All windows aren’t made the same: windows are available in various styles, materials, as well as energy performance ratings. Every type of window is perfect for a particular climate. In case you choose the wrong type, it won’t offer you optimum energy efficiency – that means you may have higher energy bills and might be unpleasant (very hot or very cold) in your house. In addition, you might find yourself squandering cash repairing or replacing the window earlier than if you had selected the right type for your climate.
There is certainly still an unexpected amount of misinformation with regards to windows and storm preparation which continues among homeowners these days. Hurricanes are forces of nature and have become part of our life. While people discovered ways to identify the signs of an upcoming hurricane, they formulated survival skills. Sad to say, myths regarding hurricanes also come up – and a lot of these are totally dangerous. In the face of a storm, these myths present serious dangers to both people living and homes. Prior to tornado and hurricane season, we remind you of the following window-related facts.
Myth #1: Windows needs to be opened up just before the tornado or hurricane approaches in order to equalize pressure and reduce damage.
Fact: It’s one very popular belief that opening up the house’s windows in advance of a storm could keep pressure from building up on the inside and causing the roof to blow off. Specialists and wind scientists agree with the fact that merely opening up windows will never alleviate or equalize pressure during a storm. Hurricanes are certainly not blowing in only one direction – the air is all around the place, and that’s why it’s so hard to forecast the hurricane’s track! Homes are ruined and damaged by violent winds, for that reason windows needs to be kept shut to keep more debris from getting into your home.
Myth #2: Taping windows with masking or duct tape prior to a storm or hurricane could keep them from breaking.
Fact: This might be the single most stubborn and hazardous hurricane myth these days! The good news is, we’re seeing a few progress on debunking this – you seldom, if ever, see TV footage of individuals taping their windows prior to a storm. We are big fans of duct tape however they will not protect windows in a hurricane. Tape can do nothing in order to help protect your windows, prevent them from breaking or protect your house. The ultimate way to secure windows in a hurricane is to install permanent storm shutters or windows particularly graded for high winds. Another option is to board them up using custom-fitted exterior-grade plywood.
Myth #3: During a hurricane, only the windows facing the ocean should be covered.
Fact: Wind may come from any direction or angle and could switch direction fairly quickly. Setting up coastal windows or covering all windows, doors as well as garage doors using impact-resistant material is the ideal method to avoid damage coming from high winds and flying debris.
