Trusted Window Installers in Fort Lauderdale, FL

How is the strength of an impact window really measured? Many impact window salesman that don’t understand the correlation between wind speed and design pressures will often tell you things like “this window is rated for winds up to 180 mph” or “this window can withstand a category 5 hurricane”. These statements are false and misleading. The formula that determines the strength or design pressures of an impact window has many variables such as: * size of the window? * location on your home? * Is the window above 30 feet? * If so, what is the elevation? * how close or far from the coastline? These are just some of the factors in determining design pressures (dp). For example, a 100 mph wind can produce pressures as low as 50-60 psf, which are similar to the pressure produced by 150 mph winds. Every impact-resistant window and door goes through rigorous testing requirements set by Miami-Dade County, which is the toughest standard in the country. There are two tests that must be completed successfully. First, is the large missile impact test, which requires an impact from a 9-pound 2x4, traveling at 50 feet per second. Next, is the cyclic test. This is where the window is put into a pressure chamber and subjected to 9000 cycles of positive and negative pressure to make sure that the glass will stay in tact and not pop out of the window frame. These test results are documented in terms of pounds per square foot (PSF).