Hurricanes are a fact of life in South Florida, and that means having the right kind of impact windows is important for keeping your home safe. If the wind or the severe storm of a hurricane gets inside your house, the structure of your home might not resist. Materials inside the structure separate as a result of the pressure that accumulates. This process has the ability to completely destroy a structure in a matter of minutes. 

If you’re living in West Palm Beach, it’s essential to understand the hurricane impact windows rating system so you know what kind of protection your windows will offer. Hurricane impact windows have different ratings, which can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers. To provide more insights about their rating system, we will explain the hurricane window ratings to help you make the right decision.

What is the Hurricane Impact Windows Rating System?

The hurricane impact windows rating system is a measure of how much protection your windows can provide against strong winds and debris that those winds may carry during a storm. The rating system measures several factors, including the size of the pieces of debris that can be blocked by the window, how well sealed the window is against water intrusion, and how much wind pressure it can withstand before breaking. 

Impact Window Ratings Explained

If you are in the market for hurricane impact windows, then two terms will regularly be thrown around: Design Pressure (DP) and Performance Grade (PG). An understanding of these concepts is essential to making an informed decision. These ratings provide insights into how well the window will perform under certain conditions.

Design Pressure

The DP rating describes the amount of force or pressure that can be applied to a particular window before it is pushed inward. Generally, the higher the DP rating, the better the window's resistance to external forces. The Design Pressure rating is a comprehensive assessment of three critical components: water and air infiltration, and structural load.

Some manufacturers misrepresent the DP rating of their products and make it seem that their windows have higher ratings than is actually the case.

Performance Grade

PG ratings are a numerical measure of a window's performance when subjected to hurricane-force winds or debris impact. This rating was devised to ensure that buyers have a means of accurately gauging the efficiency of their windows. The Performance Grade is determined by the resistance and deflection of the window.

The rating is more accurate due to its comprehensive assessment of the three tests (water, air infiltration, and structural load). Here, even one test with a low score will result in a lower PG rating.

Understanding the Hurricane Wind Scale Ratings

The hurricane wind scale ratings measure the severity of a storm or hurricane and provide an estimate of how much damage can be caused. The range begins from category 1 to category 5.

According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

Category 1: 74-95 mph

Category 2: 96-110 mph

Category 3: 111-129 mph

Category 4: 130-156 mph

Category 5: 157+ mph

When designing or buying impact windows, the hurricane wind scale ratings should be taken into consideration. These categories don't take into account the dynamic nature of hurricanes and the additional force they can generate.

Make Your Property Hurricane Ready

Hurricane impact windows are an essential component of hurricane-ready homes and businesses. They must be properly rated so property owners can make an informed decision. Additionally, understanding the hurricane wind scale ratings is essential to choosing the right window for your home or business. With this information, you can make a sound decision in selecting the right impact window.

At Unlimited Windows & Doors, we offer a wide range of hurricane-impact windows in West Palm Beach that are designed to meet all ratings. Our team of professionals has over 20 years of experience in the industry and can help you choose the right window for your home or business. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services!