Practical guide to participate in the US hurricane glazing market

Stefan Hiss, Kuraray Europe GmbH, Division TROSIFOL

In the past 20 years, hurricanes have been responsible for thousands of deaths and millions of dollars of damage. As a result, there has been a growing demand for new building requirements for the US coastal area.

Preserving the envelope of the building is one of the most important steps to avoid an increase in internal pressure and to maintain the structure. The glazed openings are one of the most susceptible components of the building envelope. Hurricane resistant laminated glass withstands hurricaneforce winds and even the glass cracks upon impact by wind-borne debris the glazing (interlayer) continues to protect the building occupants and contents against damage. Hurricane resistant laminated glass offers an invisible protection 24hours a day and eliminates the need for shutter systems or plywood. Hurricane resistant laminated glass consists of at least 2 glass panes and a high performance interlayer mainly PVB film. It provides also several additional benefits as security, safety and sound control properties. Hurricane resistant tests are carried out on the entire system. This paper shows which tests are required and which codes and standards have to be considered for a hurricane resistant window or door system.

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The Authors

Mr. Stefan Hiss Application Manager Kuraray Europe GmbH, Division Trosifol -studied chemical engineering / process engineering at the technical university of Karlsruhe, Germany -get in the glass business at BGT Bischoff Glastechnik, R&D department in 1997 -engineer at app... Read more