Batten down the hatches — plus the windows, the doors and the roof — Hurricane Season 2011 isn’t done with us yet! Let’s talk hurricane preparation.
As many East Coast residents discovered over the long, slow path of Hurricane Irene this past weekend, peace-of-mind comes when you invest in impact-resistant products. One great example is Gerald McCabe, developer of Blue Surf Condominiums and Shops located directly on the boardwalk in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Despite 66 mph winds and lots of rainfall, his development stayed dry and secure.
“The Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows certainly lived up to their reputation,” says McCabe. “Not a drop of water got in anywhere. The oceanfront units were as dry as the others.”
According to McCabe, this peace-of-mind is important to the long-distance owners of the condo units and when residents are required to evacuate during severe weather, like seen with Hurricane Irene.
“Our owners truly appreciate the worry-free lifestyle that the vinyl Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows and patio doors bring to their condos,” says McCabe. “Along with reducing their anxiety level when severe weather is forecast, they appreciate the noise reduction these products offer on a daily basis.
“The boardwalk area can get fairly noisy during the summer. When inside with these windows and doors closed, you can’t even tell you’re at a premier beachfront location. That’s how impressively these units control noise infiltration.”
McCabe, who selected the impact-resistant products based on the enthusiastic recommendation of his builder, believes the Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows and doors will help ensure the long-term success of his project.
“Even if the outer layer of tempered glass is shattered during a severe weather event, the tough interlayer is extremely resistant to breaking — reducing the possibility of injury or damage,” says McCabe. “This helps eliminate the fear of our homeowners when bad weather is forecast. There’s no ‘shuttering up’ or ‘boarding up’ of these units — the windows are on guard 24-7 against severe weather conditions. That’s been a great selling point for these condos and makes our homeowners extremely happy.”
The Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows McCabe referenced are constructed of remarkably sturdy reinforced vinyl profiles. Insulating glass units feature impact-resistant laminated glass that helps withstand high winds and flying debris without the need for plywood or shutters. These energy-efficient, impact-resistant windows and doors are tested to meet the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) standards for use in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) for the Florida Building Commission and to meet the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) evaluation for the Texas Gulf Coast. For more details, visit www.simonton.com.