It seems as though the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season will be more active than originally predicted.  Back in May, forecasters predicted 11-17 named storms with a 45% chance of increased activity, 35% chance of a normal activity season, and a 20% chance of a below-average season.  As of yesterday (August 9, 2017), forecasters’ predictions increased to 14-19 named storms with a 60% likelihood of an above-normal season and dropped their predictions for a normal season by 5% and below-average season by 10%.

An average 6-month Atlantic Hurricane Season totals 12 named storms with 6 of those storms developing into hurricanes.  So far, the Atlantic has seen 6 named storms in just 9 weeks!  In fact, NOAA has suggested that 2017 could be the most active season since 2010.  Environmental factors such as warmer water, wind and air patterns in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and the absence of El Nino, have contributed to creating ideal severe-weather storm conditions.

 “Today’s updated outlook underscores the need for everyone to know their true vulnerabilities to storms and storm surge,” said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. “As we enter the height of hurricane season, it’s important for everyone to know who issues evacuation orders in their community, heed the warnings, update their insurance and have a preparedness plan.”

As we move into the peak of hurricane season, when hurricanes are most frequent and at their strongest, NOAA urges coastal residents to make sure they have their hurricane preparedness plans in place and to monitor the latest forecasts.

Savvy homeowners have known for years that energy-efficient products will help them save money on their cooling and heating costs.  But what makes a door energy efficient?  The most common features of energy-efficient doors include the use of materials such as fiberglass, wood cladding, or steel, with a polyurethane foam core, tightly-fitted weather stripping, and insulated glass panes (if door design includes glass). 

Energy Star, a program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been tasked with identifying and promoting energy–efficient products in order to reduce energy consumption.

To be considered energy-efficient, products must be:

1. Are manufactured by an ENERGY STAR partner,
2. Are independently tested, certified, and verified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), and
3. Have NFRC ratings that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

But for homeowners living in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) energy-efficiency is just one part of the equation as potential damage from severe weather storms requires protection.  Recognizing the need for energy-efficient impact products, manufacturers began manufacturing energy-efficient impact windows and doors.

Estate Entrance Series 450 Doors:

The Estate Entrances Collection from CGI combines style, beauty, and strength into a unique line of entry doors on the market today.  The Collection offers a wide variety of door styles, finishes, hardware choices, glass types, and sizes.  In addition to an amazing looking entry for your home, you also get a hurricane and intruder resistant product that is durable and requires much less maintenance over time than wood doors.

• 2” thick (nominal) door panels
• Complete frame and threshold weatherstripping
• LoE 366 and LoE 270 (optional)

Therma-Tru Impact Doors:

Therma-Tru’s impact rated products are a better way to protect your home against severe storm damage, including heavy winds, rain, and flying debris. And, like other Therma-Tru products, they offer beauty and style for strong curb appeal.

• Enhanced performance against air/water infiltration by maximizing the seal between the door and the frame.
• A polyurethane foam core. Therma-Tru fiberglass doors have a solid polyurethane foam core which is among the most energy-efficient door materials available today.
• Energy-efficient glass. Most Therma-Tru decorative, as well as privacy and textured, glass is triple-pane for reduced heat flow. Factory-coated Low-E glass options deliver exceptional energy efficiency.

Plastpro:

In addition to offering energy-efficient impact options, Plastpro also brings the latest technology advancements to the industry to meet customer concerns. Hydroshield Technology® protects against water infiltration on all sides of the door, eliminating warp, corrosion, rot, delamination, mold, and mildew.

• Full-length composite top and bottom rails – Additional non-porous protection keeps water from seeping into the door and helps prevent the buildup of mold or mildew.
• Fiberglass reinforced skin – Fiberglass is unmarred by the wear and tear of everyday use and is unaffected by moisture and humidity. Our doors will not rot, splinter or warp like wood, and won’t dent or delaminate like steel.
• Full-length composite stiles – All Plastpro fiberglass entry doors feature full-length composite stiles to prevent water infiltration into the door and ensures our door will never warp, rot, or rust.

As coastal cities along the Gulf of Mexico brace for Tropical Storm Cindy’s (anticipated) landfall in the next 12-24 hours, residents of Florida’s panhandle are already experiencing some of its effects.  Just yesterday, a large waterspout was sighted off of the coast near St. George Island, Florida.  This could be the first of several sightings since conditions will remain favorable for tornadoes.  Panhandle residents were also advised to prepare for life-threatening flash-floods.  The National Hurricane Center has predicted rainfall between 6-9inches and storm surges between 1-3feet above ground level.  If Tropical Storm Cindy makes landfall it will be the first storm to do so during the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, which has stayed true to NOAA’s “above average” activity prediction. So far three named storms have formed in the Atlantic Ocean, with Tropical Storm Arlene occurring off-season.  

NOAA has predicted an “above-average” 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and we have already seen a noticeable increase in activity.  Just last month Tropical Storm Arlene became the first named storm of the 2017 season and is the only other named tropical storm ever recorded for the month of April.  Florida residents can take advantage of Florida’s Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday (June 2-4, 2017) and purchase tax-free hurricane supplies such as flashlights, batteries, generators, and more.  For a full list of tax-exempt items see the Florida Revenue website.

“The outlook reflects our expectation of a weak or non-existent El Nino, near- or above-average sea-surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and average or weaker-than-average vertical wind shear in that same region,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., lead seasonal hurricane forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

1. Hurricanes only occur during hurricane season.

While hurricanes are most likely to form during the official hurricane season, hurricanes and tropical storms can form year-round.  As of April 2017, the Atlantic Ocean has already churned out tropical storm Arlene (April 19 – 21, 2017), and 2016 saw two pre-season storms: Alex (category 1 hurricane) and Bonnie (tropical storm).  In fact, since 2001 there have been at least 18 “off season” storms.

2. Taping windows for protection.

Taping windows in preparation for a hurricane provides a false sense of security and offers no protection.  Not only does taping windows not protect against damage, it can create larger, deadlier shards of glass when the wind blows through a home.  Use impact windows and doors or shutters to protect your home against a hurricane.

3. Evacuations aren’t necessary.

State officials will err on the side of caution when issuing an evacuation notice.  While it may seem inconvenient, it is important to have an evacuation plan and follow any mandatory evacuations.  Storm paths are unpredictable and you need time to get out safely. If you wait for the storm to hit, you could be too late.

Homeowners replacing their front doors with impact-resistant swing doors can turn their entryway into a work of art using the Vetrilite Overlay Art Glass System.

Vetrilite has created a patent-pending, one-step process to manufacture true works of art for impact glass doors up to 49” wide and up to any height*!  Using a combination of textures, patterns, and colors, they are able to create the illusion of stained glass, as well as etched glass.  Custom designs are also available thanks to Vetrilite’s advanced digital imaging software and 3d technology.

In addition to creating beautiful, custom doors, Vetrilite Overlay Art Glass System is compatible with LowE and meets energy, structural and impact code compliance.  Furthermore, it is scratch and UV resistant, and comes with a 5-year warranty.  

Hurricane season is rapidly approaching.  In addition to destructive high-speed winds produced by hurricanes, other damages such as flooding, tornadoes, power outages, often affect homeowners.  To help residents prepare for potential severe weather storms, the National Weather Service – responsible for issuing hazardous tropical weather issue watches, warnings, and forecasts, is hosting Hurricane Preparedness Week from May 7-13, 2017.  Hurricane preparation tips include risk assessment, evacuation planning, disaster supplies checklist, and protecting your home from a severe weather storm.

For homeowners interested in protecting their homes with impact windows and doors, it is important to remember that manufacturer lead times (the time it takes to make and ship your impact products) and weather conditions affect the timeline for installation.  On average it takes 4-6 weeks for items such as relatively plain impact windows and doors.  However, specialty sizes or impact products with intricate designs can take as long as 12 weeks!

It is important that regardless how a homeowner chooses to protect his or her home, the methods used are up to code.  In south Florida there are two “hurricane zones” in which an impact product might be approved for; WBDR (wind-borne debris region) and HVHZ (high-velocity hurricane zone).  When shopping for impact windows and impact doors it is important to know which zone you live in as products approved for WBDR might not necessarily be approved for HVHZ.  However, products approved to HVHZ surpass the requirements for WBDR and should not present an issue.

Don’t get caught without protection.  If you are unsure of whether or not your home is protected call us today!  Our helpful and knowledgeable staff members are happy to help.  

Sometimes all you want to do is open the window and let in the fresh air!  While manufacturers offer impact doors with decorative impact glass inserts, the impact glass is generally fixed and does not open.  Windsert Door Systems has come up with a solution by creating an impact-glass-window-insert for doors and sidelites. 

Windsert Ventilating Doors inserts come in three sizes – full, three-quarters, and half – and have eight different options for tint, allowing homeowners to customize to select doors that appeal to their style and meet their privacy needs.  Each impact window insert comes with an impact-resistant, premium grade, High Tensile 304 Stainless Security mesh screen. 

In addition to being secure, Windsert Ventilating Doors are versatile.  They are perfect for beachside residents and are an excellent replacement for jalousie style doors, which are common in condominiums.  Other uses include patio doors, cabana bath doors, and side garage doors.  

Impact Security Screen Testing

Impact glass is resilient but not unbreakable.  On occasion, a homeowner may find that he or she needs to replace the impact glass in his or her home.  Unless there has been damage to the frame, many times just the glass can be replaced.  If there has been damaged to the frame, more likely than not, the entire unit will need to be replaced.  It is ideal for homeowners to take several pictures of the damage from various angles from both inside and outside to send companies when requesting repair estimates.

Existing Impact Products:

Replacing glass in impact products such as windows and doors can be a fairly simple process.  Once a homeowner has placed a work order with either the company that did the installation or with the manufacturer a service technician will come out to the home and assess the damage.  Using specialized tools, the technician will deglaze (remove the adhesives) the impact window/door and replace the damaged impact glass insert with an intact piece of laminate glass of the same size and thickness.  Once the pane of laminate glass is securely fitted within the frame the technician will seal everything.

Non-Impact Entry Doors:

Homeowners can spend a significant amount of time selecting a front/entry for their home, so it is no surprise that many homeowners would like to keep their existing door frames and swap out their existing glass for decorative impact glass.  Unfortunately, many homeowners are disappointed to learn that this is not a possibility. 

The reason for this due to how impact products are approved.  The entirety of the product (frames, material, glass, size, shape, and assembly) goes through rigorous testing, which includes testing pressure ratings, impact ratings, and water infiltration.  When an impact product is approved, it is approved for the product as a whole, rather than just the parts.  Replacing a non-impact door glass with impact glass does not meet the qualifications for Wind-Borne Debris Regions (WBDR) and High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) approval.

Luckily, homeowners are happy to discover that they have many options when it comes to approved, impact-rated front/entry doors.  

When it comes to choosing impact products, the number of options available can be surprising.  While homeowners can rest assured that most impact sliding glass doors offer benefits such as hurricane protection, potential insurance premium discounts, reduced energy bills, noise reduction, burglar resistance, and added home value, choosing the option that is best suited for their needs may present a challenge.

Sliding Series 150 Doors

The CGI Sentinel 150 Door offers an economic option for sliding glass doors.  The 150 door offers up to 4 tracks and 8 panels.  It comes in either bronze or white aluminum, with mitered corner detailing, and a screen that is built as tough as many door panels.

Sliding Series 560 Doors

CGI’s Estate Collection Sliding Glass Doors are designed with luxury homes in mind.  This best in class Sliding Glass Door is available in many sizes and configurations including two track (up to 4 panels) and three track (up to 6 panel) configurations, with or without, pocketed doors and is available with individual door panels as large as 5′ x 10′.

8100 Series Aluminum Sliding Glass Door

WinDoor’s 8100 Series sliding glass doors are the cream of the crop.  They are available in 90 and 135 degree corners with multi-track configurations and come standard with dual locking systems and strong, durable 3” rollers.

Sliding Glass Door SGD770

PGT’s WinGuard SGD770 impact sliding glass door is a cost-effective option for homeowners interested in pocket doors, and 90-degree or 135-degree corner door configurations.

Fixed impact windows, also known as picture windows, are a versatile impact window option that is seen in virtually every home.  By definition, fixed windows do not move.  They can be used alone or in conjunction with a moving window, making fixed windows an ideal solution for homeowners with atypical window openings.  Additionally, fixed windows are less expensive than moving windows, are energy efficient, and require minimal maintenance.

Unobstructed Views

For Florida homeowners who would like an unobstructed view, fixed impact windows are the way to go.  Depending on the manufacturer, fixed impact windows can be made as large as 32 square feet, while still protecting against high-speed wind and flying debris! 

Small Openings

Alternatively, fixed impact windows can be manufactured much smaller than windows that open.  Homes with multiple small openings often will use fixed impact windows to let in light.

High or Tall Windows

When windows are too high to reach or opening them can post safety hazards, fixed impact windows are the choice solution to allow natural light.  Additionally, fixed impact windows can be used in combination with moving windows to create unusual designs or fill long openings.

Living on or near the coastline comes with many perks, but as most homeowners [situated near the coast] know it also comes with additional responsibilities/requirements.  Besides needing extra protection when bearing the brunt of severe weather storms, many homeowners are also required to comply with sea turtle protection ordinances.  Upon hatching, baby sea turtles instinctively move toward the moonlight and into the ocean.  However, over the years as artificial lights became more common along the coastline, the sea turtle hatchlings, confused by the light, would make their way inland where they would die of dehydration or consumed by predators. 

In an effort to preserve the dwindling sea turtle population, many local government agencies enforce ordinances designed protect the sea turtles.  One such regulation includes reducing light pollution during mating/hatching season.  Many homeowners have chosen to retrofit their homes with impact “turtle glass” as a solution to both local wildlife ordinances and to protect their home from severe weather storms.  But what is turtle glass?  That answer is surprisingly simple.  Turtle glass contains an additional layer of tint, which acts as a filter to reduce light.  

FEB. 2017, DAVIE, FL. –  Atlantic Armor has earned the home service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of customer service to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2016.

This achievement is particularly significant as Angie’s List experienced unprecedented member growth in 2016. More than 1.6 million consumers, many of whom were eager to quickly hire highly qualified service pros, joined Angie’s List after the company added a new, free membership tier.

“Companies that can meet higher demands without missing a beat in their exemplary performance standards truly do stand apart from their peers,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Only a fraction of the Windows and Doors companies in South Florida were able to do it.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must also be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

“We are honored to be recognized by both our customers and Angie’s List for this prestigious award,” said Atlantic Armor President John Corbett.  “We strive to provide excellent customer service from start to finish, as well as quality products and installations.”

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For more than 21 years, Angie’s List restricted access to its verified reviews to consumers who paid membership fees. When the company removed that barrier, some companies worried that the new, non-paying members would not be as engaged as members of the past. Experience has shown, however, that these newly added members are just as engaged – across all age groups – as prior members. Also, because the company continues to adhere to its review verification process, there has been no degradation of review quality.

“The biggest change at Angie’s List is that we are connecting even more consumers to high quality service professionals,” Hicks said. “And that’s good for everyone.” 

ODL has added three new designs to their expansive collection of impact-resistant glass door inserts.

Linen:

Whether reminiscent of a soft linen shirt or an elegantly embroidered linen tablecloth, Linen's lightly etched glass and woven pattern complement casual or formal entryway designs. The translucent white glass and soft moiré of Linen's threads give it a high privacy level.

Crosswalk:

Modern design comes to life through strong linear lines interrupted by bold pops of gray glass. Crosswalk's look is abstract, modern, and stylish. Crosswalk offers a high privacy level.

Waterside:

Natural, free-flowing movement extends the length of Waterside and brings to mind a flowing river or grasses swaying in the breeze. Waterside offers a high privacy level.

Not all impact windows and impact doors are created equal.  There are two zones in which an impact product might be approved for; WBDR (wind-borne debris region) and HVHZ (high-velocity hurricane zone).  When shopping for impact windows and impact doors it is important to know which zone you live in as products approved for WBDR might not necessarily be approved for HVHZ.

According to the 2015 Florida Building Code, wind-borne debris regions are located 1.) Within 1-mile of the coastal mean high water line where the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than 130mph, or 2.) Areas where the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than 140mph.  Homes located in this region must protect openings (i.e. doors and windows) with either shutters or impact resistant glass/doors.  The high-velocity hurricane zone is specific to Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.  Homes located here require impact windows and impact doors that are approved by Miami-Dade County, which is considered to have the toughest standard of testing in the United States.