What is a Good DP Rating for Windows?
If you’re ready to upgrade your home with strong impact windows that will help protect your home during Florida’s severe weather, you probably need to first look into the the level of protection that is right for you. The phrase “Design Pressure Rating” or “DP” will become a key determining factor in what you choose. Design Pressure Rating is a very important aspect to consider when trying to find the right set of windows for your Florida home, which is why the experts at the National Certified Testing Laboratory in Orlando, Florida have tested and certified every window and door that can be approved from your local building department. You will quickly discover that all windows or installation services aren’t the same. Max Guard Hurricane Windows, is the highest rated company and is your most trusted impact window licensed expert to help you make the right decision. Here’s what you need to know about DP.
What is a Design Pressure Rating?
Design Pressure Rating indicates the level of high wind that a window can withstand. Essentially, according to the National Certified Testing Laboratory, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, “the higher the DP Rating, the stronger the window.”
How is a Window’s DP Rating Calculated?
To calculate a window’s DP Rating, the window is attached to a wooden frame and clamped to a wall designed specifically for the test. The air pressure on the inside of the window is then gradually reduced, causing the pressure outside to gradually increase until the window breaks. The test pressure must reach 1.5 times the design pressure for 10 seconds without the window becoming permanently damaged. For example, a DP rating of 35 isn’t acceptable in south Florida because it would only be able to withstand 50 pounds of pressure per square foot.
What is the Right DP Rating for My Home Windows?
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). So, for every increase of 5 in DP, the wind speed is increased by 6mph. An impact window earns the DP rating where it fails and blows out of the opening. This breach in your home exposes your roof to be potentially blown off and your home’s structural integrity destroyed from the hurricane-strength winds.
Start Protecting Your Home Today
At Max Guard Hurricane Windows, we offer premium impact windows with higher DP ratings to withstand Florida’s severe hurricanes with winds over 200mph. To learn more about our services or to find an impact window with the right DP Rating for your home, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
