HURRICANE & CYCLONE RESISTANT WINDOWS AND DOORS
In areas where there are excessive wind speeds and a need to get protection from flying debris, Steelguard's steel joinery can be designed to meet these requirements.
The Importance of Hurricane and Cyclone Resistance
It’s important for individuals and builders in cyclone-prone areas to choose windows that comply with local building codes and standards. Additionally, professional installation is crucial to ensure that the windows perform as intended during severe weather events. Cyclone windows are an essential component of resilient building design in regions where cyclones are a recurrent threat. They provide enhanced protection for both people and property, reducing the risk of damage during extreme weather conditions.
Windows For Severe Weather Conditions
WINDOW FEATURES
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Impact-Resistant Glass – One of the primary features of cyclone windows is the use of impact-resistant glass. This glass is typically made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) between two layers of glass. If the glass breaks, the interlayer holds the glass fragments together, reducing the risk of debris entering the building.
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Durability and Strength – cyclone windows are constructed with materials that enhance their overall strength and durability. This includes reinforced frames made of materials like aluminium, steel, or vinyl.
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Wind Resistance – These windows are designed to resist high wind pressures associated with hurricanes. They undergo testing to ensure they meet specific wind load requirements based on regional building codes and standards.
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Water Resistance – cyclone-resistant windows are equipped with tight seals and weatherstripping to prevent water infiltration during heavy rains and storms. This helps protect the interior of the building from water damage.
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Structural Reinforcements – The frames of cyclone windows may be reinforced with additional materials to enhance their structural integrity. Reinforcements can include steel or aluminium components.
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Code Compliance – Buildings in cyclone-prone regions are subject to strict building codes and regulations. Cyclone windows must meet or exceed these codes to ensure the overall structural integrity and safety of the building during severe weather events.
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Energy Efficiency – Many modern cyclone windows also incorporate features to improve energy efficiency, such as low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings and insulated glass. These features help with insulation and can contribute to energy savings in both heating and cooling.
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It’s important for individuals and builders in cyclone-prone areas to choose windows that comply with local building codes and standards. Additionally, professional installation is crucial to ensure that the windows perform as intended during severe weather events.
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Cyclone windows are an essential component of resilient building design in regions where cyclones are a recurrent threat. They provide enhanced protection for both people and property, reducing the risk of damage during extreme weather conditions.
JORDAN • STEEL FABRICATOR
Jordan is part of our fabrication team at Steelguard, working on the production of high-quality steel windows and doors. His work contributes to systems designed for strength and resilience, where accuracy accuracy plays a key role in overall performance.
This steel performance is inherently suited to withstand severe weather conditions, offering superior strength and structural integrity compared to many alternative materials. Paired with the specialised glazing systems we use, our steel windows and doors are designed to provide increased resistance to severe weather.
Featured Project
OMAHA BEACH HOUSE
OMAHA - AUCKLAND
Frequently Asked Questions: Hurricane And Cyclone Windows And Doors
What Are Hurricane Or Cyclone Windows?
Hurricane and cyclone windows are reinforced window systems designed to provide increased resistance against severe wind, pressure changes and flying debris. They often use impact resistant glass, stronger frames, specialist seals and secure fixing methods to help protect the building envelope during major storm events.
Are Cyclone Windows The Same As Standard Storm Windows?
Not always. Standard storm windows may offer basic weather protection, but cyclone windows are usually designed for higher wind loads, stronger impact resistance and more demanding site conditions. The right solution depends on the building location, exposure, opening size, structure and local compliance requirements.
How Do You Protect Glass Windows From Strong Winds?
Protection starts with choosing the right glass, frame, fixings and installation method. Impact glass can help hold broken fragments together, while reinforced frames and correctly detailed fixings help the window system resist pressure and movement. For exposed sites, the window should be considered as part of the wider building design, not as an isolated product.
Are Cyclone Proof Windows Actually Possible?
The term “cyclone proof” is commonly used, but it is better to think in terms of cyclone-resistant or impact-resistant performance. No window can be guaranteed against every possible storm condition. A properly designed system can, however, provide a much higher level of resistance compared with standard glazing and lightweight framing.
Can Steel Frames Improve Cyclone Window Performance?
Steel frames can support cyclone and hurricane window design because of their strength, rigidity and ability to be custom fabricated for demanding openings. When combined with appropriate glazing, seals and fixings, steel-framed windows and doors can provide a robust option for buildings exposed to strong wind, debris and harsh weather.
Do Hurricane Doors Need Impact Resistant Glass?
If the door includes glazing and is being used in a severe weather application, impact resistant glass may be required or recommended depending on the project. Solid steel doors, glazed hurricane doors and reinforced door systems each need to be specified around the site conditions, wind load requirements and intended level of protection.
Where Are Cyclone Windows And Doors Commonly Used?
Cyclone and hurricane window systems are often used in coastal homes, exposed commercial buildings, public facilities, infrastructure projects and buildings in regions affected by tropical storms or severe wind events. They can also be useful where owners want added resilience, security and long-term durability from their window and door systems.