Windows Are An Often Overlooked Aspect Of Hurricane Preparedness

Living in a hurricane prone area, our home's storm resistance can mean the difference between massive loses and needing only minor exterior repairs in the aftermath of a disaster.

Charleston, SC (prHWY.com) June 7, 2012 - Living in a hurricane prone area, our home's storm resistance can mean the difference between massive loses and needing only minor exterior repairs in the aftermath of a disaster. Many Charleston homes do not have impact resistant, "hurricane proof" windows. This means that during hurricane force winds they are likely to shatter upon impact from debris that get picked up and become projectiles. Once the windows of a home have broken, wind and rain can enter the home causing severe water damage to walls, irreplaceable possessions, and wooden flooring.

When hurricane Hugo devastated the Charleston area a lot of the destruction to homes was a direct result, not of exterior structural damage to the home but, but because of shattered windows that opened the home to torrential wind and water. In his research paper, "Hurricane Damage to Residential Structures: Risk and Mitigation," Jon K. Ayscue of Johns Hopkins University stated that:

"When window and door loss occurs, interior damage from wind and rain intrusion can be substantial. Many homes were uninhabitable for long periods after Hugo, although the main structural system was intact and damage appeared minimal from the outside (Murden, 1991). Windows, especially sliding glass doors, were very susceptible to failure from wind pressure and debris impact."

To be prepared for another devastating hurricane, area homeowners should consider investing in "hurricane proof" windows and glass doors now, before the next big storm hits. Not many windows installed by local homebuilders are manufactured to these standards and replacing them with hurricane proof glass could dramatically reduce the destruction caused to a homeowner's property if disaster should strike.

The idea of another hurricane like Hugo is worrisome, and reasons enough to consider upgrading from standard windows, but there are other benefits. Up to 20% of a home's energy loss can be attributed to faulty or inferior windows. Properly installed, high-impact windows offer some of the highest energy efficiency ratings available. Over the course of a year, a lot of money can be saved on heat and air conditioning costs. In addition, insurance companies may offer a discount on your Homeowner's Insurance policy premium and the home improvement expense could be a tax write off at the end of the year. The resistance to impact also makes a window-entry burglary unlikely, improving your home and family's security. Your home is also insulated from noise giving you more privacy and a quieter atmosphere.

A locally owned and operated company, Charleston Exteriors, Inc., carries a full line of high-impact "Hurricane Proof" glass windows and doors from well-regarded manufacturer MI Windows and Doors and other top window vendors such as Andersen Windows. Charleston Exteriors specializes in replacing old or inferior windows and correctly installing high impact windows.

Following the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, the owner of Charleston Exteriors, Eddie Taylor, gained an appreciation for just how little protection normal, improperly installed, or older windows provided homes by witnessing first hand the damage caused to home's interiors following window breakage. Now, he tries to raise awareness and impress on Charleston area residents just how important this often overlooked or neglected aspect of hurricane preparedness is. Local homeowners interested in making sure their home is ready for a major storm or hurricane can request a free, fast quote from Charleston Exteriors website.

If you'd like more information on this topic or to speak to Eddie Taylor, owner of Charleston Exteriors directly please call: 843-771-1494 or visit us: http://www.charlestonexteriors.com/

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