every window impact resistant - oberon?

15 years ago

I am considering purchasing a beach-front property on the southeastern Atlantic coast. The beach side faces due south. On the east and west are houses fairly close in - think modern subdivision. The street is on the north side. On the south side, only 2 windows on the partial upper story are totally exposed, the rest are under a good sized porch roof.

Shaking with fear at the $$ of hurricane-rated windows, I am wondering if it would be possible to use a mixture of windows, eg hurricanes only on the south. I've never been in a hurricane and I don't have an idea of how debris gets moved around and whether there is such as thing as a "safer side" in this situation.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

millworkman
15 years ago
If impact windows are required they are required for every window and door in the house.
rileysmom17
Original Author
15 years ago
Well, they're not required by code. I'm trying to be a smart shopper and not overkill on the window purchase.
Related Professionals
Montgomery General Contractors · Sioux City General Contractors · Flint General Contractors · South Sioux City General Contractors · Decatur Home Remodeling · Fort Worth Home Remodeling · Niles Home Remodeling · Fergus Falls Home Remodeling · Ithaca Home Remodeling · San Luis Obispo Home Remodeling · Las Cruces Home Remodeling · Elkton Interior Designers & Decorators · Greenville Interior Designers & Decorators · Utica Interior Designers & Decorators · Lancaster Interior Designers & Decorators
brickeyee
15 years ago
All you have to do is decide what direction the wind will come in a hurricane (and do not forget the direction reverses as you move across the cyclone).
millworkman
15 years ago
Well if I am not mistaken a good part of the uplift and damage from a hurricane is to the backside of the house (which is where Design Pressure is from) so I don't believe i would only look at the direct the storm comes from.
brickeyee
15 years ago
Impact windows are not there for uplift, but from flying debris that can easily punch out regular windows.

While the design pressure may be on the lee side, the flying debris damage is to windward.
millworkman
15 years ago
Flying debris is correct but the debris would break out the window causing the envelope to fail which will cause the uplift. The whole premise behind the straps for the house to the foundation, the rafters strapped, the sheathing, the windows installed with clip or straps is to prevent the envelope or exterior of the house from being compromised.