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by Lauren Busser The House Designers’ Editorial Director
It’s the middle of hurricane season and if you are building a home on the coast you will want to consider installing windows that can handle any weather. Integrity® from Marvin® Windows and Doors offers a line of windows rated for hurricane force winds. Called IMPACT, These stylish windows are a great safety feature for your new home, especially when you consider building on the coast. Coastal building codes require some of the toughest products around and the IMPACT series should certainly be on your short list.
What is Ultrex?
Integrity pioneered the fiberglass revolution 20 years ago with Ultrex and its patented finish. Since, they have been committed to building and improving a product line that is tough, smart, long-lasting and worry-free.
Ultrex pultruded fiberglass is a strong, stable, low-maintenance and efficient product with the industry's BEST fiberglass finish that resists chalking, peeling, and cracking to keep your project looking good for years to come. As a result, Ultrex windows can stand up to great stress without showing virtually any age or wear.
What makes the IMPACT line special?
Integrity’s® products are tested to make sure they meet impact standards. The products are installed in a test wall and, depending on the code, debris is launched at it to see how well it withstands impacts at the center and the corners. The products are then examined and checked for holes and rips that exceed the certification criteria. Then pressure cycling tests are done to simulate the intense pushing and pulling forces of hurricane winds.
The IMPACT line is Zone 3 rated which means that they meet International Building codes for coastal areas in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states. To meet this criteria the products have to withstand winds from 120 to 140 miles per hour and stand up to wind-borne debris up to 8 feet long and shot at 50 feet per second. They are also extensively pressure tested at up to 9,000 cycles.
Why install IMPACT Windows?
During a storm, your home is constantly at risk from the debris flying around. A shattered window could ultimately lead to more damage as the wind gets inside your home. That’s why you want strong windows and doors with proper seals to help you withstand these weather conditions and Integrity® Windows and Doors brings the goods, with a door and window selection that's eight times stronger than vinyl.
During a hurricane, wind isn’t the only danger to consider, either. A broken door or window is also an invitation for water to enter your home and cause more damage to your home’s structure as well as your personal property.
When storms come your way you want to make sure that your home and personal belongings are protected. So if you are building in an area where storms are common then consider investing in strong windows that will help your home withstand the storm, and the IMPACT series from Integrity® is a great place to begin. With everything from double hung and casement and awning windows, to polygons and round tops you are sure to find windows which will handsomely complement your home. You can request more information about Integrity's® IMPACT Windows here.
