Your Essential Hurricane Preparedness Guide to Stay Ahead of the Storm!
In Florida, natural disasters are a question of when not if. Since the early 20th Century, Florida has experienced some of the most destructive and devastating hurricanes on record causing well over $450 billion in damage. And while hurricanes can be a part of living in Florida, hurricane damage doesn’t have to be.
Fortifying your home for hurricane force winds is the ultimate step in disaster preparedness. A sizable portion of damage done in hurricanes is the result of flying debris which can break the glass in your windows and doors. You can trust your windows and doors to the impact experts at PGT® Custom Windows and Doors, whose WinGuard® hurricane impact products have over 8 million units installed with zero reported impact failures. Keeping your home secure during a hurricane can mean the difference between huge property losses and potentially life-threatening injuries and escaping a natural disaster unscathed.
Assessing Your Hurricane Damage Risk
Hurricanes come in different strengths. The highest sustained U.S. wind speed was 190 mph during Hurricane Allen, a Category 5 hurricane that struck in 1980. But damage can occur at even the lowest strength hurricanes. Assessing your risk starts with understanding how hurricane categories are measured and knowing the types of damage that can occur at each level.
Category 1
74 to 95 mph winds
- Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, vegetation, and signage
Category 2
96 to 110 mph winds
- Moderate damage to roofing material, mobile homes, and trees
- Some flooding and power loss likely
Category 3
111 to 129 mph winds
- Extensive damage to small residences
- Flooding near the coast
- Structural damage to larger buildings
Category 4
130 to 156 mph winds
- Severe damage to well-built homes
- Extensive flooding
- Infrastructure and wide-ranging power outages
Category 5
157+ mph winds
- Catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure
- Devastating flooding
- Widespread destruction
Hover over the plus to explore wind strengths.
Category 1
74 to 95 mph winds
- Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, vegetation, and signage
Category 2
96 to 110 mph winds
- Moderate damage to roofing material, mobile homes, and trees
- Some flooding and power loss likely
Category 3
111 to 129 mph winds
- Extensive damage to small residences
- Flooding near the coast
- Structural damage to larger buildings
Category 4
130 to 156 mph winds
- Severe damage to well-built homes
- Extensive flooding
- Infrastructure and wide-ranging power outages
Category 5
157+ mph winds
- Catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure
- Devastating flooding
- Widespread destruction
What to do Before, During, and After a Hurricane
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Making a checklist then ensuring you have the necessary supplies and preventative measures in place before a hurricane strikes is crucial. PGT can help. Here’s your guide on what to do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER a hurricane or other natural disaster.
Before a Hurricane Strikes
During a Hurricane
After a Hurricane
Before a Hurricane Strikes
Have an Emergency Evacuation Plan Established
Don’t leave evacuation to chance. Know exactly how and where to get out of harm’s way. In Miami-Dade county, find out if you live in an area that may be at risk for storm surge by using the Storm Surge Planning Zone Finder. When an evacuation order is given, you can find out if you need to evacuate by viewing the Florida Know Your Zone disaster resource.
Perform Routine Maintenance
PGT Windows and Doors are designed to be low maintenance. With just a small amount of care and light cleaning, you can easily maximize the durability and operation of your products. Best practices include washing with light pressure as excessive scrubbing can lead to damage, like scratches. Always clean and rinse each window or door individually to prevent cleaning agents from permeating for long periods of time. Clean aluminum frames very carefully as soon as they are installed to rid them of construction site chemicals that can cause corrosion. When cleaning, remember to avoid leaning on your window or door screens. These products are not designed to protect you from falling.
Download the complete homeowner’s care & maintenance guide here.
During a Hurricane
Keys to safety surviving a natural disaster:
Communication is key. Whether it’s following official instructions, including evacuation orders or staying in touch with family, friends, and neighbors, being equipped to communicate during a hurricane can save lives. Stay informed by keeping a battery-powered radio tuned to a local station for important updates. Never depend on one method of communication. Use a combination of text messages, phone calls, social media, and email to stay in touch with family members and friends. Lastly, designate an out-of-area point of contact who can relay messages between separated family members and provide updates on everyone’s status.
If you are caught inside your home during a hurricane, there are actions you can take to prevent the worst damage as well as keep you safe. If you have impact-resistant windows and doors installed, you do not need to take drastic emergency measures; simply lock your windows and doors. However, without impact-resistant windows and doors, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends that homeowners protect openings from wind and windborne debris. Secure roof, wall, and foundation connections by installing hurricane clips at all connection points. During the storm’s peak, stay away from windows and doors to avoid potential debris and shattered wood or glass.
After a Hurricane
A cautious approach to damage assessment is important. As you arrive at your property, watch out for hazards such as downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures. Avoid walking through floodwaters, as they may be contaminated or hiding dangers like submerged debris. Before entering your home, walk around the perimeter and visually inspect the exterior for any signs of structural damage, roof leaks, and broken windows.
Inside, assess the structural integrity of the building. Look for cracks in walls, ceilings, or foundation, as well as signs of sagging or shifting. Avoid touching electrical appliances, outlets, or wires if you suspect water damage or if they are submerged in water. If you need to turn off the electricity to your home, do so at the main breaker panel, but only if it’s safe to do so. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, do not enter your home. Leave the area immediately and contact the gas company or emergency services from a safe location. If you notice any significant structural damage, leave the premises immediately and contact authorities.
Peek Inside the Power of WinGuard Impact-Resistant Solutions
Explore the unmatched protection and enhanced home living offered by WinGuard Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors. Engineered for ultimate defense, WinGuard aluminum and vinyl products shield your family from hurricane force-wind borne debris while amplifying your home’s comfort, security, and aesthetic appeal. With impact glass, you gain additional safeguards against intruders and noise pollution, alongside potential savings over time.
Start by choosing WinGuard in either aluminum or vinyl frames — both come with PGT impact glass. Impact glass utilizes a glass sandwich construction formed with two of monolithic or single pane glass united by a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SGP in the middle glazed with a special silicone glazing process that helps keep laminated glass windows from breaking away from the frame. The PVB is key, keeping the glass in place, even when the glass faces impact. The sandwich construction strengthens security against break-ins while adding soundproofing without compromising light, making your home as efficient as it is peaceful.
Delve deeper and discover the sophisticated layers and design that make WinGuard the ideal choice for protecting and enhancing your home.
Laminated Glass
The Interlayer
Thermoplastic Spacer (TPS)
Insulating Air Space
UV Performance Coating
Outside Pane
Laminated Glass
The Interlayer
Thermoplastic Spacer (TPS)
UV Performance Coating
Outside Pane
Multi-Chambered Frame
WinGuard Aluminum
WinGuard Vinyl
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass in an impact-resistant window is comprised of two panes of glass bonded together with a transparent, shatter-resistant interlayer. This configuration enhances the structural integrity of the glass. Even in the event the glass does break, the inner layer keeps it safely in place. In addition to protection against break-ins and storm-driven debris, the layering provides sound attenuation.
The Interlayer
The interlayer, a crucial component of laminated glass, consists of a transparent, shatter-resistant membrane of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas (SG). This layer is designed to flex without breaking, preventing shattering and penetration, and ensuring that even if the glass cracks, your home stays sealed from the elements. While the glass can break when struck, the interlayer keeps broken glass in place and prevents it from becoming a hazard. Beyond its toughness, the interlayer is a guardian against ultraviolet rays, reducing the sun’s ability to fade your furniture and decor.
Thermoplastic Spacer (TPS)
The Thermoplastic Spacer (TPS) system is integral to the window’s insulating capabilities, keeping them fog-free and energy-efficient. The innovative system establishes an airtight and moisture-resistant seal that enhances the overall thermal insulation of the window assembly, prevents condensation between the glass panels, and maintains the air or gas-filled space between the panes.
Insulating Air Space
The insulating air space is situated between the laminated glass pane and the outer glass pane, where it creates a thermal and acoustic buffer. The space acts as a buffer, slowing down heat transfer and muffling noise. This thermal barrier is fundamental in reducing the U-factor of the window, a measure of its insulation performance that contributes to a stable interior environment. An option to incorporate inert argon gas within this space increases the window’s ability to inhibit heat transfer.
UV Performance Coating
The UV Performance Coating applied to the glass surface is engineered to reduce solar heat gain while maintaining high levels of visible light transmittance. The coating operates on a molecular level to reflect long-wave infrared energy, contributing to the window’s thermal efficiency. The reduction of UV and infrared light penetration not only decreases energy costs associated with cooling but also protects against the detrimental effects of UV exposure on interior fabrics and finishes.
Outside Pane
The outside pane of PGT windows does more than just offer a clear view of your neighborhood, it is also the first line of defense. It’s the first layer in a suite of technologies designed to keep your home secure, insulated, and energy-efficient. This single pane of glass enhances the window’s overall insulating properties, ensuring that your home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, all while maintaining the crisp, clear sightlines you love.
Outside Pane
The outside pane of PGT windows does more than just offer a clear view of your neighborhood, it is also the first line of defense. It’s the first layer in a suite of technologies designed to keep your home secure, insulated, and energy-efficient. This single pane of glass enhances the window’s overall insulating properties, ensuring that your home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, all while maintaining the crisp, clear sightlines you love.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass in an impact-resistant window is comprised of two panes of glass bonded together with a transparent, shatter-resistant interlayer. This configuration enhances the structural integrity of the glass. Even in the event the glass does break, the inner layer keeps it safely in place. In addition to protection against break-ins and storm-driven debris, the layering provides sound attenuation.
The Interlayer
The interlayer, a crucial component of laminated glass, consists of a transparent, shatter-resistant membrane of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas (SG). This layer is designed to flex without breaking, preventing shattering and penetration, and ensuring that even if the glass cracks, your home stays sealed from the elements. While the glass can break when struck, the interlayer keeps broken glass in place and prevents it from becoming a hazard. Beyond its toughness, the interlayer is a guardian against ultraviolet rays, reducing the sun’s ability to fade your furniture and decor.
Thermoplastic Spacer (TPS)
The Thermoplastic Spacer (TPS) system is integral to the window’s insulating capabilities, keeping them fog-free and energy-efficient. The innovative system establishes an airtight and moisture-resistant seal that enhances the overall thermal insulation of the window assembly, prevents condensation between the glass panels, and maintains the air or gas-filled space between the panes.
UV Performance Coating
The UV Performance Coating applied to the glass surface is engineered to reduce solar heat gain while maintaining high levels of visible light transmittance. The coating operates on a molecular level to reflect long-wave infrared energy, contributing to the window’s thermal efficiency. The reduction of UV and infrared light penetration not only decreases energy costs associated with cooling but also protects against the detrimental effects of UV exposure on interior fabrics and finishes.
Outside Pane
The outside pane of PGT windows does more than just offer a clear view of your neighborhood, it is also the first line of defense. It’s the first layer in a suite of technologies designed to keep your home secure, insulated, and energy-efficient. This single pane of glass enhances the window’s overall insulating properties, ensuring that your home stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, all while maintaining the crisp, clear sightlines you love.
Multi-Chambered Frame
PGT® WinGuard® Vinyl windows and doors feature a multi-chambered frame and warm-edge spacer technology to increase energy efficiency. Exclusive to vinyl, these custom-built frames are made of 100% virgin uPVC* vinyl, which contains micro ingredients that enhance heat and color stability. For ultimate climate control at the height of summer or the dead of winter, PGT® WinGuard® Vinyl windows and doors are the only choice you need to make. Unlike wood sashes and frames that split, rot, and require regular painting, vinyl frames are virtually maintenance-free and highly resistant to the environmental factors that limit the life of wooden frames.
Why Choose Impact Resistant Products?
PGT has led the impact industry for more than 40 years by improving safety standards, pushing innovation and delivering superior performance.
- Long-Term Savings
- Better Security
- Hurricane Protection
- Noise Reduction
- Energy Efficiency
- UV Protection
Explore How PGT WinGuard Products Protect Your Home
What is the difference between WinGuard Aluminum and WinGuard Vinyl?
Explore the options here. Click on each product line to learn more about the best sellers.
WinGuard® Aluminum
WinGuard® Vinyl
Preferred French Door
Pairing elegance and high functionality, this French door offers a premium option for elevating the look of patios, master bedrooms, and more especially when equipped with European-style hardware and optional matching sidelites.
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Preferred Sliding Glass Door
Our most popular impact-resistant product, this smooth operating door will add extra security to your home and let natural light into your living room or master bedroom.
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Horizontal Roller Window
Blending modern style and top-notch security, this easily operated window is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and more.
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Preferred Sliding Glass Door
Our most popular impact-resistant product, this smooth operating door will add extra security to your home and let natural light into your living room or master bedroom.
Explore product details.
Casement Window
Featuring a foldaway handle that allows you to open the window outward to the left or right, this window is ideal for rooms where you want to quickly rid your room of humidity, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
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Picture Window
The perfect companion or standalone window. Individual units can be mulled with a variety of sizes to create a unique vignette that’s custom to your home. Perfect in living rooms, kitchens, and master bedrooms..
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Impact Windows vs. Shutters
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Installing PGT impact windows and doors protects your home from much more than wind and debris during a storm. Unlike shutters, which are single purpose and need to be engaged before each storm, impact products provide year-round protection with added benefits like noise reduction, UV protection from sun damage, and increased security to guard against intruders. With Florida’s 230-250 sun days a year, energy efficiency is a must. When paired with energy efficient options such as low-E coatings, impact products provide the ultimate climate control for your home and can save you money on your utilities. Plus, impact products offer superior return on investment by increasing property value while protecting your home during a storm.
Cost efficient
Save money over time with better climate control.
24/7 UV Noise reduction
Sounds outside, stay outside.
24/7 UV protection
Let the light in without damaging UV rays.
No storage required
Declutter without the shutters.
No effort required
PGT products are on call 24/7.
24/7 UV Protection
Keep that curb appeal at a maximum.
24/7 Security protection
Enjoy the peace of mind of enhanced security.
The History of PGT Innovations
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PGT in Action
It’s one thing to say PGT Impact Windows and Doors protects your home from hurricane-force winds and other extreme weather but when put to the test during Hurricane Ian, PGT products passed with flying colors. Watch these case studies to see PGT impact windows and doors in action.
Review each case study below to learn more.
Fort Myers
Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on the homes along Fort Myers beach. However, newer homes built to modern code using PGT impact windows and doors sustained little damage.
Margaritaville
Resorts are built as escapes from stress, but in Florida, ensuring paradise stays that way means building elevated resorts to modern code. Margaritaville did one better, installing PGT 770 Sliding Glass Doors.
Matlacha
On the island of Matlacha, Hurricane Ian officially made landfall. But not even 160+ mph winds, significant storm surge, or the eyewall of the hurricane could damage a PGT 770 Sliding Glass Door.
Making an Impact in the Community
Review each case study below to learn more.
