The Essential Role of Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors in Hurricane Zones

Impact-resistant windows and doors hold a crucial role within the U.S. Building Code, particularly in hurricane-prone regions. The building code is a set of rules regarding construction and architectural elements established by local governing bodies. Its purpose is to put in place the minimum requirements to protect the population. All homeowners must comply with the Building Code while building or renovating their properties. Florida authorities established a set of building regulations called the Florida Building Code, the strictest building code in North America.

Moreover, Miami-Dade and Broward counties, under the umbrella of the Florida Building Code, fall under even more stringent regulations. Properties must receive a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) certificate to remain compliant. This certificate determines a product’s performance under extreme weather or other conditions. They have the strictest test protocols in the U.S. for wind-borne debris, positive and negative air pressure, and water penetration. The Notice of Acceptance (NOA) exclusively endorses impact-resistant items that adhere to the utmost safety benchmarks within the industry. At Indoors B.V., you have access to impact-resistant doors and windows that boast the highest certifications in terms of standards. Given the Caribbean region’s vulnerability to severe wind loads, opting for the utmost level of available protection is imperative.

How do impact windows and doors differ from standard ones?

Impact-resistant windows and doors are built to endure the forces of powerful storms. While regular doors and windows suffice in typical situations, they cannot prevent airborne debris and water infiltration during extreme weather events. In contrast, impact-resistant doors and windows are meticulously constructed utilizing top-tier materials and advanced engineering methods to establish a robust shield against external perils. They are not only much more massive and thicker than standard products. Most importantly every part and detail of these doors and windows serves the purpose of hurricane protection. Impact-resistant doors & windows are built with heavy-duty frames, using impact-resistant laminated glass and a special silicone glazing process.

Ultimate Hurricane Protection: Construction of Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors

Impact windows and doors might look like conventional ones, but you will discover huge differences upon closer inspection!

Glass used in impact doors and windows

Impact-resistant windows and doors are constructed with either laminated or laminated insulated glass. This type of glass possesses the remarkable ability to withstand forceful impacts and strong winds without shattering or becoming compromised. Laminated glass consists of two glass panes securely bonded together using a specialized interlayer. Although wind-borne debris or an attempted break-in may crack the glass, the interlayer keeps the overall window and door intact, preventing destructive winds or intruders from entering your home. You can rest easy knowing that your family is safe from harm caused by flying debris or dangerous glass shards if an object strikes during a storm.

Additionally, the glass is notably thicker compared to that used in traditional counterparts. The impact doors and windows we sell at Indoors B.V. come with heat-strengthened glass and a 2.2 mm thick interlayer. In comparison, standard European products have non-strengthened glass and 0.76 mm thick interlayer.

Heavy-duty frames of impact-resistant windows and doors

Frames for laminated glass used in impact windows are more robust than those found in conventional windows. This added strength is essential because even if the glass remains intact, a powerful impact could be forceful enough to compromise the entire frame’s stability.

Special silicone glazing of impact doors and windows

To ensure the glass remains in place, the glass is placed into the frame, utilizing high-strength silicone. This prevents the glass from detaching from its frame, even under duress.

Crafted for hurricane protection

Impact-resistant windows and doors are nothing like ordinary ones. Unlike standard ones, the clips do not hold the glass, but the glass is glued into the frame. In the conventional door, you remove the gaskets, bump the clips, and the glass falls off. When it comes to the impact door, you will need to take out the clips and gasket rubber, and then you need to cut the silicone for hours. Only then will you be able to take the glass out. That’s why it is not only an excellent protection from hurricane but also attempted break-ins.

Impact products, impact doors especially, swing outwards. It’s because when the pressure is applied during a hurricane, it is dispersed all over the frame. When the door swings outwards, there is no chance that it will open inwards to give it a chance to fail just because of the latch. That’s why you won’t find any impact product that opens inwards. Secondly, the clips holding the glass face outwards, while in the non-impact models, they face inwards. When clips face inwards, and someone applies pressure from outside to inside, these clips can fail, and the whole construction collapses, which happened many times during Hurricane Irma. But in this impact door, the pressure is not against clips. It’s against the frame of the door. The frame opens outwards, so the doors are entirely wedged against the frame.

Tested and certified for ultimate hurricane protection

Most importantly, the impact product with all its components must undergo rigorous tests to get certification. During these trials, specialists evaluate the ability of materials to resist wind-borne debris in a different load of pressure. Not all certificates are equal. If you’re choosing between different products, check their documentation and verify for how strong wind loads these products were tested. As mentioned initially, if you’re looking for the most robust products possible, look for Miami-Dade Cerrtificate for HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zones) and NOA acceptance.

Visit our showroom to see and feel the difference between regular and impact-resistant products. 

Other Advantages of impact doors and windows

Hurricane protection is the main benefit of impact-resistant products. However, there are other advantages:

• Security: Impact-resistant windows and doors are potent deterrents against burglars and intruders.
• Noise Reduction: The improved design of impact doors and windows frequently leads to enhanced noise reduction capabilities.
• Energy Efficiency: Numerous impact-resistant windows and doors are energy efficient. Their effective seals and insulation qualities prevent drafts and reduce heat transfer, potentially reducing energy costs for you.
• U.V. Protection: Impact-resistant windows frequently include integrated U.V. filters, which play a role in safeguarding your interior furnishings and flooring against the detrimental consequences of prolonged sun exposure. This protective measure can prolong the longevity of your possessions and diminish the necessity for frequent replacements.

How do you make sure the impact products you buy are genuine?

All that glitters is not gold, and before making a purchase, make sure the product you’re buying is real impact-resistant. Unfortunately, there are many sellers that sometimes, out of ignorance, say they sell impact and provide you with conventional products. To say that a product is impact-resistant costs nothing. However, never take a word for it. Impact products always come with proper documentation that specifies tests they went through and against what wind loads it was tested. When deciding on impact windows and doors, the primary considerations revolve around quality and performance. High-quality products undergo comprehensive testing and boast a track record free of reported failures. It’s advisable to seek out a manufacturer with documented NOAs (Notice of Acceptance by Miami-Dade County) for their impact-resistant windows and doors.

The importance of proper installation of impact doors and windows

Properly installing the impact-resistant windows and doors is crucial to the product’s performance. Every manufacturer outlines the specific installation guidelines for their impact-resistant windows to ensure optimal protection against storm-propelled debris. When searching for an installer, prioritize those with substantial experience and a strong grasp of these instructions or other relevant installation specifications. At Indoors B.V., we offer installation according to the code.

Impact products styles

Much like conventional doors, impact doors, and windows are available in diverse styles, colors, and sizes. This extensive variety permits homes to maintain visual appeal while ensuring security. Impact-resistant windows and doors offer a broad spectrum of design styles, including single-hung windows, horizontal roller windows, casement/projected windows, picture, architectural windows, and sliding glass and French doors. All of them are available in different colors and styles. You don’t have to choose between aesthetics & hurricane protection. Thanks to impact-resistant windows and doors, you can have both!

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Use the power of natural light and maximize space with glass partitions

Letting in natural light and maximizing space in the office are the main advantages of office glass partitions. Traditional walls make the office gloomy and unwelcoming. The lack of natural light forces employers to use artificial light, which is expensive and will never affect people’s moods as efficiently as natural light. Natural light serves as a mood-booster, establishing a warmer, brighter, and more comfortable environment that helps to reduce stress. Additionally, using glass divisions contributes to the optical illusion of a bigger workspace. By eliminating bulky walls and opaque dividers, more of the office becomes visible at first glance. This enhanced visibility creates a perception of spaciousness, making the office appear larger than its actual size. While traditional walls tend to isolate individuals, and utterly open desk spaces can lead to noise-related challenges, glass partitions provide a solution by creating distinct yet open work areas or “pods.” These areas offer a sense of definition and differentiation without compromising the overall open-plan ambiance of the office.

Create modern and pleasing aesthetics for a jaw-dropping effect

The first impression is powerful. It affects the decisions of potential clients and visitors. That’s why it’s so important to prioritize office design. Glass partitions provide a modern and professional aesthetic that elevates the overall image of a workplace. The sleek lines of glass divisions create a sense of refinement and elegance. A diverse selection of styles and finishes is available for glass walls, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into your project and establish an environment that aligns with your brand. These glass partitions can be frosted or adorned with branded graphics and signage, enabling you to create distinct and personalized partitions uniquely suited to your office space.

Transform your business by increasing the cooperation and productivity of your team

Office glass partitions offer employees a sense of privacy without feeling isolated. You can tailor them to include textured or patterned films, blinds, or curtains, providing adjustable levels of privacy as needed. This adaptability ensures that employees have the flexibility to create private workspaces or meeting rooms when necessary. Furthermore, natural light uplifts their mood and enhances morale. Glass partitions facilitate visual connectivity across different office areas, allowing employees to see and engage with their colleagues. This openness encourages spontaneous interactions, sharing of ideas, and fosters a sense of unity within the office space. By providing a physical barrier, glass divisions minimize visual distractions without completely isolating individuals. This balance lets employees focus on tasks while feeling connected to the broader office environment.

Transform your office quickly and cost-effectively with glass partitions

Glass partitions offer a cost-effective solution for dividing office spaces compared to traditional walls. This is particularly advantageous during office renovations, as demolishing traditional walls can be time-consuming, expensive, and messy. In contrast, rearranging the office using glass partitions is quicker and easier. Office floor plans must be adaptable to different organizations, as what works well for one may not suit another. This challenges commercial building owners who want to avoid frequent vacancies. Glass divisions address this issue by being readily available and cost-effective. They are also easy to install and remove, resulting in significant savings on building costs, especially when redesigning a space. Whether establishing a new office or remodeling an existing workspace, glass partitions offer a more affordable option requiring minimal construction. This reduces renovation expenses and minimizes downtime for your business due to its fast installation process.

Overall, glass partitions are a versatile and practical choice for creating a productive and aesthetically pleasing workspace.

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The official dates for hurricane season are June 1st – November 30th. However, most of the hurricane activity takes place between mid-August and mid-October. The peak of the hurricane season falls on September 10th. You can’t do anything about hurricane arrival, but you can and should take preventive measures to protect yourself, your loved ones, your property, and your business. Continue reading to discover valuable insights on how to prepare for a hurricane.

If you still need to start preparing, you should start NOW!

Prepare your home for a hurricane

Firstly, prepare your house, as it is a barrier between you and the hurricane:

• Are your doors and windows impact products?
• If not, do you have shutters over your doors and windows? Even if your products are impact, you might still need shutters. Hurricanes strengthen every year, and there is no such thing as too much protection.
• Are your shutters in good condition? Shutters should be adequately maintained and used throughout the year. Your shutters should be in good shape to provide maximum protection. You can entrust this task to a professional team that will assess the condition of your shutters and will perform repairs if necessary. If you live or have a property in Sint Maarten, you can book your shutter inspection here.
• Inspect all the wall openings and holes. Seal them with a high-quality urethane-based caulk to avoid water penetration.
• Prepare outdoors as well – trim bushes and remove weak branches from trees.
• Secure loose outdoor objects if there is a warning about a possible tropical storm or hurricane.
• Secure your property as, unfortunately, post-hurricane looting might happen.
• If a tropical storm or hurricane happens, prepare your property – take in all the loose items from the outside.
• If your house is unsafe and you don’t have a budget to improve it, make sure you have a safe space to go in case of a hurricane, such as friends and family. If not, do you know where the public shelter is located? You can find an updated list of Sint Maarten hurricane shelters here.

Follow weather updates

• Stay informed – be aware of weather updates. You can follow Government social media and listen to the local radio. Keep your eyes and ears open. You want to know as soon as possible to prepare… but also expect the unexpected. Some tropical storms became hurricanes even if it had not been considered a likely event.

Gather supplies

• Make sure you have a stock of supply of water and non-perishable food. Remember that in the event of hurricanes, stores will be closed, and it can take weeks to return to normal. By gathering supplies, you are not only preparing for the storm but also its aftermath.
• Gather enough drinking water, but remember the water supply is not only for drinking but also for washing and flushing the toilet. Store it in durable containers such as soft plastic bottles.
• Gather foods that don’t require refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water. Also, remember the water supply is not only for drinking but also for washing and flushing the toilet, so a six-pack is not enough… Fill out your cistern if you have one. You can use it for washing purposes or after boiling it for drinking.
• Remember to make a supply for the youngest ones: food, milk, diapers, bottles, and medications.
• Remember to gather a supply of sanitizing items: hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, toothpaste soap, feminine supplies, etc.
• Prepare for a power outage – ensure you have alternative light sources, candles, or lamps with fuel, matches, and flashlights. Have a backup power source such as a generator and batteries. You might use gas cooking alternatives during a power outage.
• Ensure you have a first aid kit and all necessary medication. It is essential, especially if you suffer from chronic disease.
• Keep at your home tools for essential repairs. Flying debris might cause damage, and you should be able to patch it up quickly.
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio would be helpful. It lets you be in touch with the news when there is no current.
• It may not sound like first need items but think about some board games, cards to play, puzzles, books to read, or other ways to entertain yourself and your family that do not require electricity or batteries.
• Remember to have some cash on you as ATMs and some cc machines might not work just after the storm.

Remember about essential documents

• Review your insurance documents and check if they cover hurricane and hurricane-related damage like flooding.
• Gather all essential documents (id cards, passports, wills, insurance documents, social security cards, credit card account numbers, companies, etc.) in one place, secured. Store them in a safe, easily accessible location. You can buy a waterproof pocket or small container to protect them.
• Make a hand-written list of contacts with phone numbers.

Don’t leave your pets behind

• Remember about your pets – make a supply of pet food and buy enough water for them. Ensure their medical record is updated, and they have all documents required for travel in case of evacuation so you can take your furry friend. Fasten an ID card with a phone number to your pet’s collar. Transport pets in pet carriers and keep them on a leash or harness. Don’t wait until the last minute to evacuate. If you need to be rescued, you might not be able to take your pet with you.
• Also, if your pet is on medication, ensure there’s enough to get him through the long haul.

How to prepare your business for a hurricane

• Think about your strategy. What do you need to re-open quickly after a hurricane? Do you have many locations or just one? If only one, do you have an idea of a temporary space where you can conduct your business while repairing the old one?
• Prepare Business Continuity Plan in case of a hurricane – a formal written document that all your employees are familiar with that will contain step-by-step hurricane preparation and re-opening plan.
• Train your employees regarding hurricane preparation.
• Ensure your employees have a safe place to go in the event of a hurricane.
• Store emergency supplies.
• Keep files that contain critical business information on the cloud so you can recover them even if physical objects like computers and hard drives are damaged.
• Review your insurance and verify if it covers hurricane and hurricane-related damage and business interruption.

It’s a lot and might be overwhelming, but these preventive measures can save your lives, family, and property! Remember to support vulnerable individuals – ensure people around you are not left behind.

To learn more about hurricane shutters, click here.

To learn more about code compliance, click here.

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What is a roll up shutter?

A roll up shutter is a heavy-duty architectural element that serves as a barrier preventing flying debris, water, rain and damaging wind from entering a protected space. It features interlocking horizontal aluminium or steel slats. They are operated by rolling the slats around a barrel directly down or up with the assistance of either a manual crank or an electric motor. They are a very commonly used for either domestic, commercial or industrial settings and usually defined and specified by their intended use in the application. In Indoors B.V. we specialize in hurricane protection shutters. This is the primary, but not the only one, use of roll up shutters installed in the Caribbeans. They proved themselves to be efficient, convenient and multipurpose solution to protect your home and business.

Roll up shutters – strong and convenient hurricane protection

Indoors B.V. offers roll up shutters that are manufactured in the United States and built according to the Florida building code for High Velocity Hurricane Zones. If you wish, our team can install it for you according to the code as well. The Florida Building Code (FBC) is a set of rules implemented by the US state of Florida. Its purpose is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the safety of homeowners and entire population. To get a certificate product must be tested to determine the ability of materials to resist wind-borne debris. Testing procedure includes missile test where a missile is striking the test surface with a 9 lb. 2-by-4 at a speed of 50 miles per hour. During another test, cyclic pressure loading, involves subjecting all elements of the test surface to increasing pressure, uniformly distributed around its frame. That’s how the strength and resistance of product is being tested. It is not allowed to install door, window or a shutter that didn’t go through these tests and is not certified. Caribbean islands do not have such a policies in place, however you should carefully check a quality of products, you plan to purchase. Choosing architectural elements of your house is different than buying other products like furnitures. It is strictly related to safety of you, your family and all residents of your house. In Indoors B.V. we offer certified and non-certified shutters. There is a price difference between a two, however, we strongly recommend to consider buying certified ones. Why? Because they are tested. Every seller tries to sell their product and talk endlessly about its advantages. However, it is not worth much, until it can be proved. Certified shutters are the ones that were checked, tested and proved its strength through series of serious tests. We provide our clients with a proof origin for each product. You can be sure where your shutters were made, what are their technical specs and certification. You should always ask a seller for a documentation. Also, please keep in mind that only products imported can be certified. There is no official body in the Caribbeans islands that would perform tests and check quality of products. In the face of destructive winds over 100 mph, you can’t just hope and cross your fingers. You need to be sure you are well prepared! We are partnering only with the best, trusted brands on the market.

Roll ups – more than a hurricane protection

Roll up shutters available at Indoors B.V. are designed to stand up against storms and hurricanes, including hurricanes category 5. However, it is an architectural solution you can find worldwide. It is in fact very popular in Europe, a continent where hurricanes do not occur. This is because roll ups have many more features other than hurricane and strong wind protection. They are a great anti-burglary solution. When locked, they block access to the entry points of your home or office. Also, they are extremely convenient, especially the automatic version. Roll up shutter systems come with a smooth, manual crank or can be upgraded to the fully synchronized electric motor drive for maintenance-free operation. You can open or close one or even all your shutters with just one press of a button. If you want shutters to be part of your smart home system, it can be programmed. As a result you can control your shutters even from distance, which is an interesting solution, especially for people offering short term rentals. The manual mechanism of the shutter can also be opened and closed inside your home with a manual crank, so, if electricity shortage occurs you can still use it. Roll up shutters offer also great light and UV control and sound reduction feature. If you don’t want to be waken up during the weekend by light or noisy neighbors, you just keep your roll up shutters closed. They also offer you a high level of privacy, whenever you need it.

Roll up shutters – design

These shutters are permanently attached to the building. They are visible, but thanks to sleek design they will not significantly affect the look of your house. Engineered and designed to maintain properties appearance – they are much more discreet than other hurricane protection solutions. In Indoors B.V. we offer roll ups in different colors including white, ivory, beige, and bronze, so you can match them perfectly with your home’s design. When they come in color matching the building, they can even add to its overall aesthetic. Roll up shutters provide an elegant stylish solution with minimal visual impact. We offer the newest generation of Florida Building Codes-approved roll-down shutters with end retention system, wherein the slats of the shutters are locked into heavy-duty tracks on each side. All roll-down shutters pull up the slats within a track. However, end retention products use a series of slat lock clips, fastened to the extruded aluminum slats, to secure their placement within the track. This system offers greater wind protection without needing unattractive storm bars. When force— in the form of heavy hurricane winds or flinging debris— hits the storm shutter, you can rest assured knowing that your unit will stay firming locked inside of your window frame. It’ll bow in without breaking. In the extreme event that a high category storm damages your shutter, it may compromise your end retention on one end. This doesn’t necessarily mean the second end will also be compromised, ensuring your window is still covered. In Indoors B.V. we also do everything by your measurements, so you can be sure a shutter will fit perfectly to your opening!

Roll-up shutters as garage doors

Roll-up shutters are often installed as a garage doors. They protect your car from weather condition, burglars and they are very easy and convenient to use.

Pros & cons summary
Pros:

• high level of hurricane protection
• anti-burglary protection
• ease of operation
• UV/light/ control
• noise reduction
• providing privacy
• permanently attached to the house; no need to store it and installing before the storm
• aesthetically pleasing
• available in different colors.
  

Cons:

• more expensive than other solutions
• requires special cleaning
• they need regular maintenance.

To get to more know about different kind of hurricane shutters click this link and read our summary!

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