16 May 2024
Essential Insights on Understanding, Developing, Testing, and Marketing Hurricane-Resistant Glass and Glazing
The hurricane market is a large and growing market, and there is a lot of demand for hurricane-resistant glass and glazing. If you are a building product manufacturer or architect, embarking on a journey into the lucrative hurricane market demands a comprehensive approach. In this blog, Jose Colon, director of U.S. Sales for the Building and Products division of Intertek, discusses the importance of understanding the market dynamics, developing a product tailored to meet these demands, undergoing testing and certification to ensure building code compliance, and effective marketing and sales strategies.
Understanding the Market
The hurricane market is a complex market with a variety of different stakeholders. The key stakeholders in the hurricane market include:
- Homeowners: Homeowners are the primary customers in the hurricane market. Homeowners are interested in hurricane-resistant glass and glazing to protect their homes and families from hurricanes.
- Businesses: Businesses are also interested in hurricane-resistant glass and glazing to protect their buildings and inventory from hurricanes.
- Building contractors: Building contractors are responsible for installing hurricane-resistant glass and glazing in homes and businesses.
- Architects: Architects design homes and businesses, and they may specify hurricane-resistant glass and glazing in their designs.
- Insurance companies: Insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners and businesses who install hurricane-resistant glass and glazing.
Regulations
The hurricane market is governed by a variety of different regulations. The most relevant regulations are the building codes and standards that govern the construction of homes and businesses in hurricane-prone areas.
The most important building code for the hurricane market is the Florida Building Code (FBC). The FBC sets forth the minimum requirements for glass and glazing in hurricane-prone areas. These requirements vary depending on the wind zone in which the building is located. Florida is divided into four wind zones, with Wind Zone 4 being the most severe.
In addition to the FBC, there are several other building codes and standards that are relevant to the hurricane market. These include the International Building Code (IBC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7-16 standard, and the ASTM International American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1996 standard.
Developing a Product
Once you understand the market and the regulations, you need to develop a product that meets the needs of the customers. This may involve developing a new product or modifying an existing product.
When developing a hurricane-resistant glass and glazing product, there are a number of factors to consider, including:
- Wind resistance: The product must be able to withstand the high winds that can occur during a hurricane.
- Impact resistance: The product must be able to withstand the impact of flying debris.
- Water resistance: The product must be able to prevent water from entering the building.
- Energy efficiency: The product should be energy efficient to help reduce energy costs.
- Cost: The product should be affordable for homeowners and businesses.
Testing and Certification
Once you have developed a product, you need to have it tested and certified by a qualified laboratory. This will ensure that your product meets the applicable building codes and standards.
There are a number of different laboratories that can test and certify hurricane-resistant glass and glazing products. Some of the most well-known laboratories include the Miami-Dade County Product Control Division and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
Marketing and Sales
Once your product has been tested and certified, you need to start marketing and selling your product. This may involve developing a marketing plan and reaching out to potential customers.
When marketing your product, you should focus on the benefits of hurricane-resistant glass and glazing. These benefits include:
- Protection from flying debris: Hurricane-resistant glass and glazing can help to protect buildings and their occupants from the high winds and flying debris that can occur during a hurricane.
- Reduced insurance costs: Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners and businesses who install hurricane-resistant glass and glazing.
- Increased energy efficiency: Hurricane-resistant glass and glazing can help to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing air leakage and heat transfer.
- Improved aesthetics: Hurricane-resistant glass and glazing can be available in a variety of styles and colors.
To learn more about entering the hurricane market, tune into our Natural Disaster Hurricane Series of on-demand webinars, featuring a three-part hurricane Q&A session with our in-house experts.
Jose Colon
Regional Sales Director
Jose Colon is the Director – North America Sales for Intertek's Building & Construction Products division. With 28 years of experience in the Building Products testing/certification industry, Jose has the experience of testing in the lab and in the field which allows him to be able to help clients and Intertek in many ways for all types of projects. Over the years Jose has also represented Intertek in many different building product trade organizations and associations by not just participating, but by actually helping write the test methods and standards that we test to today. Jose is a Red Raider from Texas Tech university with a B.S. in Civil Engineering (May 1996).
FAQs
Use sandbags, anchors and rope to tie down materials. Cover materials with tarp or plastic sheeting to protect them from water. Make sure backup generators are properly fueled. Secure the structure by boarding up doors and windows, and by placing sandbags around the building to protect from water.
What architectural techniques can be used to minimize the impact of hurricanes on building structures? ›
These technologies include reinforcing gabled roofs, creating secondary water barriers in roofs, and installing hurricane straps and clips to ensure a roof stays in place despite high winds. Bracing of gable-end roofs is recommended to help fortify these vulnerable roof components during hurricanes.
What are the best building materials for hurricanes? ›
The best building material to withstand the conditions in a hurricane is steel-reinforced concrete. Concrete is strong, tough, and (relatively) cheap. It's also very bulky compared to other building materials, so it's very good at withstanding repeated impacts from flying debris.
What organization will help provide recommendations on building design for withstanding a hurricane? ›
Implementing the guidance provided by FEMA will allow for your building or structure to withstand the harsh impacts of hurricanes, thus reducing damages and keeping building occupants safe.
How do builders make sure buildings are able to withstand a hurricane? ›
Aspects like hurricane strapping can be added to a wood-framed building to add additional hurricane resilience. Shear walls are critical to prevent the house from tipping over under heavy winds. Shear walls have to be able to withstand the hurricane's force and transfer it to the building's foundation.
How do engineers design buildings to withstand hurricanes? ›
Resilient Materials
For example, impact-resistant windows, doors, and double-paneled walls reinforced with concrete make for a durable and weather-resistant structure. These items work together to support the structural integrity of a building by preventing wind damage and water intrusion.
What are two ways that architects can lessen the impact of a building on the environment? ›
Architects can prioritize passive design strategies that capitalize on natural elements like sunlight, wind and shading to minimize a building's energy consumption. Orientation, building shape, window placement and shading devices can optimize natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
What is the best architecture for hurricanes? ›
Round house
A round, or multiple-sided home, is more resistant to hurricane strength winds. The round design allows the wind to blow around the home, reducing the build-up of pressure on one side.
What architecture withstands hurricanes? ›
Reinforced Concrete Construction Reinforced concrete is renowned for its strength and durability, making it an ideal choice for hurricane-resistant buildings. Concrete structures can withstand high wind speeds and provide resistance against flying debris.
What is hurricane proof building material? ›
Poured concrete and ICF construction are both becoming more popular as framing materials, because they're stronger and can better withstand natural disasters. Both materials offer a lot more stability than wood, and are less affected by things like moisture. They also hold up better to high wind speeds and impact.
Moisture-resistance against wind-driven rains and surging water levels, wind-resistance with a continuous load path, and impact-resistant walls are essential features of a hurricane-resistant home.
How do hurricanes affect buildings? ›
Hurricane winds impact homes and other buildings in two different ways: 1) differential pressures act on the building envelope, which includes roofs and walls (and their associated components), and 2) wind-borne debris may strike a building, with windows and doors the most susceptible to impact.
How are buildings designed to withstand natural disasters? ›
Strong materials like steel and concrete bolster the exterior of the home and indoors the industrial feel is tempered with western red cedar ceilings. Built with sandbags, barbed wire, and earth, these structures are resistant to natural disasters.
How do you prepare a building for a hurricane? ›
Preparing your home for a hurricane when there's a storm coming
- Protect doors and windows. Cover the windows and doors without storm shutters with plywood. ...
- Secure loose objects. ...
- Fill tubs and freeze bags of water. ...
- Sandbag. ...
- Turn off utilities. ...
- Battery-operated radio. ...
- Stay informed. ...
- Plan your evacuation route.
Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors
Windows and doors can be vulnerable points in a storm. Hurricane-resistant designs feature impact-resistant windows and doors, reducing the risk of penetration by flying debris. Other features such as operable shutters or integrate hurricane protections could be a valuable asset.
What are ways to protect against hurricanes? ›
Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit and ready to install. Buy supplies before the hurricane season rather than waiting for the pre-storm rush.
What technology is used to prevent hurricanes? ›
OceanTherm aims to do just that by taking advantage of cooler water in the ocean's depths. The company's technology is a “bubble curtain”, which is a perforated pipe lowered in water. This pipe is placed across a stretch of ocean, such as a narrow straight, and works by supplying bubbles of compressed air to the deep.
What protects against hurricanes? ›
Protective Actions
Reinforce or strengthen your home to reduce the risk of damage from hurricane winds. The best way to reinforce or strengthen a structure is to: Install hurricane shutters, cover windows with laminate window glass or impact-resistant glazing, or board up windows with exterior grade plywood.
