A product only achieves a “Performance Grade” or “PG” rating if that product complies with not only the structural loading requirement, but all other performance requirements such as air infiltration resistance, water penetration resistance, ease of operation and resistance to forced entry.

What is a good design pressure for windows?

In practicality, a window or door with a structural DP rating of 50 has passed a structural test pressure of 75 pounds per square foot (equal to a 200 mph wind).

What does PG50 mean?

∎ PG50 = Performance grade 50, designates Design. Pressure (DP) of 50. ∎ H = Product type is hung window.

What does performance grade in windows mean?

Some manufacturers have erroneously marketed products solely based on the design pressure rating. Performance grade means that the product was tested at the applicable design pressure for all performance requirements identified by NAFS.

What is a DP 35 window rating?

The DP rating test pressure must reach 1.5 times the rated design pressure for 10 seconds without the door suffering permanent damage. In other words, a door with a DP of 35 would have to withstand 50psf. Generally, you'll see residential replacement doors with ratings from 15 to 50.

Does PG Mean Anything Anymore?

What does DP 50 /- 50 mean?

This window has been tested to a design pressure of 50 (DP50). This means that the window can withstand a wind load of 180 MPH without the window breaking. A DP50 window also has to pass a water test with wind blowing onto the window at 54 MPH.

What is a DP 40 rating?

DP 40 is tested up to 155 MPH. DP 50 is tested up to 173 MPH. The higher the DP rating the higher the water resistance as well. A typical hurricane has sustained winds of 100 - 150 mph.

How are windows rated?

Window Rating Labels

The four main ratings that are included on every NFRC-certified window label are U-Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, Visible Transmittance, and Air Leakage. Some window manufacturers may also include the optional Condensation Resistance rating on their labels.

What are standards for windows?

Double-Hung and Single-Hung Window Standard Sizes

• 2 feet wide by 3 feet high (2030)
• 2 feet wide by 4 feet, 4 inches high (2044)
• 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 4 feet high (2840)
• 2 feet, 8 inches wide by 5 feet, 2 inches high (2852)
• 4 feet wide by 6 feet high (4060)

What is the difference between impact glass and hurricane glass?

Hurricane Windows & Impact Windows Are Not the Same

To be considered a hurricane window, a product simply needs to provide a certain level of wind resistance. An impact window, on the other hand, will offer wind resistance as well as protection from impacts.

How can you tell if a window is impact glass?

Watermarks are etched into the glass and are a surefire way to tell if a window has impact glass. If you can't find the watermark, the window label should give you the info you need.

What is DP rating on Andersen windows?

A “Design Pressure Rating” or “DP” rating only depicts the design and structural load performance. Performance Classes The NAFS Standard/Specification defines requirements for four performance classes. Performance classes are designated R, LC, CW and AW.

What are the different levels of impact windows?

Keep in mind that these ratings apply to sustained winds. Evidently, they do not consider wind gusts, projectiles, or tornadoes that often accompany hurricanes.
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The Simplest Way to Read Ratings

• Category 1: 74-95 mph.
• Category 2: 96-110 mph.
• Category 3: 111-129 mph.
• Category 4: 130-156 mph.
• Category 5: 157+ mph.

What is a good window DP rating?

It's generally recommended for Florida residents to have windows with a DP rating of minimum 50 for “basic protection.” In order to qualify for CAT 5-level protection, impact windows must have a DP Rating of DP60 (155mph), but max-protection impact windows are rated for DP100+ (206mph).

What is the U value of a window?

The typical U-Values on windows is a measurement of heat loss and the rate at which it is lost. U-Values indicate the overall performance in retaining heat and preventing it from escaping to the outside. U-Values are measure in Watts per square metre Kelvin, or W/m2 K.

How do I know my DP rating?

To determine a tested window's design pressure rating, the test pressure must reach 1.5 times the design pressure for 10 seconds without the window suffering permanent damage. In other words, a 30 DP window would have to withstand 45 pounds of pressure per square foot.

How do you read window sizes?

A window's size notation is basically width and height combined. The first two #'s are for width and the second two #'s are for height. A 2426 replacement window would have a width of 2'4″ and a height of 2'6″.

What is a 3060 window?

The SH 3060 Annealed/Clear Performa 3300 Series is a highly versatile vinyl window that can be used in both New Construction AND Replacement Window settings, but it is primarily designed, priced, and optimized for new construction settings.

What's the difference between A and A+ rated windows?

The difference between A and A+ rated windows are that an A-rated window will only release as much heat as they let in from outside. An A+ rated window will let in more heat from the outside than it releases from the outside. So A+ rated windows will increase the ability to gain heat from the outside.

What is a good air leakage rating for windows?

A good air leakage rating is one below 0.3. Ratings below 0.3 are recognized as energy efficient by both the NFRC and ENERGY STAR. Windows with ratings closer to 0.1 are the most efficient.

Can impact windows withstand Category 5?

Hurricane impact windows have advanced to the point where they can withstand Category 5 wind conditions, and the debris that goes with it.

What wind speed are impact windows rated for?

Category 1: 74-95 mph. Category 2: 96-110 mph. Category 3: 111-129 mph. Category 4: 130-156 mph.

What is Miami Dade certified windows?

N.O.A stands for Notice of Acceptance, a document issued by the Miami Dade County after a rigorous test, where it is certified that a impact door or window model is suitable for commercial operation and has passed the impact resistance test in case of extreme weather.

Which impact window is best?

Top Rated and Best Rated Hurricane Impact Windows

• Pella: Hurricane Shield.
• PGT: WinGuard Hurricane Windows & Doors.
• Simonton: StormBreaker Plus.
• Weather Shield: Premium Coastal Windows & Doors.
• Marvin: Coastal Solutions.
• Jeld-Wen ImpactGard Protection for Windows.
• MI Windows and Doors: StormArmor Impact-Resistant Package.