You’ve got hurricane impact windows and doors, so you are fully protected from water leakage during a hurricane, right?
Not exactly.
Any kind of window, whether it is graded as a hurricane impact window or not, are not designed to be waterproof, but to be water-resistant. This is true even if they
are installed one hundred percent correctly.
Most windows used in residential and commercial buildings are windows with moving parts that allow you to slide or swing them open. Due to function and design, they cannot be fully sealed and still be operable. Functional windows have weather-strips and gaskets to seal the moving parts, but these are water-resistant, not waterproof. Some water will pass through the gaskets and weather-strips and enter the frame. The design of the frame allows the water to drain back to the outside of the building. With this in mind, it easy to see why hurricane impact windows can’t be waterproof. Hurricane impact windows, while stronger and more water-resistant than ordinary windows, will still let wind-driven rain intrude.
Resistance to water leakage is one of the performance standards hurricane windows are tested to ensure they meet national standard requirements. Water is sprayed on the outside of the window as wind pressure is applied. This replicates the events of a hurricane where there is hurricane-force wind and rain. It is not so much the volume of rain that is applied, but rather the amount of wind pressure the window can withstand without leaking.
The amount of wind pressure used during testing is 15% of the wind load resistance the product is certified for. For example, a hurricane impact window with a wind load of 50 pounds per square foot (p.s.f.) will be tested to see if it can resist water leakage at 7.5 p.s.f. To put this in perspective, a window of 50 p.s.f. will only resist water at wind speeds up to 55 mph. What this means is that this window will likely leak at wind speeds higher than 55 mph!
In preparing your home for hurricane protection, you should take the necessary precautions to prevent water damage. There are 5 key things you can do to prepare your home as if you expect your windows to leak:
- Choose hurricane window products with the highest design pressure rating to make your windows as water-resistant as possible.
- Seal gaps in cracks or voids (caused by weather or aging) under windowsills with caulk.
- Install flashing (a thin metal strip) around your windows and doors to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two different building surfaces meet.
- Install shutters over the windows to help to keep water off the windows and window frames.
- Apply sealant to the joints of the windows. However, it should be noted the windows would not be able to open from the inside while the sealant is in place.
The bottom line is that there is no such thing as a waterproof window in hurricane-force winds unless you want to install portholes.
For more information about waterproofing your hurricane impact windows, contact the knowledgeable professionals at The Window Guys of Florida at (561)598-6295 or visit our website at https://www.windowguysflorida.com/.
Impact doors and windows are a necessity for homeowners who live in hurricane-prone areas like Florida. These specialty products provide superior protection from strong wind and airborne debris. They can also help protect a building from water damage, thanks to bucking. When you schedule impact door or impact window installation in West Palm Beach, FL, you should ask the technician about the effectiveness of the bucking material for waterproofing your home.
Defining Window and Door Bucks
Window and door bucks are often referred to as the framing or the buck frame. They provide the structure to hold the window in place within the rough opening in the wall. The primary purposes of a buck, other than to keep the window securely in its proper position, are to insulate the home and protect it from water damage. In many cases, the installation of a new window only involves the removal of the old glass, sash, and track. The buck frame usually stays in place. However, when it’s time to upgrade to impact windows and doors, it’s a worthwhile investment to upgrade the buck frame as well.
Choosing a Bucking Material
Old bucking material is often made from wood. Wood can be treated to resist water damage, but it’s generally regarded as less effective than vinyl bucking. Vinyl bucks are cost-effective, insulate better than wood, and don’t require a complicated installation process. Replacing the old window buck instead of leaving it in place is still more of an investment in time and money, but when it comes to resisting hurricane damage, homeowners shouldn’t cut corners.
Implementing Other Weatherproofing Strategies
No matter how strong your impact windows are and how watertight your bucks are, your home can still sustain significant damage from a hurricane unless you take appropriate steps to protect it. Consider having a contractor inspect your home for hurricane readiness. He or she should check for the following:
- The roof sheathing is installed properly
- The end gables are securely fastened
- Hurricane straps are installed for the roof
- The fuel tank is securely anchored
- The sewer system has a backflow valve
- The floor drain has a float plug
Longtime Florida homeowners are accustomed to threats from extreme weather, but it can be dangerous to become complacent. No matter how much you’ve upgraded your home, do pay attention to evacuation warnings.
