Storm Windows (STT)

Home Depot?

Take a look at these, too:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/AstroGuard-44-in-x-72-in-Panel-of-Hybrid-Hurricane-Fabric-that-Replaces-Traditional-Storm-Shutters-Panels-and-Screens-HF4472/202222524

I've done a fair bit of research on them and they seem an excellent alternative to the traditional hurricane shutters - way less expensive, way less bulky and easily removed and rolled up for storage out of hurricane season. The miracles of modern technology!

Thanks OT.
I do not want shutters. I am looking for hurricane approved Windows so I do not need shutters.

Understand - just thought they might be worth a look as an alternative and particularly if you find that what you're looking for isn't cost effective. Like your plan of storm windows, what I like about these is that you can see through them. I've been through the two major hurricanes here (Hugo and Marilyn) and it's really creepy being boarded up and blacked out for hours on end without having a glimpse of what's going on outside!

Can you get these in sliding doors?

Can you get these in sliding doors?

If you're asking about the AstroGuard, check the link provided for sizes available - you basically order what you need and cut it to fit.

I got new windows for my living room and kitchen plus a new sliding glass door for living room that are impact resistant. Unfortunately, my contractor drowned right before Christmas so can't ask him manufacturer but think they were from Condado Window. I have sliding hurricane panels on most openings except for kitchen and living room sliding door which have different panels but with a bad back, I'm finding those difficult to put up and down on my own as they're heavy. I'm looking at purchasing the lightweight translucent types to replace the heavy galvanized metal panels. I've forgotten name of the material used in their manufacture.

The new sliding door and windows are rated for impact resistance for up to 150mph winds so still would want additional protection for a more massive storm. .

I don't think Dade County standard windows are an alternative to having storm shutters. However, having these windows might keep you from closing up with shutters for a tropical storm or low power hurricane.

In anticipation of a powerful hurricane you just have to think - is my neighbor's house going to blow apart? Is that yacht's mast going to come through my slider? Will any window be sufficient on its own to stop high-speed debris from entering my home?

The airmaster windows at HD are pretty nice. I'm not a fan off glass since you have to keep it clean to look nice. Airmaster makes a louvered type window rated to 200 mph.

Also I would strongly recommend centerline windows on STX. Made locally and great people to work with.

The airmaster windows at HD are pretty nice. I'm not a fan off glass since you have to keep it clean to look nice. Airmaster makes a louvered type window rated to 200 mph.

Also I would strongly recommend centerline windows on STX. Made locally and great people to work with.

I installed Airmaster windows throughout my house, except the glass doors to the Gallery. They are well built and the mechanism is enclosed within the frame to keep it from corrosion from the sea air. That being said I do have panels for each window just for extra protection.

You cannot not be to safe IMO.

We also have large fabric storm panels, one is 20ft by 9ft and the other 10X9, to cover our enclosed porch, they are easy to store and install. I would be reluctant to place them on windows without ant least 6 inches of clearance between the panel and window as debris traveling at 150 mph+ could easily push the panel into the window and cause damage.

In our dry runs we have readied our entire house in less than 2 hours.

CD

Yes but....

If your windows get hit by debris in a storm they still crack (like a car window).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z9SMyU-9Eg

Now you have to replace you expensive storm windows with a new set of expensive storm windows...

Point is, it may be cheaper in the long run to install regular windows with shutters.

My contractor told my about a guy on STX whose storm windows cracked from a rock that got shot out from a lawnmower.... just saying.

Edit: I did install 4 marvin storm plus awning windows in my place last year but didn't like how they looked so added some bahama shutters. Could have saved me some bucks getting regular windows. The one good thing about the storm plus is that because they are laminated they keep out noise much better than regular windows.

Thanks OT.
I do not want shutters. I am looking for hurricane approved Windows so I do not need shutters.

Glass louvers and Astroguard would be my choice. If a heavy object goes through the Astroguard (and reviews of the product indicate that this is a remote possibility), glass louvers are inexpensive and easily replaceable.

MattT - I don't find my glass louvers a pain to clean. Every month or two I just wipe them down with wet newspaper, then close 'em up and a do a sideways blast with the hose to finish 'em off!

You're gonna need shutters even with with impact resistant windows, IMO.
They're not impact proof.

Hurricanes these days are much stronger than those we've seen in the past.
With the exception of Hugo and Marilyn.
Even tho I have some of these windows installed in my house, I'll be pulling shutters closed and putting up others on remaining openings that don't have the convenient sliding shutters.

You may wish to consult your homeowners insurance provider and see what they have to say as well. If they require the use of shutters and you don't have them to put up/install or do so in the event of a named storm, you may not be able to make a claim in the event of any damage.

Alana,
I have $50 deductible on storm damage. Replacing damaged glass will cost much less.

I am going to look at shudders. Any good recommendations on STT?

Depends what you want.
The sliding shutters are the best and easiest depending on your house layout.
Don't get the ones with push button latches. Get one that turn and lock.
Some you may wish to have the latch on inside and some outside.
I have some openings that can't have sliding shutters due to a beam in the way or electrical switches, etc., so looking at the lightweight translucent panels for those 2 locations to replace the heavier galvanized panels I now have.
Can't remember the name brands but a contractor I've used previously should be by tomorrow and will ask and post.

... so looking at the lightweight translucent panels for those 2 locations to replace the heavier galvanized panels I now have.
Can't remember the name brands but a contractor I've used previously should be by tomorrow and will ask and post.

This (as previously linked)?
http://www.hurricanefabric.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=27

They're not fabric panels.
They're a type of clear plastic but not plastic panels that are similar to the galvanized ones but lighter by far than what I now have and one can see thru them which means they let light thru so when they're in place you still have light coming in and not all dark and claustrophobic feeling when boarded up.

Here's the name brand I couldn't remember.
Lexan panels.

https://www.bing.com/search?q=translucent+hurricane+shutters&qs=SC&pq=translucent+hurricane+panels&sc=1-28&sp=1&cvid=24AA24DDF8254B389C15850B5F6FBC7F&FORM=QBRE

They're not fabric panels.
They're a type of clear plastic but not plastic panels that are similar to the galvanized ones but lighter by far than what I now have and one can see thru them which means they let light thru so when they're in place you still have light coming in and not all dark and claustrophobic feeling when boarded up.

Not dissimilar to Astroguard which incorporates new technology and is worth looking into. I've no stake in the company which manufactures the product but, after researching it, it seems to me to be a viable product well worth looking into;. Information only.

That's fine but I already have tracks installed for shutters and prefer the lexan.

Technology advances and local installers aren't always abreast of the changes. Simply posting information which might bear researching by those looking for alternatives to traditional heavy shutters and track systems.

Which is why I like the Lexan.
It's not as heavy as my current galvanized shutters and one can see thru them and get the light. Had the contractor I was working with before Christmas that passed away, bring some sample panels to I could check their weight so I can put up on my own, if necessary and they were perfect for me.

We also have large fabric storm panels, one is 20ft by 9ft and the other 10X9, to cover our enclosed porch, they are easy to store and install. I would be reluctant to place them on windows without ant least 6 inches of clearance between the panel and window as debris traveling at 150 mph+ could easily push the panel into the window and cause damage.

In our dry runs we have readied our entire house in less than 2 hours.

CD

Excellent point. While the fabric shutter outlets boost about the strength of the fabrics, the point about clearance is suspiciously omitted.

I checked with hurricaneshuttersflorida.com where I got my bahama and rollldowns from and and they suggest a 10-12 inch clearance from the window for fabric panels (granted they sell a different brand than Astroguard). Haven't seen many windows with that kind of setback, so would conclude the fabric panels are probably better suited for other applications such as porches/galleries.

 

Home Depot?

Take a look at these, too:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/AstroGuard-44-in-x-72-in-Panel-of-Hybrid-Hurricane-Fabric-that-Replaces-Traditional-Storm-Shutters-Panels-and-Screens-HF4472/202222524

Except it is not sold in stores and Home Depot does not ship to VI. Been down that path before. And no reviews and no questions answered including the one on Dade county requirements.

Which is why I like the Lexan.
It's not as heavy as my current galvanized shutters and one can see thru them and get the light.

How thick is that Lexan (polycarbonate) to be CAT 5 rated for impact? I'd think 1/2in solid min, more depending on total surface area.

I forget if it was consumer reports or Myth Busters that I watched shoot 2x4s at 200mph into all sorts of things to test hurricane resistance. Will go right through unreinforced concrete block wall. Like to see the tests on some of these other options. I prefer the according shutters in general. Perhaps some of the smaller less exposed windows would be good for some transparent options.

That's pretty much what I'll be using them for except for a slider in a fairly protected location which has a ridge beam blocking installation of an accordion shutters and an electrical switch for a pass thru kitchen window. I have accordion shutters everywhere else but in these 2 locations that I can't have them installed. As mentioned the individual galvanized panels are too heavy for me to deal with on my own these days and one can't always depend on getting help if the shits gonna hit the fan so need to be able to put them up by myself. Accordion shutters would be my preference but.......gotta do what ya gotta do. The windows and the slider in those locations are impact resistant.

Really bad storm...all bets are off anyway.