It is never a good thing to experience a tornado unprepared. This is what living in an area that is prone to these occurrences means you will need to take some concrete steps towards keeping yours property safe. You know just how strong tornados can be, and you know that it takes a lot of effort to protect your home and your family. So, you are ready to take the necessary steps towards it.
As you very well know already, the windows are among the most vulnerable parts of your home, so they certainly require special attention when it comes to protecting your property. If the windows shatter during a tornado, that can cause not only a lot of damage to your property, but also potential injuries. Therefore, what you have to do is think about installing impact resistant windows, and thus reinforcing your entire property and making it much safer. Go here to understand the impact of tornadoes better.
What Are Impact Resistant Windows?
Before you start the process of installing these, though, you want to know what they actually are in the first place. You want to know how they can protect your home and why, thus, they should be your next investment. So, let me answer those questions for you.
Impact resistant windows are those that are specifically made for the purposes of remaining undamaged during heavy storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. They come with heavy duty frames, impact resistant glass, as well as strong seals, to also prevent water from entering your home. And, of course, they are tested beforehand, and they are known to be able to resist high winds, thus enhancing your safety during hurricanes.
Now, you may be wondering why you may need these, and if there are other solutions you can use in order to stay safe when a tornado hits. One common solution that a lot of people propose is simply taping your windows from the outside with duct tape or masking tape, often in an X pattern. It is assumed that this can help keep your windows together and prevent the glass from shattering.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but this is nothing but a myth. In fact, it is a myth perfectly debunked at ParadiseExteriors.com, where you have everything clearly explained on why the method doesn’t work. What’s more, the general conclusion is that taping can actually do more harm than good, which is why you should avoid the technique altogether, and go for something that really works.
So, instead of trying to use some of those techniques, like the above one, that have proven to offer zero protection, you should do the right thing and invest in impact resistant windows. This way, you will protect your home during a tornado, ensuring that the frame won’t break, and that the glass won’t shatter. There is clearly no doubt that this is the best protection method, and that you should not try to replace it with some of those “home-made” techniques that simply can’t do much. If anything.
How to Get the Perfect Ones for Your Home?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the importance of getting impact resistant windows for your home, the next thing you want to do is figure out how to actually get the best ones. And, well, this will certainly require some consideration on your part. Put differently, you can’t just make random buying decisions and hope for the best. You need to be much smarter than that. So, let me tell you what to do and what to consider in the process of choosing these.
- Take Proper Measurements
First and foremost, you will have to take proper measurements before making any purchases. And, while everyone understands the necessity of measuring the space, the truth is that a lot of people don’t know how to do it the right way. If you are, thus, not sure you can do this correctly, it would be best for you to get professionals to do it for you. This way, you’ll be sure not to go wrong, and you’ll get the products that will fit your home perfectly.
- Choose the Right Frame
Of course, things are not as simple as saying “I want impact resistant windows”. There are some more choices to make once you decide on these. For starters, you will need to choose the right frame. And, here you should go for reinforced materials, including steel, aluminum, or even high-strength vinyl. Furthermore, go for frames that come with anti-corrosion coatings, and make sure that they are properly anchored to help distribute wind pressure and thus prevent the window from being blown away by a tornado.
- Think About the Type of Glass
Naturally, to really tornado proof your home with the help of these windows, you will also have to think about the type of glass you’re getting. Here you have choices like laminated or tampered glass, as well as polycarbonate panels that can be incorporated into the design. Laminated glass is the best option, as it provides amazing impact resistance, while tampered glass, even though it’s not that impact resistant, can be used in combination with some other materials to enhance your protection.
- Choose the Right Installation Professionals
One of the most important things to keep in mind here is that these need to be professionally installed in order to offer maximum protection. This is where most people fail, thinking they can do it alone, or not hiring the right installation professionals for the job. So, your task here is to choose the right professionals, researching more of them before making the decision.
How can you research them, though? Well, you should check how long they’ve been doing this, but also remember to read some reviews written by previous customers, as those will give you a better idea about the quality of their windows, and their installation services. Search for information online, but don’t hesitate to talk to the installers directly as well, and ask any questions you may have about the whole process. That’s how you’ll ultimately make the smartest hiring decision.