PGT Windows and Doors Shares Hurricane Safety and Protection Guidance
PGT Windows and Doors, a part of MITER Brands, has expanded its hurricane preparedness resources to help building professionals and homeowners better understand how to protect properties from hurricanes and tropical storms. The company recently updated its hurricane preparedness page with expert information and free resources, including a downloadable guide that contractors, dealers and other building professionals can share with customers.
As hurricane activity continues to create significant risks for homes and buildings in vulnerable regions, homeowners increasingly rely on construction professionals for guidance on storm-resistant materials, home improvements and emergency preparedness. PGT’s updated resources are designed to help professionals provide practical recommendations before, during and after severe weather events.
The company’s hurricane preparedness guidance focuses on several important steps homeowners can take to reduce the potential for property damage.
Inspect the Roof Before a Storm
One of the first recommendations is to inspect the roof for loose shingles, damaged tiles and other areas that could allow water to enter the home. Roof damage can quickly become a major issue during hurricanes because strong winds and heavy rainfall can expose weak points in roofing systems.
Homeowners are encouraged to identify and repair damaged areas before a storm arrives. Regular roof inspections can also help identify potential problems early and reduce the risk of more extensive water and structural damage.
Reinforce Garage Doors
Garage doors can be particularly vulnerable to powerful hurricane-force winds. If a garage door fails, wind can enter the building and potentially increase internal pressure, contributing to structural damage.
PGT’s guidance encourages homeowners to ensure garage doors are properly reinforced and capable of handling severe weather conditions. Strengthening vulnerable areas of a property can provide an additional layer of protection during major storms.
Protect Windows and Doors
Windows and exterior doors are another important consideration when preparing for hurricanes. Flying debris can break unprotected glass and create openings that allow wind and rain to enter a property.
Homeowners can consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors as part of a broader hurricane protection strategy. Impact-resistant products are designed to provide increased protection against wind-borne debris and severe weather conditions.
PGT has developed impact-resistant products, including its WinGuard windows and doors, which are certified to meet stringent hurricane-protection standards. These products are designed to provide homeowners with enhanced protection while also serving everyday residential needs.
Maintain Trees and Landscaping
Trees and shrubs around a property can become potential sources of flying debris during hurricanes and tropical storms. Branches, limbs and other loose materials can be carried by high winds and damage roofs, windows, vehicles and other structures.
PGT recommends trimming trees and shrubs before severe weather arrives. Removing weak or damaged branches can help reduce the amount of debris around a property and minimize potential hazards.
Prepare Backup Power
Power outages are common during major hurricanes, sometimes leaving homes without electricity for extended periods. Homeowners should consider testing an existing generator or purchasing an appropriate backup power system before the start of severe weather.
Generators can provide temporary power for essential systems and equipment during outages. However, they should always be operated according to manufacturer instructions and appropriate safety practices.
Supporting Contractors and Dealers
Attila Vamos, Director of Product Engineering at PGT, said contractors and dealers play an important role in helping homeowners prepare for hurricane-related risks.
According to Vamos, the company developed its hurricane guide to support building professionals as they help customers make decisions about construction planning and material selection. The resource is intended to give contractors additional information they can use when discussing storm protection with homeowners.
Vamos also recently appeared on FOX Weather to discuss the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season. During the segment, he provided information about measures homeowners can take to reduce the risk of window and door breakage, roof damage and other impacts associated with severe storms.
Evolving Hurricane Building Standards
Hurricane protection requirements have become increasingly important as building codes evolve in response to lessons learned from major storms. Vamos noted that building codes have become stricter in recent years, with state-level building inspectors examining storm-damaged areas and using information from these assessments to help inform future requirements.
PGT engineers also visit areas affected by hurricanes to assess storm damage. These field assessments provide valuable information that can contribute to the development of advanced impact-resistant glass and other storm protection technologies.
The knowledge gained from real-world storm conditions can help manufacturers improve products and support construction professionals as they work to meet increasingly demanding hurricane protection requirements.
Free Hurricane Preparedness Resources
PGT’s updated hurricane guide provides information covering several aspects of hurricane and severe storm preparedness. The resource explains different storm categories, potential damage associated with various wind speeds and ways homeowners can strengthen their properties before severe weather arrives.
The guide also includes personal safety recommendations and information on evaluating potential structural damage following a storm. This information can help homeowners understand the importance of professional inspections when significant damage occurs.
A visual comparison chart is also included to help explain different products that can be used to protect a home, including impact-resistant windows, storm shutters and panels. Such information can help homeowners and contractors compare available protection options when planning storm-related improvements.
Improving Storm Preparedness
For construction professionals, having access to reliable hurricane preparedness information can make it easier to guide customers through the process of selecting appropriate products and planning protective improvements.
PGT encourages contractors and dealers to download the free guide and share it with homeowners during storm-preparation discussions. By improving awareness of potential risks and available protection measures, professionals can help customers make more informed decisions about their properties.
As hurricanes and tropical storms continue to pose serious challenges for communities in vulnerable areas, proper preparation remains an important part of residential construction and renovation planning. Through its updated resources, engineering expertise and impact-resistant product solutions, PGT Windows and Doors is helping contractors and homeowners better understand the steps they can take to improve property protection before severe weather strikes.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
