Wind Storms

Windstorms such as Hurricanes, Cyclones and Tornados have one thing in common – each of these natural storms unleash incredible wind blasts that can reach forces of over 100 mph causing severe structural damage especially when the outside envelope is breached. Windstorms occur in many regions around the world and at different times. Hurricanes typically occur from mid-May through November 30th in the Atlantic Ocean, Carribean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. Typhoons can be found in the North Pacific (areas such as Guam, Philippines, Southeast China and Japan) mainly from July through November. Cyclones can be found in the Bay of Bengal/Arabian Sea coupled with monsoons from May through December while Eastern/Western Australia and Southeast Africa can receive cyclonic storms from October through May. The bottom line is these windstorms can not only cause massive structural damage, but can be lethal as well. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina in the U.S. caused more than $81 billion in damages and took 1500 lives.

When a glazing system meets up with windstorm forces, there are several issues to be aware of. First, windows applied with safety/security film can stand up to high wind-loads in most cases. Unfortunately, wind pressure from hurricanes is not always constant. Therefore, a glazing system will face both a “pushing” and “pulling” pressurization. This causes tremendous strain on the framing system and often leads to failure. Once an opening is created, the wind pressure inside the structure can cause walls and roofs to collapse. Second, the most destructive force during a windstorm comes from wind-borne debris such as roofs, trees, doors, etc. These items, in effect, become dangerous missiles that destroy almost anything in its path.

Let's face it...there is very little you can do if a Category 5 Hurricane is bearing down on your house. But that situation is usually the exception not the norm. Therefore it's important for people located in high risk windstorm areas to consider sufficient protection for their glazing systems. The implementation of safety and security films is a fast, easy and cost-efficient way to increase safety in the event of a windstorm. Safety and security film will act as a protective net to keep broken shards together and will help reduce the glass hazard level

Johnson Window Films' 4, 7 and 8 mil Trident Safety & Security films, in some cases in conjunction with an anchoring system, are recommended for glass hazard mitigation against windstorm occurrences. These films offer increased protection without eliminating the necessary viewing function of a window. The selection of film often depends on the proximity of the windstorm and the force of windstorms you typically face.

For more info: Click here to see wind storm tests.

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