Many Americans lives in areas where there are severe weather conditions and patterns. Hurricanes and tornadoes are especially volatile on the Atlantic coast. Given this, specific building codes and high-impact windows, doors, and other construction features are essential in order to protect residents, their homes, and businesses.
Hurricane Season on the Atlantic Coast
The official hurricane season for the Atlantic coast lasts from June 1 through November 30 every year. When a hurricane occurs, millions of miles of air can be stirred up. In addition to this, over 2.4 trillion gallons of rain can fall on a daily basis. Hurricanes can also generate tornadoes, which can occur several days following a hurricane. In 1992, for example, Hurricane Andrew caused 62 tornadoes.
While the number of hurricanes that strike this region does vary every year, there were 158 that occurred during the 20th century. During that time period, Florida experienced 57 of these and Texas, 26. During 2017 alone, however, there were ten storms that subsequently became hurricanes. The most powerful hurricane that has ever been recorded was Irma, which was labeled as a Category 5. This storm had 185 mile-per-hour winds that lasted for 37 hours.
The Importance of Regular Building Inspections
Buildings should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they can withstand inclement weather. It’s important to note that public inspections are required in Florida. Condos, for example, must undergo one of these inspections every 40 years. If you own an existing condo complex that requires an update, installing quality high-impact windows and doors will provide added security for your tenants. When you’re constructing a new condo development, there are a various styles of high-impact windows and doors from which to choose.
The Importance of Following Building Codes
The Importance of Following Building Codes
While each state may have specific parameters, residences in Florida need to comply with the Florida Building Code’s specific impact-resistance requirements. When a building is located within a mile of the coast, for instance, windows need to be able to withstand wind speeds of 110 miles per hour or more. Windows and doors with +105/-130 impact-resistant glazing systems are able to hold up to hurricane-force winds of over 100 miles per hour.
Are There Window Companies Near Me?
If you’re asking the question, “Are there window companies near me?” you can obtain a local manufacturer’s list to determine this information. In addition to obtaining impact resistant windows for condos and other residential structures, you may also need to purchase impact resistant sliding glass doors.
Once you contact window manufacturers and sliding glass door manufacturers in your area, you will be able to learn more about what is available so that you can bring your buildings up to safety code standards. When you’re working on other types of home construction projects and asking, “Are there window companies near me?” your local supplier will be able to assist you with finding a variety of high-impact windows and sliding glass doors.
