Hy-Lite Debuts Industry's First Hurricane-Ready Decorative Glass Window

The Hy-Lite DecoGuard window meets the stringent building code requirements for Gulf and coastal regions according to "wind zone 4" specifications.



Constructed from a heavy-duty vinyl frame and impact-resistant laminated insulated glass, the 48-inch square designer window has an elegant floral design pattern that is kiln-fired directly onto the interior glass for long lasting beauty and durability. Dramatic black lines and rich, frosted privacy glass compliment the new impact-resistant decorative glass window.



"Severe weather protection never looked so stunning," says Tom Rachfal, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Hy-Lite. "As builders and remodelers increasingly use windows as architectural focal points to add character and dimension, coastal communities can enjoy high-style and safety in one energy efficient product."



Available in four designer frame colors: white, tan, driftwood and bronze; the DecoGuard decorative glass window is especially ideal for homes in coastal markets where stronger, weather-resistant windows are required by strict building codes.



"For years the market has asked for an energy-efficient, impact window with stronger with higher design pressures that has style and character," says Rachfal. "The DecoGuard bridges the space between protection-grade utilitarian windows and a signature accent that a designer would put in his or her own home. Our DecoGuard windows are manufactured with superior strength, thermal efficiency and low-maintenance materials."



Rigorous testing: The striking beauty of the DecoGuard architectural window belies its strength and ability to protect the building envelope from severe weather hazards.



The new architectural window received a design pressure rating of 50 from Certified Testing Laboratories in Orlando, Florida, after meeting the AAMA 506-08 hurricane impact specification and the AAMA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 window standard.



To meet "wind zone 4" specifications, the Hy-Lite DecoGuard window was tested to withstand penetration of an 8-foot, 2x4 stud shot out of an air cannon at 50 feet per second, twice. First, the projectile targeted the center of the glass, after which a second projectile was directed at the window's corner. Resistance to penetration was only the first part of the test. The second part of the test subjected the window - already struck twice by the wood projectile - to 9,000 cycles of a vacuum load - all designed to simulate destructive hurricane conditions and the resulting force and debris impact caused by severe weather.



DecoGuard vinyl windows are precision engineered to provide worry-free beauty and performance and offer a 5-year limited warranty.



Specification Highlights:



· Air, water and structurally rated vinyl impact windows designed for the single and multi-family residential markets.



· First decorative glass window designed for hurricane protection.



· Vinyl Frame-more durable, energy efficient with welded joints to prevent leaks.



· Impact Glass exterior - Vinyl inner layer prevents glass from breaking away - water tight seal prolongs life of insulated, tempered glass interior.



· Obscure glass provides privacy, eliminating the need for window treatments while allowing in natural light.



· Design pressure to +/-50psf.



Builder Model Home Program: Hy-Lite offers special discounts to builders on windows such as DecoGuard that are used in some model home communities. The fixed units are ideal for a full range of new-construction and retrofit/remodeling applications.