With hurricane Matthew headed this way, you might be thinking about exactly how much your windows can handle. You can always have storm shutters installed, but there’s already a way to tell how strong your windows are. It’s called DP, or design pressure, rating and is meant to give you an idea of how much pressure your windows can withstand.

What Is It?

Design pressure is a rating that tells you how much pressure the widow is able to withstand. In order to test design pressure, a window is installed in a wooden frame and attached to a wall specifically designed for DP testing. The air pressure inside the window is slowly reduced, which ups the air pressure on the outside of the window. The pressure is increased until the window breaks. In order to get the specified rating, the window must withstand 1.5 times the DP for ten seconds without failing.

Why Is It Important?

Knowing how much your windows can take is vital information for anyone who lives in a windy area or an area prone to hurricane-like weather and is looking for new windows. While hurricanes are rare in Maryland, winds coming off the Chesapeake Bay can be a real concern. It might not be on the top of your list of things to look for, but design pressure should definitely be a consideration.

Check out Architectural Window Supply’s Showroom

Architectural Window Supply knows that windows and doors say a great deal about the people living behind them. That’s why, for the past 20 years, Architectural Window Supply has been the go-to choice for homeowners, builders, and architects who need personalized, knowledgeable service. Architectural Window Supply works is an authorized dealer for leading brand names of upscale doors, such as Tradewood and JELD_WEN. For more information, or to schedule an appointment to visit the showroom, please call us at 410-266-5254, or visit our website for more information.