When one of my children was playing with our garage doors a few years ago, we heard a piercing scream that we will never forget. She had gotten her fingers pinched in the side of the door, and we knew that we had to help her--and fast. Because of our quick actions and first aid, we were able to take care of the problem. After we returned home, I started thinking about ways to keep our kids safe around garage doors. This blog contains loads of helpful information about maintaining your garage doors, looking after your curious children, and preventing serious injury.
The most expensive hurricane in the U.S. was Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and it cost U.S. citizens approximately $105 billion in damages. According to CNN, there has been 284 reported hurricanes in the U.S. that fall into 5 different categories between 1851 to 2010. That's more than one a year! In short, Americans are quite susceptible and vulnerable to hurricanes. If you live in an area prone to getting hurricanes, protect yourself and your family by installing impact hurricane windows. When choosing the right impact hurricane windows for your home, consider whether the product has passed the large and small missile test.
Building Codes and the Large or Small Missile Test
First and foremost, it is important to take a look at the building codes and regulations where you live and the location of where the impact hurricane windows will be installed in order to determine whether the large or the small missile test may be most important to your needs. The Florida Building Code has specified that windows that are installed in high wind zones and are within 30 feet of the ground must be able to pass the large missile test whereas windows that are installed above 30 feet of the ground must pass the small missile test.
Generally speaking, most homeowners will typically look for impact hurricane windows that have passed both the large and small missile test, so that it can be installed anywhere. In addition, these windows tend to be more secure, durable and stable in comparison to other alternatives.
The Large Missile Test vs. The Small Missile Test
These two tests take a look at whether the glass of the windows will shatter or will break when it is impacted by varying forces. For a produce to surpass the large missile test, it must not crack even when a piece of 9-pound lumber travelling at speeds of 34 miles per hour makes contact with the windows. On the other hand, for the windows to pass the small missile test, it must survive getting shot at by 10 ball bearings that are travelling at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.
These two tests are designed to mimic likely scenarios in the event of a hurricane. Large and small objects, like gravel and other items that are lying around the house, will likely start flying at the windows at high speeds.
Conclusion
Making sure that your impact hurricane windows pass these tests is crucial for your safety. It is important that you first contact a contractor at places like Door Depot Of SW Florida Inc in order to determine what the building code for your area of residence may be. There are many different impact hurricane windows that are on the market. On top of looking at whether they pass these two tests, you should consider their design and style, their ability to reduce noise and the many other features that they may possess.
Share18 February 2015
