I received some literature on window coatings that are designed to protect a structure. My question is, does IBHS have any information on these window coverings? Their literature implies that they can be as effective, if not more than hurricane shutters (of course, their literature wants to get you to buy their product).
Does IBHS have any data at all to refute or support any claims that this material is effective that may help us to determine if we should offer price incentives or relax eligibility for homes that have this material on them?
Dr. Timothy Reinhold, Vice President of Engineering at IBHS, responds:
"The key issue is anchorage of the film to the frame if that exists at all in the products. Furthermore, we are not aware of any film products that have passed the large missile test standard for hurricane protection of windows. While they may be better than nothing, if there is no anchorage to the frame they are likely to be only marginally better than nothing in terms of protecting the home from water intrusion after the glass is broken or in keeping the home from becoming pressurized. The only real advantage that we are aware of for these types of products is in reducing the glass shards that will be flying around the house when a window is broken."
More here: http://www.ibhs.org/publications/view.asp?cat=78&id=620
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