PROTECTING HOMES FROM MOTHER NATURE

Hurricanes make headlines, yet builders and homeowners from east to west are focusing on storm preparedness. That’s because homes nationwide face threats from heavy rain, wind and extreme temperature changes throughout the year.

In fact, weather-related disasters account for nearly $14 billion in damage throughout the country annually, according to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). ABC.com reports that the damage caused by Hurricane Irene alone from downed trees and other wind damage could total about $5 billion, while flooding damage could total another $2 billion.*

“It’s important to understand how severe weather can affect structural integrity,” said Elizabeth Souders, director of product marketing for windows at JELD-WEN. “Specifying the right exterior products can help decrease the risk of major damage.”

Windows and doors are designed and tested to meet local building codes for various weather conditions, including wind loads, water and air leakage.

To help stand up to the worst that Mother Nature can offer, JELD-WEN windows and doors offer storm-tested options, including JELD-WEN ImpactGard^® protection for windows.

How it works

ImpactGard protection is a complete window system that includes laminated glass, which means it has an interlayer sandwiched between two sheets of glass manufactured to deliver extra impact resistance. JELD-WEN offers ImpactGard protection with a SentryGlas Plus (SGP) interlayer as well as a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer option.

What makes ImpactGard protection with SGP different is that the interlayer is 100 times more rigid than the industry standard, delivering five times the tear strength, compared to other common interlayer materials. ImpactGard with SGP delivers these benefits for builders and homeowners:

• Increased security for homes that face hurricanes and other extreme conditions
• An interlayer that is 100 times more rigid than the industry standard
• Windows that meet the nation’s toughest building codes
• A 10-year warranty – among the best in the industry

Window strength and structural integrity

Window strength is important in severe weather because a broken window or door can affect a home’s structural integrity. Positive and negative air pressure caused by a storm can cause serious damage, and if a window or door breaks, that pressure can literally destroy the entire structure.

ImpactGard protection helps minimize structural damage by resisting impacts from windborne debris and helping to keep windows sealed during storms. Windows with ImpactGard protection can withstand a nine-pound 2x4 board traveling at 34 miles per hour. Even if the glass cracks under pressure, most fragments will adhere to the interlayer, so the shards remain within the frame and the danger of falling or flying glass is minimized.

ImpactGard protection is available with monolithic or with insulating glass, including optional Low-E glass for greater energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

Protect against the wet as well as the wind

It’s not only wind that’s a problem in severe weather; wet conditions can take a major toll as well. That’s why it’s important to choose windows and doors that can stand up to long term moisture. Made from solid pine, JELD-WEN AuraLast^® Wood is manufactured using a vacuum pressure treatment process that helps protect the wood all the way through to the core. With the unique ability to resist wood rot, termites and water saturation, AuraLast Wood offers an industry-leading, limited-lifetime warranty.

Other materials that hold up well in stormy conditions include vinyl and fiberglass. Both offer low maintenance benefits and are virtually impervious to moisture. In severe storms, it’s important to note that certain weather conditions, such as water intrusion, may exceed the Design Pressure (DP) ratings for products.

Help protect your home and your property against severe storms. View more tips here or call (800) 877-9482 for more information about choosing the right windows and doors to help weather the storms.

_{* Source: Consumer Federation of America.}