Frequently Asked Questions
HURRICANE-RELATED Q & A
Are there window and door products that are “hurricane proof”?
Impact-resistant products are designed, tested and built to withstand certain conditions to provide reasonable storm protection; however, it is unsafe to consider any product “hurricane proof”.
If something hits my impact-resistant glass, will it break?
If struck, the impact-resistant glass can break, but it is designed to remain in the frame. This prohibits wind, water or other debris from entering the structure and causing further – sometimes catastrophic – damage.
Will windows and doors leak in a hurricane?
Not necessarily; however, wind speed, duration, direction, rain volume and other natural phenomena that accompany a storm all contribute to and increase the possibility of leaks. All of our products are tested and certified for water infiltration resistance and meet or exceed code requirements.
WATER-INTRUSION Q & A
Why does water leak through my product when I spray it with a garden hose or pressure washer?
Most operable windows and doors are designed to withstand up to a certain amount of water pressure, measure in pounds per square foot (psf) or pounds per square inch (psi). A typical garden hose sprays water at approximately 30-60 psi and a typical pressure washer sprays water at 1200+ psi. These pressures far exceed the water rating for operable windows and doors, which typically range between 7 psf and 13.5 psf (0.0486 psi and 0.0938 psi, respectively).
Why does water get into the track of my Sliding Glass Door or windows during a minor rain storm? Is something wrong with my product?
It is normal for water to be present in the track of sliding glass door or windows during a storm, especially if it is a windy storm. These products are designed to capture water in the track and drain it to the exterior of the building through the “weep holes” located in the bottom of a door or window
frame. Keeping these “weep holes” free of dirt and debris will allow the water to flow out freely and not build up in the track.
frame. Keeping these “weep holes” free of dirt and debris will allow the water to flow out freely and not build up in the track.
