The hurricane-resistant product market has become increasingly important in the last few years, as more changes in the codes mandate use of these products. Manufacturers have responded with an array of offerings designed to meet these needs. We spoke to several suppliers to get their insights into where the market is and where it is going.

Doug Penn 
Director of Marketing, 
YKK AP America Inc., Austell, Ga.

Q: What is the trend in hurricane-resistant products? 

The requirement for hurricane impact resistant systems will continue to grow as more states adopt the International Building Code (IBC) and its requirement for protection from flying debris. New systems on the market incorporate thermal breaks to improve the thermal performance in Northern coastal areas. 

Q: What is the most important thing architects need to know about hurricane-resistant products? 

Systems must be tested as a complete system (that is the framing system, glass, gaskets, and structural silicone).

Q: What advice would you give architects about hurricane-resistant products? 

Provide protection for the entire building and do not stop at the 60-foot elevation. Looking at buildings in Miami after Hurricane Wilma last year clearly indicated the need for protection from the street level to the roof.

Jeffrey A. Ziesche
Director of Aluminum Operations
Arch Aluminum & Glass Co. Inc., Tamarac, Fla.

Q: What trend do you see in hurricane-resistant products?

We have found that architects and building owners are trying to achieve a higher design load while increasing overall opening dimensions for the framing systems.

Q: What is the most important thing architects need to know about hurricane-resistant products?

In addition to testing as a system—the aluminum framing, glass, anchoring and silicone—they need to make sure whatever was tested and whatever is shown on a product approval is actually being installed. For example, if the product approval shows the “system” has been tested with 9/16-inch laminated glass using .090 PVB interlayer, then that’s the only glass type that can be installed in the “system,” not a poured laminated or any other interlayer.

Q: What advice would you give architects about hurricane-resistant products?

The best advice I would give an architect when designing a project that requires impact products is to know the codes in the state or county where the project is being built. 

Chris Gall
Impact Resistant Specialist
United States Aluminum Corp., Waxahachie, Tex.

Q: What do you see as the trend in hurricane-resistant products? 

For systems to have increased design pressures, and for systems to be designed to increase productivity in the installation stage.

Q: What advice would you give architects about hurricane-resistant products?

Be sure of the product approval that is required for the location of the projects, whether that is the Miami/Dade County notice of approval (NOA), the Florida product approval system or the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). 

USG
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