| |
Fact Sheet: Helping Homeowners Weather The Next Storm
Fact sheet on storm preparedness from JELD-WEN® Windows & Doors
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. June 19, 2007 —
Windows & Doors Tested for Storm Conditions
JELD-WEN has developed storm-tested windows and doors that can help homeowners do their best to prepare.
The company recently introduced ImpactGard™ protection for vinyl and aluminum windows. These highly durable windows are built with an interlayer that has five times the tear strength and 100 times the rigidity of others in its class. If this laminated glass breaks during a storm, it is designed to stay intact, preserving the building’s exterior envelope.
When it comes to exterior doors, JELD-WEN offers the same high level of protection for homeowners in hurricane-prone regions. Select JELD-WEN® Custom Fiberglass Exterior door designs are rated for design pressure (DP) and impact-resistance requirements in storm regions.
JELD-WEN offers important information for homeowners at www.jeld-wen.com/resources/coastal.
Important Window & Door Industry Ratings
- Design Pressure (DP) Rating: A measure of the wind pressure that a window or door can withstand, expressed in both positive and negative numbers. The positive number corresponds to pressure created by wind blowing at a window and door, and the negative number represents vacuum pressure on the opposite side (inside the home). DP rating requirements are site-specific, so consult your architect or contractor for the ratings needed for your area and home.
- Wind-Borne Debris and Impact-Resistance Zones: Areas of the country subject to strong winds or hurricanes are categorized into four different zones. The zone you live in determines the types of windows and doors your home must have to meet building codes. JELD-WEN offers products that meet the requirements for Zone 4 (the most stringent requirements), which means they are appropriate for the other zones, too.
General Storm Preparedness Tips
During a storm threat, always follow the directions of local, state and federal authorities.
Before a Storm Hits
- Clear away yard debris, including any tree limbs or objects that could be picked up by high winds. Trim dead or weak branches from trees.
- Tie down or otherwise secure outdoor items like lawn furniture.
- Consider reinforcing roof trusses, garage doors, installing temporary storm shutters on windows, and bolts on swinging exterior doors. Directions for these projects can be found at www.fema.gov.
- Compile and store a disaster kit. A checklist can be found at www.redcross.org.
- Post emergency numbers by the phone and teach children how to call for help.
- Designate a responsible family member to turn off utilities if needed. Clearly mark shutoff valves and store appropriate tools nearby.
- Fuel your car.
- Create a family emergency plan of action and agree on a place to meet if evacuation is required or if family members become separated.
During a Storm
- Stay indoors, away from windows and glass doors.
- Secure and brace exterior doors. Close interior doors.
- Remain aware of the directions of local authorities by monitoring radio and television.
- Always follow the directions of local, state and federal authorities when it comes to evacuation.
Advice for Selecting a Contractor for Remodeling or Repairs after a Storm
Check references.
· Ask your friends, family or business associates for recommended contractors.
· Ask contractors for references from customers who had projects similar to yours.
Use licensed contractors and installers.
· Verify your contractor’s license with your state’s licensure regulators. For example:
In Alabama: (334) 272-5030 or http://www.genconbd.state.al.us
In Florida: (850) 487-1395 or http://www.MyFloridaLicense.com
In Louisiana: (225) 765-2301 or http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov
In Mississippi: (800) 880-6161 or http://www.msboc.state.ms.us
· While not all contractors helping with hurricane cleanup will be licensed in your state, the above agencies will ensure that the out-of-state contractor credentials are reciprocal with the qualifications of your state.
- Ask for a copy of the contractor’s certificate of insurance for general liability to prevent uninsured workers who are injured on the job from filing claims against you.
Understand your needs.
· Research basic local code requirements by contacting your local building department.
- Select building materials that are made especially for homes in coastal environments.
Get it in writing.
· Set expectations with a written contract that spells out what will and will not be performed and the materials that will be used. Any oral or verbal promises should be added to the written contract.
- Specify installation by the supplier or a skilled installer on products such as windows and doors to avoid possible repercussions or warranty issues due to poor installation.
|
Newsroom
