Like many cities along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the U.S., Houston and Galveston are always vulnerable to tropical weather systems.  The most frightening of these weather events is definitely the hurricane, with its fierce winds and massive storm surge.   Other tropical weather systems can cause significant destruction as well. Tropical Storm Claudette dropped a U.S. record 42 inches of rain in a 24 hour period around Alvin, Texas; that record still stands to this day.   Although the impact may not be quite the same as a hurricane, a super strong tropical system can still do an incredible amount of water and wind damage.  If you live in the Houston area, or along the Gulf Coast, the question is this:  is your home ready to withstand a powerful weather event?

Living in the Houston area or on the nearby Gulf Coast, you know that strong windows are needed for your home.  Simonton Windows offers a line of impact-resistant coastal products (windows and doors) that are tested to withstand strong winds and flying debris.   These products are constructed using an outer layer of breakable glass and an inner layer of impact-resistant glass.   A heavy, yet undetectable, plastic interlayer is inserted between panes of the inner glass; this interlayer prevents the puncturing of the glass from any flying objects.  During a brutal storm or even a burglary attempt, the glass may shatter when it is struck, but it will not break out of its frame.  Therefore, the home and contents remain protected.

As a homeowner, you may be wondering whether or not you need to consider using impact-resistant doors and windows.  Every city and county has its own unique building codes.   These codes are created to ensure new, and even remodeled, homes have the best and safest building products used in them for their area.  Building codes are often susceptible to change, especially in coastal areas.  If you live near the Gulf Coast in Texas and you are looking to replace the windows in your home, be sure to work with your contractor or window installer before finalizing a replacement window purchase.  You should ensure that the windows you choose meet the specific building codes for your area.  In many coastal areas, it is typically mandated that impact-resistant windows (or windows with an approved shuttering system) be used in homes.

Many coastal homeowners are used to boarding up their homes, but if you install Simonton coastal windows, you can be assured that the shuttering or boarding process will no longer be necessary.  What a relief when severe weather threatens the area!  Not having to shutter up saves homeowners time, money and labor, and it gives peace-of-mind when homeowners are away from home and severe weather strikes.  It is also important to keep in mind that some insurance companies give discounts on homeowner insurance when code-approved impact-resistant products are installed.

If you are looking to replace your windows and you live in the Houston area, be sure to contact the professional team at Allied Siding and Windows.  Allied Siding and Windows offers several Simonton collections to choose from, including a variety of coastal products.  They are also an exclusive reseller of the Simonton Generations Windows Collection, with a variety of styles, designs and features available to fit your needs and home décor.  All collections include many window styles, such as double-hung, single-hung, casement, and picture windows, along with a variety of door styles.  Replacing your old windows with a Simonton product guarantees that you will be pleased with both the perfect look and the energy savings.  No matter what your needs are, Simonton windows are a perfect choice for your home.