Universal Group Inc: Make your Windows Hurricane-proof

Strong winds might be a signal that a hurricane is coming. Be prepared!

At some point, we have all seen some photos taken after a major storm, where tree branches lay speared through a window, shattered glass covering some unfortunate individual’s valued possessions and their light belongings sucked through a window and scattered. Hurricanes, tornadoes, straight-line winds; all of these natural phenomenons can wreak havoc on your home if you don’t have the right windows in place for protecting it.

One of the first breaches that the wind takes advantage of your house during a hurricane is the windows. Non-impact windows won’t pose resistance to the wind, weather and projectiles the way impact windows will. Weak, ineffective windows can be the difference between keeping safe the family and its possessions, and a natual disaster.

According to the International Hurricane Protection Association, once winds get inside a home during a hurricane, the roof (And most of the home’s structure) won’t stand a chance. Pressure build-up will cause these elements to separate, devastating a home in a matter of minutes.

Why Hurricane-Proof Windows are a Necessity

‘’Most of the time it’s not the wind that shatters our windows, but instead what the wind picks up and throws through windows what poses a bigger threat.’’ - Say our professionals here at Universal Group Inc

Hurricane-proof windows or storm-proof windows are composed of impact resistant glass, that contain a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two thick slabs of glass. The most effective type of impact-resistant window is the inner-membrane window, capable of withstanding storm winds up to 200 miles per hour. An impact-resistant glass will most probably shatter on impact but it will remain attached to the inner membrane along with the window frame.

There is always the alternative of using a shatter-resistant film that covers window glass, that will prevent glass from shattering. This tough, clear plastic hurricane film is popular among homeowners because it’s almost invisible, and they can leave it in place year-round. If the glass breaks, hurricane film prevents glass shards from zipping around inside your home.

The downside to hurricane filma is that the film isn’t resistant enough to stop hurricane winds from blowing in the windows frames. That’s why most insurance companies don’t often offer discounts for hurricane film and why we recommend that you should also shield your windows with plywood.

The great thing about windows with high-resistance glass is that they’re always in place, ready to beat back anything hurled by the hurricane winds. They come in standard sizes and shapes so they won’t make your home look less pretty. Expect to pay three times as much for a window with high-impact glass as for a regular window of the same size and type, nonetheless.

We hope you enjoyed reading our article. Universal Group Inc, where we care not only about making your house bigger and prettier, but also a safer place for you and your family. Please, follow us on our social networks, and don’t hesitate in contacting us for any questions, suggestions and contracting.