Hurricane Proof Products
Hurricanes are one of nature’s most powerful forces and pose the greatest threat to life and property.
As we have experienced in the past, the Hawaiian Islands are not safe from the destruction and harm caused by these deadly storms. Our tropical waters and warm, moist atmosphere are a lethal recipe for a disastrous hurricane. In fact, the chances of a hurricane hitting Hawaii are rapidly increasing as the ocean temperature escalates, due to global warming. Unfortunately, even with technological advances, there is still no way of knowing when a hurricane will hit and how much damage it will cause.
The History of Hurricanes in Hawaii
- 1992 – Hawaii was hit with the most devastating hurricane it had ever experienced, Hurricane Iniki. An estimated 130 mile per hour winds hit the coast of Kauai, causing nearly $3 billion dollars in damage. More than 14,000 homes and apartments were damaged or destroyed and six deaths were recorded.
- 1982 – Hurricane Iwa caused $250 million dollars in damage. Over 7,426 houses and apartments statewide and 30% on Kauai alone were affected or destroyed.
The Future of Hurricanes in Hawaii
According to the Oahu Civil Defense Agency:
Based on past experience, if a storm as strong as Iwa strikes any of the islands:
- 12% of homes and apartments could be heavily damaged or destroyed
- 18% would most likely experience minor damage
- 38% of homes and apartments could be heavily damaged or destroyed
- An additional 40% will probably have minor damage
Increased since 2007, Hawaii is now designated as a 105 mile per hour wind zone, which is equivalent to a category 2 hurricane. A combination of the increased wind zone and the dangers posed by hurricanes has prompted the Hawaii State Building Commission to adopt new building codes. These codes require high-performance windows and doors that can resist hurricane force winds and the impact of flying debris.
Discount Windows, Doors & Cabinets has the expertise and product selection to ensure that you will meet the new building codes.
Hurricane Impact Testing
At Discount Windows, Doors & Cabinets, we strive to keep your family safe. For that reason, we are EXCLUSIVE dealers for some of the leading companies in hurricane-proof products, such as Thermal Windows and Fleetwood Windows & Doors. Before leaving our manufacturers, all windows and doors are required to pass stringent tests to be certified as hurricane-proof. The glass must withstand the impact of a 2×4 beam fired from a testing cannon at 52 feet per second, not once, but twice. Afterwards, the glass must remain in the frame while subjected to 4500 cycles of positive/negative air pressure, up to -175 psf.
We strive to provide our customers with durability, security and longevity in every product we sell. As a leader in the window and door industry in Hawaii, we offer an extensive range of hurricane proof and ATFP (Anti Terrorism and Forced Protection) window and door products to meet any threat.
Manufacturers of Hurricane Proof Products
Fleetwood USA
http://www.fleetwoodusa.com/Documents/brochures/Aluminum_Products.pdf
Thermal Windows
