special report

The Star of the Show
The newest hurricane protection products share the spotlight at this year's International Builders' Show.

by Kerri Caldwell

When one thinks of hurricane protection products the first thing that comes to mind is shutters—in all their various styles: roll, accordion, colonial, Bahama, etc.—and all of the components and hardware that encompass them. Of course, impact resistant glass is another popular product line making great strides in the area of hurricane protection.

The 2004 International Builders’ Show (IBS) offered a wide variety of hurricane protection products, spanning a wider array of product lines this year than just windows to include manufacturers and suppliers of garage doors, roofing materials, siding and skylights just to name a few. In all, this year’s exhibition showcased more than 1,600 companies occupying 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The show took place January 19 to 22, 2004, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.

Hurricane protection took center stage for many building manufacturers this year. Following is a brief description of just some of the many exciting innovations that were on display.

Endura Door Component Systems
(800) 334-2006
www.euduraproducts.com

Endura Products manufactures entry door component systems and has partnered with several door manufacturers in recent years to create door systems that meet Florida Building Code (FBC) standards for structural wind loads, air and water infiltration and impact resistance. Among its products that have passed Dade County testing is the Ultimate Astragal. Some of its features include a patented three-point sealing system and a flush bolt with a durable floating seal. An optional Hurricane Astragal Kit also is available, which includes a 24-inch steel reinforced flush bolt and retainers for the header and sill.

Crane Performance Siding
(800) 366-8472
www.cranesiding.com

Solid Core Siding® by Crane offers a complete, exterior siding system combining superior energy efficiency with durable, long-lasting beauty. It’s tough Vycralar™ surface is fused with Solid Core™ backing, creating a product with unmatched bridge strength, superior R-values and air infiltration ratings, and guaranteed impact resistance.

The tests have demonstrated that Solid Core siding will withstand the equivalent of 130-mph windloads without damage when installed correctly. If winds up to 130 mph cause a panel to separate from the structure, the manufacturer will replace any damaged panels—including the cost of material and labor.

Crane also introduced HurriCrane™ the nailing system designed with an extra-thick .092-inch full rollover hem, which gives each panel extraordinary strength. It takes on gusts up to 200 mph—the equivalent of a powerful Category 5 hurricane.

The exclusive HurriCrane locking system is engineered for strength and stability. Panels lock into place with a secure, audible snap for perfect panel alignment. Even over difficult walls, Premium Pointe 360 conceals imperfections and creates an appealing look.

Loewen
(800)563-9367
www.loewen.com

This special glazing system uses a combination of laminated glass (an interlayer bonded between two sheets of glass) and high-strength sealant to secure the laminated glass to the sash or frame.

Impact Glazing was developed to meet the stringent protocol of Dade County, FL, and is now available for those who need extra protection from coastal storms and who also need to meet coastal code requirements. Designed to withstand gale-force winds, airborne debris and horizontal rain, Impact Glazing offers peace of mind for security conscious homeowners.

Marvin Windows & Doors
(888) 537-8266
www.marvin.com

Marvin Windows and Doors introduced StormPlus™ Impact Zone 3 (IZ3)—a new level of energy efficient impact resistant windows and doors within its high performance StormPlus line. StormPlus IZ3 will feature more than 30 products, including wood and clad Casemasters, Double Hungs, Round Tops, as well as Inswing and Outswing French Doors.

StormPlus IZ3 products feature a multi-layer impact resistant glazing construction consisting of three sheets of glass, a plastic interlayer and an energy efficient air space.

StormPlus IZ3 meets hurricane resistant construction requirements within Zone 3—one of the geographic regions used by the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). The name coincides with the four widely recognized ASTM zones referenced within the International Building Codes (IBC).

Pella Corp.
(641) 621-6150
www.pella.com

The Architect Series® feature the patented technology that recreates the charm of true divided light, yet adds a new dimension of energy efficiency and performance. Muntin bars (grilles) are permanently bonded to the interior and exterior surfaces of insulating glass. Also available in a French style with wide door panels and traditional elegance.

Choose from four standard muntin bar (grille) patterns—Top Row Style, Prairie Style, nine-lite Prairie Style and Traditional Style.

Available as a Hurricaneshield product. All Pella Corp. Hurricaneshield products have passed the large missile testing of Miami-Dade protocols PA 201, 202, 203, are Dade County certified and meet the requirements of all states that require windborne debris protection.

PGT Industries
(800) 282-6019
www.pgtindustries.com

PGT adds impact-resistant glass to the heavy-duty frames found in your Multi-Story windows and doors. The Multi-Story Series 800 Windows and Doors are custom-built in a wide variety of options in frame colors, glazing and tints to customize windows to complement an existing or new architecture. PGT offers an Architect CD, which includes the design pressure calculations to specify windows and doors for multi-story buildings.

The products include: Single Hung Windows (Series SH800), Horizontal Roller Windows (Series HR810), Picture Windows (Series PW820), and Sliding Glass Doors (Series SGD830). The Multi-Story Series 800 products went through the following testing:

• All laminated products have passed Miami-Dade Protocols PA/TAS 201, 202, 203
• Meets or exceeds all current AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 specifications
• Passes ASTM E987 for deglazing
• Passes ASTM E547/E331 for water resistance
• Passes ASTM E283 for air infiltration
• Operable windows pass AAMA 1302.5 for forced entry resistance
• Doors pass AAMA 1303.5 for forced entry resistance

Simonton Windows
(800) 542-9118
www.simonton.com

StormBreaker Plus® Windows and Doors combine remarkable, proven strengths with the advanced benefits of vinyl. StormBreaker Plus is approved for use in the majority of hurricane-prone areas in the United States.

StormBreaker Plus products feature profiles reinforced with steel. The impact resistant and certified laminated glass feature a .090-inch PVB interlayer for remarkable strength.
Simonton plans to expand the product line in 2004 with Dade County approved aluminum and vinyl products.

Vail Metal SystemS
(800) 826-7813
www.custombiltmetals.com

Vail Titan Select shingles provide the timeless style you want and the durability you need. Heavy-gauge metal construction ensures that they can stand up to what nature dishes out, including extreme temperatures and high winds. A tough interlocking shingle design means that the shingles will stay put and keep moisture out.

Product Certifications: ICBO ES Report No. ER-5318, Dade County approved (Acceptance No. 02-0406.06). The products have passed wind-driven rain testing at the maximum attainable, 110 mph with 8.8-inch of water introduced.

Velux-America Inc.
(864) 941-5360
www.veluxusa.com

Maintaining its commitment to safety, Velux introduced the Impact FCM™ skylight, the world’s first insulated skylight designed to meet the latest building code requirements for hurricane prone areas.

The Impact FCM meets the requirements of the IBC, IRC and the Florida Building Code 2001.

The Impact FCM features an easy-to-install design that works with all sizes of site-built curbs and varying thickness of different flashing and roofing materials. It also features pre-applied gasket seals for secure installations. In addition, the Impact FCM provides outstanding energy efficiency. The Energy Star® approved skylight utilizes laminated, low-E2, argon gas-filled glass to reduce heat gain, fading, and condensation by 50 percent when compared with clear glass and plastic.

Weather Shield Windows & Doors
(800) 222-2995
www.weathershield.com

LifeGuard IG™ is a new insulated glass window for impact resistance in cooler climates. Contractors, architects and homeowners in coastal areas can now get impact-resistant windows and doors that meet energy-efficiency codes without sacrificing aesthetics or design options with new Weather Shield LifeGuard IG.

The LifeGuard IG line is ideal for violent-storm-prone, colder-climate coastal areas from Maine to North and South Carolina. The IG products offer LifeGuard’s reinforcing features, but with two panes of glass rather than one and other energy efficient features like Low E2 glass and argon or krypton-filled airspace.

Products are approved to ASTM E 1996 and ASTME 1886 Missile level D rating. Glazing ad outer-pane thicknesses vary by product type.

The 2005 International Builders’ Show will take place January 13-16 in Orlando, FL; visit www.buildersshow.com for more information.