What are Design Pressures? When discussing ratings for window and door products, Design Pressures are a numerical value (in pounds per square foot) that defines the structural wind loading capability of a particular product and determines where and how a product may be installed. These Design Pressure Ratings are determined in test laboratories through severe hurricane simulation testing. Design Pressures are how window and door products are measured and differentiate products from one another.

In short, it determines what products are stronger and will offer the most protection from the dangers associated with hurricanes. When comparing windows, higher design pressures equate to stronger windows and better protection.  

Design Pressures are rated in both positive and negative pressures. The positive pressure will represent the amount of pressure that is pushing against a building. The negative pressure represents the amount of pressure that is present while pulling away from the building. When referring to building codes and design pressure specifications, the negative pressure is most destructive, and products that posses higher negative design pressures provide the most protection during a storm.
 
It is important to understand that all hurricane impact windows and doors are not created equal. There are many different levels that windows and doors can qualify as hurricane protection systems. Simply being rated an impact window does not qualify that window in all situations or offer a homeowner the protection they need or desire.
When choosing the proper impact window and door package for your home it is critical to know the difference between Miles Per Hour and Design Pressures.

The State of Florida has developed the following Wind-Borne Debris map to determine a minimum standard and estimate of what the potential wind speeds (in miles per hour) would be if a hurricane should hit a particular region. Miles per Hour is used in determining the wind speed zone a building is located in, and has no bearing on the structural integrity or strength of a particular product.

When comparing the strength of impact products, the product’s certified Design Pressures will dictate which window and/or door is a stronger product and offer the best protection.

When referring to the map, windows and doors must achieve a minimum Design Pressure to be installed in each wind speed zone based on the location of the building, height of the building, and size of the windows and/or doors being installed.          

When determining the proper impact window and door package to protect your home or building, one of the single most important things to determine, and how to compare products is by the Design Pressures of a product.

The Protector Series Impact Windows & Doors have been designed specifically for the hurricane protection market. The Protector Series offers windows that have been tested to sizes and Design Pressures that other Vinyl impact windows have not been able to obtain. The Protector Series product line will provide a homeowner the optimal protection from flying debris and hurricane force winds.