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.

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Simonton Windows Advises: Check Windows Before Start of 2014 Hurricane Season