements alarm systems and deadbolts for even greater security. With a Sound Transmission Rating (STC) of 32 – 36, SafePoint glass dramatically reduces unwanted noise infiltration.
**Equivalent to NOA certification.
Kathy Ziprik, Simonton Windows, http://www.simonton.com, +1 (828) 890-8065, [email protected]
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