Monday 30 April 2007

Hurricane Door, a safeguard against Uncertainties

Do you know how to choose hurricane door?
Nature’s fury is manifested in various forms like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, torpedoes, and the like. Calamity strikes without warning and people are taken unprepared left at the mercy of the elements.

Technology has led to the invention of several ways to predict natural calamities and to defend ourselves from them. The key here is to be prepared in advance to fight them. For instance, in hurricane-prone coastal areas like the Miami Dade County, the strict weather-related building codes have been formulated for protection against storm by designing impact-resistant Glass wall system. Such measures were indispensable, considering the recent loss of lives and property caused by the merciless Hurricane Katrina in U.S.

A hurricane is a severe tropical cyclone usually with heavy rains and winds moving 73-136 knots capable of producing great floods. The impact-resistant doors capable of enduring the ferocity of hurricane are called Hurricane door. The NanawallSystems provide hurricane door and windows that have been tested in the adverse condition and have gained credibility among the customers. These doors are usually made up of weather-shield glass which protects against windborne debris during severe climatic conditions. But to retain the exquisiteness of your house it must also have the classy looks apart from being powerful.

Going with the trends people prefer weather resistant folding glass doors instead of hurricane shutters which were popular choice in the past. Apart from providing both the looks and power these hurricane doors enable unobstructed outside view from inside your house. Many architects suggest the owners living in coastal areas to be equipped with protection of modern hurricane door and windows while laying their house plans. And why not, after all, it is better to stay alert rather than suffer, especially when the consequences can be disastrous and fatal.
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Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com

Hurricane Shutters For Your Home

With hurricane season swiftly approaching and many homes right in the path of these monsters, you are probably stocking up on supplies such as hurricane shutters to protect your home.

Hurricane shutters can be ordered through local stores or online, or you can make some of your own. If you opt to make some of your own, here are some basic tips for you to remember so your homemade hurricane shutters will hold up through the storm:

1. When purchasing the plywood for your hurricane shutters, make sure that you get at least ¾ inch or 5/8 inch exterior plywood that is sturdy and has no cracks, cuts, or other imperfections in it. The stronger the plywood that you use, the better protected the vulnerable parts of your home will be.

2. Make sure that you purchase 3 inch, or larger, heavy duty bolts to secure the plywood to the outside of the windows. If the window is a smaller one, you will only need four bolts to secure it to the outside of the window. If the window is a larger one, you will need six to eight bolts to ensure that the plywood is secure and won't have any place to come loose. Try to place the bolts about every two feet, if possible.

3. Make sure that the plywood is cut to the correct size to fit the window. Measure each window and make the appropriate cuts to ensure that the wood will fit snuggly into the window frame. Mark each piece of wood as it is cut so you will know the following: which window it goes on, and the top, bottom, front, and back of each piece of wood.

4. When you are screwing the bolts to the wood, make sure that you measure exactly where they need to go on the wood by holding the piece into the window and marking where the bolts need to go, both on the window and the frame. This way, you aren't making last minute adjustments when you don't have the time.

5. When drilling the holes for the bolts, make sure that you use a drill bit that will ensure a snug fit for the screws. If the hole are too large, the screws won't fit properly and all your work will have been for nothing if the shutter comes loose during the storm.

6. Once you have completed the measuring, cutting, and placing the bolts on the pieces of plywood, you can always waterproof them or varnish them to keep them from deteriorating during the water and wind that is sure to come with the storm. This will also save you some money in the long run, as you can reuse these hurricane shutters again if they are not damaged too much during the storm.

Just remember that no matter what type of wood, bolts, and varnish you use, a hurricane shutter is only as good as you make it. The more time that you can devote to ensuring that you have a great fit for each window, the better these homemade hurricane shutters will be, and the better the interior of your home will be protected.

So, take your time and make sure that you do everything right so you will be able to rest easy knowing your home is protected from the storm's fury.
Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com

Hurricane Doors & Windows Protection

• Wind force on hurricane doors is focused on the lock, jambs and hinges. Double and
French entry doors that open in are the most vulnerable.
• The bolts that secure the top and bottom of double hurricane doors must be strong
enough to withstand hurricane-force winds, most are not. Some
manufacturers make reinforcing bolts kits.
• Doors with windows must have impact protection just like any other
window.
• Replacing old doors with new ones that adhere to the stricter codes is one
option (a potentially expensive one). Remember that the jambs may have
to be reinforced.
• Older, weaker doors can be protected using 2 x 4 braces bolted to the
frame or concrete.
• Garage doors are also vulnerable to wind and impact. New doors are
being built that meet the new tougher codes and in many cases are
surprisingly affordable.
• Brace older garage doors by using vertical 2 x 4 braces, one in the middle
for single doors, tow or more for larger doors. Bolt them to the frame
above the door and the floor at the bottom.
• Use extreme caution when working with garage doors. They can be very
dangerous. Don’t attempt to improve or repair the springs yourself. Call a
professional.
• To protect your windows by using homemade plywood shutters, you must
purchase plywood shutters, you must purchase and pre-fit the shutters
long before a hurricane threatens. It would be virtually impossible for most
people to properly install shutters on all windows as a hurricane
approaches.

So, take attention to protect from hurricane doors and windows in your house.