4 Tips for Maintaining Hurricane Impact Windows and Glass Door Systems
After installing high-impact windows and doors for hurricane-protection in your commercial or residential building, you need to conduct proper maintenance to prolong their longevity. A good window and glass door system with an impact-resistant glazing system of +105/-130 will protect your building and tenants from strong hurricane-force winds traveling at more than 100MPH.
Even more, a top-quality glass door system is a substantial investment that you pay top-dollar for. As such, it makes sense to protect your investment to avoid frequent repairs that can be costly in the long run.
Here are 4 tips to help you maintain hurricane glass windows and doors.
1. Engage the Experienced Professionals to Install Your Glass Door System
Hurricane proof windows and doors are as good as their installation. Poor installation of impact-resistant doors and windows will render them useless and increase their chances of shattering when strong hurricanes strike. After buying the best quality impact glass doors, you want the most qualified contractor to handle the installation.
Glass door systems that are expertly installed will require fewer repairs. Regular maintenance will be enough to keep the hurricane-resistant doors in pristine condition. Even before you draw up a maintenance schedule, ensure that your hurricane glass windows and doors are installed by an expert.
2. Check for Wear and Tear in the Coating of the Glass
High impact glass doors and windows are usually protected by a special shield coating and a polyvinyl butyral interlayer. The coating reinforces the strength of the glass to prevent the debris and objects hurled by hurricanes from breaking the glass. After a hurricane, you should have your maintenance team inspect the glass doors properly to check for any abrasions, cracks, or scratches.
If you find that the top coating is disturbed, you should replace it with a new film. Small imperfections on the coating can be disastrous when another hurricane strikes. Additionally, cracks on the coating may allow harmful Ultra-violet rays to enter your house.
3. Keep The Windows and Doors Clean and Remove Dirt and Debris From The Frame
You probably need to train your maintenance team on the best way to clean the glass door system. While regular cleaning with water and soap will remove any dust that may have accumulated on the glass surface, it does not get rid of the dirt trapped in the frames. The cleaning crew needs to go the extra mile to wipe off the debris trapped between the glass and the frame.
When left to accumulate over a long period, the dust may cause the glass to crack at the edges. The small cracks will expand with time, and may even cause the entire glass to collapse during a strong hurricane. That is why your cleaners should take time to remove any dust trapped in the frames. Creatively cleaning with a wet cloth is enough to remove the trapped dust.
4. Don’t Add Extra Film To The Impact Glass Doors
Your impact glass doors should be installed as they are, without adding any extra films. High-quality impact-resistant glass doors and windows are made using 6005 T aviation-grade aluminum 1/8” thickness, have sealed galvanized steel reinforcements, and a high-grade woodpile with an integral plastic fin. They also undergo a series of large missile wind and small missile wind testing to certify quality.
Impact glass door manufacturers go to great lengths to find the best and sturdy materials to make top-quality glass doors and windows. Therefore, there is no need to add extra films to your glass doors and windows, as you will most likely interfere with their quality.
Installing high impact windows and glass door systems is the best way to protect your building from hurricanes. Especially in hurricane-prone states like Florida, you must have hurricane resistant doors and windows for your buildings. You will get state-of-the-art glass door systems from the reputable impact window manufacturers in Florida.
