Hurricane season in Florida demands careful preparation, and protecting your window treatments is a crucial part of this process. These investments can be vulnerable to high winds, rain, and debris. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard them and ensure their longevity.
What Makes a Window Hurricane Proof?
A truly hurricane-proof window is designed to withstand the extreme forces exerted by high winds and flying debris during a hurricane. This involves a combination of robust materials, reinforced construction, and specialized glazing. Key features include:
- Impact-Resistant Glass: Laminated glass, consisting of two or more panes bonded together with a strong interlayer, prevents shattering upon impact.
- Reinforced Frames: Heavy-duty frames made from materials like reinforced vinyl, aluminum, or fiberglass provide structural integrity against high winds.
- Strong Glazing Systems: Advanced glazing systems secure the glass within the frame, preventing it from being blown out.
- Proper Installation: Professional installation ensures a tight seal and secure attachment to the building structure, maximizing the window’s resistance to wind and water.
- Hurricane-Rated Window Treatments: While not a component of the window itself, hurricane-rated window treatments, such as reinforced shutters or specialized impact-resistant shades, can provide an additional layer of protection against flying debris and wind pressure, further minimizing potential damage.
How Hurricane Season Can Affect Your Window Treatments
High winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can cause significant damage to window treatments, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Potential Damages:
- Fabric Tears: High winds can tear delicate fabrics.
- Bent Slats: Debris can bend or break slats in blinds and shutters.
- Motor Damage: Water damage can affect motorized systems.
- Dislodged Treatments: Strong winds can dislodge treatments from their mountings.
Wind Resistance & Its Effect On Your Windows & Window Coverings
The average wind speed that windows and window treatments can withstand varies significantly based on several factors, including the type of window, the materials used, the installation quality, and the design of the window treatments themselves.
Standard Residential Windows
Standard residential windows, particularly those not specifically designed for high-wind conditions, might start to show signs of stress or damage around wind speeds of 70-90 mph.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows, designed for hurricane-prone areas, are engineered to withstand much higher wind speeds, often exceeding 150 mph, along with the impact of flying debris.
Window Treatments
Window treatments also have a wide range of wind resistance. Light fabrics like sheer curtains offer minimal protection and can be damaged or torn in moderate winds, while sturdy blinds or shutters, especially those reinforced or rated for high winds, can withstand significantly higher speeds.
Hurricane shutters, for example, are designed to protect windows from extreme wind and debris during severe storms. Ultimately, the ability of your windows and treatments to withstand wind depends on a combination of factors, and it's essential to consider your local climate and potential weather hazards when making selections.
Window Covering Maintenance Tips for Hurricane Season
Secure Loose Ends:
Ensure all cords, chains, and fabric edges are securely fastened. This prevents them from whipping around in high winds, which could cause damage to the treatments themselves or surrounding areas, and also minimizes the risk of them becoming projectiles.
Close and Secure:
Close blinds and shutters tightly to prevent damage from flying debris. By closing them firmly, you create a barrier that can help deflect debris and reduce the impact on the window itself, while also minimizing the potential for the treatments to become damaged.
Remove Delicate Fabrics:
If possible, remove delicate fabric treatments like sheer drapery and store them safely. These materials are highly susceptible to damage from wind, water, and debris, and removing them can prevent costly replacements and also keep them from becoming water logged, and heavy.
Protect Motorized Systems:
Cover motorized components with plastic to prevent water damage. Water damage can render motorized systems inoperable, so taking this precaution ensures that they remain functional after the storm, and also prevent electrical shorts.
Inspect and Reinforce:
Inspect mountings and hardware for any signs of weakness and reinforce as needed. Ensuring that all hardware is securely attached will prevent treatments from being ripped away by strong winds, which could cause damage to the window or surrounding walls, and also helps to prevent the window treatments from becoming dangerous projectiles.
Clean and Dry:
After a storm, clean and dry window treatments thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew growth. This is especially crucial in humid environments, as any lingering moisture can quickly lead to mold and mildew development, which can damage the treatments and pose health risks.
Preventative Measures
Impact-Resistant Treatments: Consider installing impact-resistant window treatments for added protection.
Professional Inspection: Schedule a professional inspection before hurricane season to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency plan for quickly securing or removing window treatments.
Protect Your Windows with Hurricane-Ready Window Treatments from Capitol Carpet & Tile and Window Fashions®
Protecting your window treatments in Palm Beach County during hurricane season is essential for preserving their longevity and functionality. Capitol Carpet & Tile and Window Fashions®, Florida's best source for flooring and design, provides expert advice and durable solutions. Visit one of our showrooms in Boca Raton, FL, Boynton Beach, FL, Wellington, FL, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Delray Beach, FL, to learn more. We proudly serve Palm Beach, Broward & Martin Counties.
