Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals – Frame Reinforcing

To withstand hurricane-force wind pressures, windows and doors need extensive anchoring and either aluminum or steel reinforcement. Storefront window jambs may be anchored to the structure, and this prevents deflection under pressure.

Window mullions and sliding door interlocks need stronger reinforcements at 10' and 12' tall, adding to the weight and cost. The various combination of options can get complex, and system design pressures need to be checked against the project's required pressures in every opening.

Glass interlayer types also contribute to the design pressure rating, and going to SGP is a significant upgrade in cost. Going from 120" even to 122" might result in a 20% overall cost increase due to glass and reinforcing upgrades required by the product approval pressure matrix.