Outdoor Shutters – Protect Your Windows In A Storm

Dade County, Fla.-certified and ENERGY STAR®-qualifying, Pella's HurricaneShield™ windows and doors are the solution many coastal residents have been waiting for to help prepare their homes for tropical storms. With Pella's exclusive dual glazing system found in HurricaneShield windows and doors, homeowners do not have to sacrifice energy efficiency for increased flexibility and reliability.

Recent studies have shown that during a hurricane the most severe building damage is caused by glass breakage as a result of flying debris. Gusting in excess of 165 mph, strong winds can create enormous external pressure on a building. When windows or doors fail, hurricane-force winds can penetrate the envelope of a home — causing the walls and roof to be forced out, allowing the structure to collapse.

Engineered for superior performance, Pella® HurricaneShield products feature a breakthrough technology that sandwiches an ionoplast layer between two layers of glass. The result is a laminated glass that offers 100 times the rigidity and five times the tear resistance of a commonly used impact-resistant laminated glass.

If flying debris hits a Pella HurricaneShield product, the exterior layer of glass may break; however, the fragments of glass will remain affixed to the interlayer and the window will remain intact.

During Dade County large-missile impact/cycling tests, Pella's HurricaneShield windows and doors withstood the impact of a 9-pound, 2' x 4' piece of lumber hurled at a high velocity. Demonstrating that when it really matters — during a hurricane — Pella products work hard to keep flying debris out of a home, protecting the integrity of the building's envelope.

Pella is so committed to developing the industry's most reliable hurricane-resistant windows and doors, it installed its own hurricane-simulation test area at company headquarters in Pella, Iowa.

In addition to reliability and durability, beauty and ease of use are additional benefits of Pella's hurricane-resistant windows and doors.

Available with seacoast-worthy, hassle-free aluminum exteriors and natural wood interiors, HurricaneShield™ windows and patio doors offer homeowners a range of styles and sizes. Featuring Pella's exclusive fold-away crank, Pella's venting casements are available in sizes up to 35" x 71". Fixed units in sizes up to 50 sq. ft. and out-swing French patio doors are also available. Pella's exclusive Rolscreen® retractable insect screen and between-the-glass blinds, shades and grilles are options for the windows and doors.

Higher design pressure ratings, the ability to block 100 percent of UV rays — helping to prevent furniture from fading — and up to two layers of clear, tinted or Low-E glazing work together to provide superior energy efficiency.

According to Kevin Cassidy, president of K.C. Company, Inc., a distributor of Pella® Windows & Doors, hurricane-resistant windows and doors are gaining in popularity in coastal regions because of aesthetic appeal and time-savings.

"The permanent shutter systems that can be placed on homes can be unsightly," Cassidy said. "And homeowners have stated they prefer not having to shutter their windows and doors each time a hurricane warning is issued, so they have the time and flexibility to focus on evacuation or other preparations — which is what hurricane-resistant windows and doors can offer."

Consider the added benefits of Pella HurricaneShield windows and doors versus the basic storm shutter systems used with standard windows and doors.

Pella® HurricaneShield™ Windows and Doors.

LITTLE OR NO PREPARATION TIME — Homeowners simply close and lock windows and doors for protection, leaving more time to focus on their family's safety.

Storm Shutter Systems:

INSTALLATION TAKES VALUABLE EVACUATION TIME — Homeowners must consider: Where are my shutters stored? Who will install them? How will I reach second-floor windows?

Pella® HurricaneShield™ Windows and Doors.

NOTHING TO INSTALL.<

Storm Shutter Systems.

HOMEOWNERS AWAY ON VACATION OR BUSINESS FACE.

ADDITIONAL WORRIES — While gone, homeowners must hire an installer — which is often difficult and expensive during a hurricane warning. If they install shutters simply as a precaution before leaving town, it's a clear signal to burglars that the home is unoccupied.

Pella® HurricaneShield™ Windows and Doors:

BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCE.

NO DAMAGE TO EXTERIOR FACADE.

ALLOWS LIGHT TO ENTER THE HOME.

SHUTTER SYSTEMS DETRACT FROM A HOME'S APPEARANCE AND CAN CAUSE MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS — Large, unattractive bolts and retainers used to secure some shutters are visible on the home's façade. Bolts penetrate the home's façade and can cause leaks. Natural light cannot enter the home when shutters are in use, leaving rooms completely dark.

Also see; storm windows.

Author Notes:

Ravyn Mack contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.replacement-windows-n-shutters.com. Find everything you need to know about replacement windows, shutters, tinting, basement, fiberglass windows and more