Savannah Home Ready for Potential Hurricanes

PARKERSBURG, W. VA. – So far in the 2007 Hurricane Season, the names Dean and Felix are synonymous with strong, Category 5 winds, rain damage and flooding. If a hurricane of this magnitude forms and strikes the eastern coast of the United States, who will be ready to handle these devastating storms? The Zemans.

With a historic home located just 39 blocks from the Savannah River, Don and Nancy Zeman decided to install more than two dozen Simonton StormBreaker Plus^® impact-resistant windows in their historic Savannah house when they renovated last year.

“Our two-story Victorian-style home was built in 1900,” says Don Zeman, host of Homefront with Don Zeman, a national home improvement radio show, and a former contractor. “In that same year, about a thousand miles away, a killer hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, killing more than 6,000 people.

“When we purchased and started renovation on our 3,685-square foot home, that Galveston hurricane was very much in our minds. Anyone living in a coastal area needs to take precautions to prepare their homes in case of a hurricane. During the renovation we paid special attention to the key entry areas of the house --- the windows, roof and entry doors --- to assure that our home would be able to withstand hurricane-strength weather.”

Located in the Thomas Square Street Car Historic District of Savannah, the Zeman’s home now includes 26 impact-resistant double hung windows and a casement window.

“It’s incredible to mix the modern-day achievements of building products with the historical aspects of this home,” says Zeman. “We have 12-foot ceilings and five coal-burning original fireplaces that reflect the construction of that era united with impact resistant glass windows. That’s a powerful combination because it allows us to retain the historical elements of the home while securing the structure with advanced technology.”

The insulating glass unit in Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows features impact-resistant laminated glass, which consists of a durable interlayer sandwiched between two pieces of glass, along with an outer layer of tempered glass. The high-performance laminated glass is designed to resist strong winds and penetration from windborne debris that can jeopardize a home and its contents during a high-wind event. Even if the outer layer of tempered glass is shattered, the tough interlayer won’t be compromised—reducing the possibility of injury or damage.  

Gerald Stewart, owner of Exterior Home Improvement, worked on installing the 27 Simonton StormBreaker Plus windows in the Zeman’s home. “Right after installation the Zemans immediately said the noise penetration from street traffic had been reduced tremendously,” says Stewart. “They also noticed a drop of about 40 percent in their energy bills. But, of course, the biggest asset is the peace-of-mind they now have related to severe weather concerns.”

Simonton Windows produces ENERGY STAR^® qualified replacement and new construction windows and doors, including a line of impact-resistant products. The company was ranked #1 in quality in the 2007 Brand Use Study sponsored by Builder magazine and has won two consecutive Best In Class Awards for being ranked “Overall Top Rated Vinyl Window Brand” in unaided industry studies.

Founded in 1946, Simonton’s hallmark has been to deliver its made-to-order products in seven days or less. Part of consumer products company Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), Simonton has manufacturing facilities in Pennsboro, Harrisville and Ellenboro, W.Va.; Paris, Ill.; McAlester, Okla.; Lyons, Ga.; and Vacaville, Calif.  Simonton is a founding sponsor of The Weather Museum and a corporate partner of Homes for Our Troops. For information, call (800) SIMONTON or visit www.simonton.com. 

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