Windows tested for storm protection

Image courtesy Rehau.

In the wake of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, Rehau offers impact-rated unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) windows for storm protection purposes.

The company’s single-hungs, casements, fixed windows and tilt-turn windows are tested to meet hurricane zone building standards or approved for Zone III wind speeds. The line ranges from builder-grade to high-end replacement options for commercial and residential buildings.

“We are committed to addressing the growing need for windows and doors that protect against storm damage,” says Justin Taylor, product development engineer for Rehau’s window solutions division. “While all of our systems are robust enough to be equipped with impact glass, the cost of this approach caused us to look for a better solution, which we now offer as the Raushield storm protection system on our side-load single hung.”

Compared to using impact glass, he says, the technology reduces production lead time by at least two weeks and cost by at least 35%.

The Rehau Exelis 190 hung-slider with Raushield features an 83-mm frame with integral anchor points, allowing for installation of storm protection fabric in front of standard double-pane glass, to achieve its impact rating. The Exelis 190 side-load hung-slider with 68.6-mm frame is also approved for Zone III wind.

All of the company’s systems reportedly meet or exceed CSA Group’s structural, air and water standards.