Shutters VS. Impact Resistant Windows
#1
10-17-06, 07:04 AM
Shutters VS. Impact Resistant Windows
I live in Florida along the coast and I'm really torn between getting roll-down shutters or impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors.
Some background info: I have a two story frame townhouse. I have aluminum slider windows that need to be replaced anyway. I have 7 windows and 2 sliding glass doors.
I have received several quotes. Shutters are going to run about $14,000, Impact-resistant windows are $14,000, and new windows are $6000. From this it would make sense to go with impact windows.
But I still have some questions about impact windows:
1. What are repair costs for each? What does it cost to replace broken glass in an impact window? Can that even be done or do you have to replace the whole window? What does it cost to fix a broken shutter?
2. I want to go with vinyl windows. However, there are no Miami-Dade approved vinyl sliders on the market. They are ASTM approved for large missiles. How important is Miami-Dade approval?
Thanks for yor help!
Some background info: I have a two story frame townhouse. I have aluminum slider windows that need to be replaced anyway. I have 7 windows and 2 sliding glass doors.
I have received several quotes. Shutters are going to run about $14,000, Impact-resistant windows are $14,000, and new windows are $6000. From this it would make sense to go with impact windows.
But I still have some questions about impact windows:
1. What are repair costs for each? What does it cost to replace broken glass in an impact window? Can that even be done or do you have to replace the whole window? What does it cost to fix a broken shutter?
2. I want to go with vinyl windows. However, there are no Miami-Dade approved vinyl sliders on the market. They are ASTM approved for large missiles. How important is Miami-Dade approval?
Thanks for yor help!
#2
10-17-06, 07:16 AM
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I beleive impact resistant windows are rated for a 160 mph impact
what happens if a gust of 190 is driving the object?
my observations and reading lead me to believe that their are mini storms within the larger storm with much higher winds .
I have impact windows and I have shutters to go over them .
bottom line , In my opion shutters offer best protection .
what happens if a gust of 190 is driving the object?
my observations and reading lead me to believe that their are mini storms within the larger storm with much higher winds .
I have impact windows and I have shutters to go over them .
bottom line , In my opion shutters offer best protection .
#3
10-17-06, 07:54 AM
Member
Shutters VS. Impact Resistant Windows
I would seriously question the honesty or accuracy of anyone that says something is "ASTM approved". Just because a product meets an ASTM standard does not mean it is acceptable for all uses everywhere.
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) does not approve any products and it has no authority to do so. It is a group consisting of producers, users and interested person that sets standards for products, materials and testing methods.
The standards are just standards and often have different levels of performance (similar to good, better, best, etc.) and do not say whether it is suitable. What is suitable in one area/use/application may not be suitable is another.
Many organizations (code authorities, designers, government agencies, municipalities, etc.) may adopt a standard for their particular use. Usually this is done by reference in a code, specification or request for bids. This is the only way an ASTM standard has any authority.
In many cases, a standard higher than the existing ASTM standard may be required because of the conditions. Often the ASTM testing procedures are required, but the products may be required to perform at a higher level that the authority deems is necessary for the conditions.
Your code is the controlling document in determining what is allowed and it is only a minimum standard and may not be high enough for your needs.
Dick
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) does not approve any products and it has no authority to do so. It is a group consisting of producers, users and interested person that sets standards for products, materials and testing methods.
The standards are just standards and often have different levels of performance (similar to good, better, best, etc.) and do not say whether it is suitable. What is suitable in one area/use/application may not be suitable is another.
Many organizations (code authorities, designers, government agencies, municipalities, etc.) may adopt a standard for their particular use. Usually this is done by reference in a code, specification or request for bids. This is the only way an ASTM standard has any authority.
In many cases, a standard higher than the existing ASTM standard may be required because of the conditions. Often the ASTM testing procedures are required, but the products may be required to perform at a higher level that the authority deems is necessary for the conditions.
Your code is the controlling document in determining what is allowed and it is only a minimum standard and may not be high enough for your needs.
Dick
