Glass Block Hurricane Windows: An Investment in Your Home. The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season got off to a fast start in June, with 4 named storms, and then a 5th named storm arrived at the beginning of July. And according to a hurricane season update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the season shows no signs of slowing down.
In fact, this hurricane season has a 65% chance of being more active than usual. The Climate Prediction Center is calling for a total of 15-21 named storms, with 3-5 of those being major hurricanes with winds of 111 mph or greater. Insurance industry and weather experts encourage homeowners and businesses to prepare now.
If you live in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, or the Gulf Coast, you know what havoc hurricanes can wreak. Chances are good you or someone you know has suffered hurricane damage. Floridians especially will remember the death and destruction Hurricane Andrew left in its wake.
While we can’t offer you protection from the storm surge associated with a hurricane, we can offer protection from the wind. We’re talking about hurricane impact windows.
What Are Hurricane Impact Windows?
Hurricane impact windows, also known as hurricane windows, hurricane resistant windows, or hurricane rated windows are windows designed to withstand high winds and the impact of flying debris and fallen trees. Today, we’re going to talk about glass block hurricane windows, since that’s our area of expertise.
Hurricane impact windows made with glass block provide superior protection for homes and businesses alike. No need to worry about winds shattering windows and allowing driving rain in. Our windows are products from Seves Glass Block, Inc. They are an industry leader known around the world.
Each window is prefabricated, and uses THICKSET® 90 minute fire rated glass block, and the ProVantage® Silicone System.
Glass Block Hurricane Impact Window Specifications
Our residential glass block hurricane resistant windows come in a wide range of sizes to meet your needs. The largest size is 80×80” square.
All of these preassembled windows meet the highest of industry standards, including:
- Large Missile Impact Tests in accordance with ASTM E-1886 & ASTM E-1996
- Miami-Dade County Approval Protocol TAS 201
- Miami-Dade County Approval Protocol TAS 202
- Miami-Dade County Approval Protocol TAS 203
- Texas Department of Insurance Approval
A 4′ x 4′ Window meets a design pressure rating of 100 Pounds per square foot with an approximate wind speed of 198 MPH. Our windows meet Florida Building Code requirements to be utilized in High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), and do not need any added protection.
While initial window costs may be higher, you will never have to replace a glass block window.
Where to Use Glass Block Hurricane Windows
You can use our windows in any exterior window location in your home or business. In Florida, the state building code requires the installation of hurricane windows in new construction as a result of laws passed after the damage from Hurricane Andrew.
These windows are also good for schools, community shelters, and military base buildings throughout the Gulf Coast and the southern portion of the Atlantic Coast. If you’re planning to build a new home or have a remodeling project, we encourage you to look into our glass block hurricane windows as a way to upgrade and protect your property.
2021 Atlantic Storm Names
If you like to follow these things, you may already know that the World Meteorological Association keeps six lists of storm names they use on a rotating basis. Names are retired if that storm was particularly deadly or costly. Here are this year’s:
Ana
Tropical Storm Ana formed on May 22, 2021.
Bill
Tropical Storm Bill formed June 14, 2021.
Claudette
Tropical Storm Claudette made landfall southwest of New Orleans, Louisiana on June 19, 2021.
Danny
Tropical Storm Danny made landfall north of Hilton Head, South Carolina on June 28, 2021.
Elsa
Hurricane Elsa formed July 1, 2021 near the lesser Antilles and weakened to a tropical storm before killing people in St. Lucia, the Dominican Republic, and Florida.
Next Up
Next up are:
• Fred
• Grace
• Henri
• Ida
• Julian
• Kate
• Larry
• Mindy
• Nicholas
• Odette
• Peter
• Rose
• Sam
• Teresa
• Victor
• Wanda
In 2020, the season was so active that the names were all used up, and storms were named for letters of the Greek alphabet until the season ended.
Order Your Hurricane Rated Glass Block Windows Today
If you live in a hurricane-prone area and you’re building a new home or remodeling an older home, installing hurricane windows is a smart decision. Whether you’re a builder, remodeler, or homeowner, we can help you through the process of ordering and installing your hurricane rated windows. Professional installation is a must.
Due to the custom nature of these products, you should allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Call us at 815-416-1007 for assistance.
Give us a follow!