Hurricane Andrew, which caused such massive damage to Florida in 1992, taught researchers that violent winds alone are not the major cause of window failure.

The real cause is flying objects. As a result, codes for hurricane protection now focus on impact protection for windows and doors, not just wind velocity.

PGT WinGuard Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors combine heavy-duty aluminum frames with impact-resistant glass. A special silicone glazing process keeps the glass from breaking away from the frame. Although the glass may crack on impact, the interlayer keeps the glass intact, preventing destructive wind from entering your home.

Impact-resistant glass is comprised of two glass panes bonded with a special interlayer of clear polyvinylbutyral. Similar to auto windshields, but nine times stronger, it provides amazing protection against flying debris.

As a home building material supplier, PGT is sensitive to the risks posed to those of us living in Florida. The loss and disruption to our homes and businesses affects us all.

The most recent hurricanes of 2005 created situations where windows and doors were taxed beyond their capabilities. It is important we all understand why.

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated south Florida. The aftermath of Andrew was the first time that engineers and architects assessed hurricane damage to determine the causes of window and door failures and to understand what could be done to lessen catastrophic damage in future hurricanes. It became evident that window and door failures resulting from both wind and impacting debris were a leading cause of major structural failures. Building codes were then developed to address both anchorage requirements (to keep the windows and doors from being blown out of their openings) and wind-borne debris. Now that windows and doors are staying in the openings the issue has changed from catastrophic failures to water infiltration.

PGT products are tested and comply with current industry standards and code requirements. These standards and requirements equate to conditions, events and environmental circumstances that the product will typically encounter during its life. Simply put, windows and doors were not designed to be leak proof. Rather, windows and doors were designed to repel and disperse water under defined performance conditions, as required by building codes and industry standards. As with other building components, the forces imposed on windows and doors by extraordinary events such as hurricanes can exceed their ability to keep out water. 

As with Hurricane Andrew, the industry is reacting as quickly as possible to resolve newly found problems. The Florida Building Commission has just established the Hurricane Advisory Committee to address these new water intrusion issues.

The Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) recommends that if an owner sustains damages as a result of extreme weather conditions, the owner should file a claim with his or her insurance carrier to ensure proper handling. 

The swift and innovative responses to these events have resulted in far less catastrophic property damage and personal loss. This is a testament to all in the industry who work to improve the quality of building and public safety.