Not all hurricane resistant products are made the same. It is important as a consumer to compare the features and benefits of available products. Aluminum products have been installed in harsh southern climates for years and have a proven track record of performance. Wood and vinyl have not proven to be as durable as aluminum. Clad products because of their wood framing do not always hold up to southern humid climates, in fact many have been replaced over the years. Vinyl has rarely been used in such temperatures as sun, UV and humidity all takes their toll and weakens plastics over time. Even aluminum products are not made the same, so compare design pressure protection, air infiltration (higher design pressures mean improved air protection), overall product design features including hardware, weather-stripping, aluminum thickness, and corrosive material content. Often the lowest cost product isn’t the best value. The following is a summary of attributes to consider.
Casement Window Comparison Chart... Download PDF
Single Hung Window Comparison Chart... Download PDF
Horizontal Rolling Window Comparison Chart... Download PDF
Fixed Window Comparison Chart... Download PDF
Sliding Glass Door Comparison Chart... Download PDF
French Door Comparison Chart... Download PDF
Features & Benefits Comparison Brochure... Download PDF
Charts below applicable only to CGI Estate Collection
FOR RESIDENTIAL & CONDOMINIUM APPLICATIONS
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Applies to most wood based products
|
CGI
|
Aluminum or Vinyl Clad Wood Manufacturers |
|
Maximum impact |
Up to 289 mph winds |
Less than 1/2 the strength. |
|
Impact resistance |
Aluminum retains its strength |
Wood and clad-wood products begin to deteriorate shortly after install |
|
Annual maintenance |
Basic cleaning and lubrication of hardware |
Cleaning, re-painting/ staining, resealing and lubrication of hardware |
|
Humidity’s affect |
Retains functionality and strength. Aluminum is not compromised by humidity or moisture. |
Wood absorbs moisture causing it to expand/swell/warp often making products inoperable. Rotting and decay may occur well before becoming visible. |
|
French doors |
3’ w x 9’ h panels |
3’ w x 8’ h panels |
|
Sliding glass doors |
5’ w x 10’ h panels |
4’ w x 7’ h panels |
|
Wood appearance |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Applies to most other aluminum |
CGI
|
PGT |
|
Maximum impact |
Up to 289 mph winds |
About 1/2 the strength |
|
Component wall thicknesses |
Very heavy gauge aluminum |
Generally 30–50% thinner |
|
Swing (french/patio) doors |
3’ w x 9’ h panels |
3’ w x 8’ h panels |
|
Swing door hardware used |
Baldwin |
Ashland (PGT 750) |
|
Swing door hinge material |
Stainless Steel or Brass, depending on finish |
Plastic and Stainless Steel |
|
Sliding glass doors |
5’ w x 10’ h panels |
4’ w x 9’ h panels |
|
Single-hungs |
Up to 10’ tall |
Up to 7.5’ tall |
|
Colonial muntins (grids) |
All aluminum raised architectural profiles |
Flat bars or aluminum shape with plastic connectors |
|
Patented components included |
Yes |
No |
|
Structural integrity warranty |
10 years |
3 years |
|
Stainless steel components |
Standard and used whenever possible |
Sometimes |
|
Assembly method used for frames and vents/panels |
Well in excess of industry norm (generally 50% more fasteners and/or stronger fasteners) |
Within industry norm |
