When hurricanes blow into town, winds can exceed 150 miles per hour. Storms this big can break windows with flying debris and lift roofs from homes. When hurricanes finally pass, they leave devastation in their wake.
Skylights are especially vulnerable to hurricane damage if they’re not constructed to withstand hurricane-force winds, or if they’re incorrectly installed. For homeowners and business owners in hurricane-prone areas, VTECH has constructed skylights to be hurricane resilient, able to withstand winds up to 250 mph without breaking the seal and impact from debris flying at 100 mph without shattering.
Why Install Hurricane Resilient Skylights?
During a hurricane, the last thing you want to worry about is your skylights. For the safety of your family, it’s critical for your roof to be capable of withstanding high winds and impacts from flying debris. Common damage to homes incurred during hurricanes includes:
- Damage to skylight caulking, sealing, or flashing leads to leaks and water damage in the house.
- Flying debris shatters skylight glass, leading to debris and water intrusion in the house.
- Skylights are not properly secured and are whipped open or ripped off the house.
Nothing is more scary than watching a part of your house be damaged during a strong storm. Your skylights should not be a point of weakness that leads to water intrusion, or damage from high winds and debris.
What’s Wrong With Standard Skylights in a Hurricane?
Conventional skylights look good when the skies are sunny, but they’ve got their drawbacks.
- Breakable glass. Conventional skylights may break when subjected to impacts from debris traveling at high speeds.
- Caulk and adhesives. Conventional skylights are held together with caulk and industrial adhesives that can weaken over time. In high-intensity situations like a hurricane, weakened caulk and adhesives can lead to leaks.
- Short service life. Many conventional skylights start to deteriorate in about 10 years. Homeowners may forget how old their skylights are, unrealizing that their skylights are no longer in like-new condition. When a hurricane hits, the old age of the skylight can lead to problems like leaks.
If you’re a homeowner with conventional skylights, have them inspected regularly to ensure they’re capable of withstanding the next hurricane. Watch for signs of leakage like stains in the ceiling, water damage, mold, and mildew around the skylight frame.
Why Are VTECH Skylights Different?
VTECH skylights are different for a number of reasons. Our RIM (reaction injected molding) technology allows us to create a single piece skylight frame that is chemically bonded to the glass, creating a virtually leak-proof product. Our skylights are AAMA Gold Certified, and TDI approved, which means that we exceed the required building and safety codes. Our skylights even exceed codes in Dade County, Florida, where all buildings must be ultra-strong and wind-proof.
VTECH is a leading innovator in the industry. We’ve designed our skylights to be fully functional for up to 20 years, which is reflected in our guarantee to our customers. Read our hurricane resilient skylight warranty to learn more.
Ready for Skylight Installation? Contact VTECH
VTECH skylights are designed to withstand nearly anything that mother nature throws your way. We don’t want you to spend your next hurricane, tropical storm, or wind event worrying about the integrity of your skylights and, ultimately, your roof. We can’t promise your roof will hold during the next storm, but we’re confident your VTECH skylights will not be the weak point in your roof. Call today to find out more about our products and how they can add value to your home or business.