From the US to Canada and New Zealand, many parts of the world are located in coastal high wind zones or may be exposed to storms and hurricanes
From low wind zones with speeds of 32 m/s to extra high zones with 55 m/s gusts, a building’s exposure is generally determined by the site’s topography and whether it is situated in an urban, forested, or coastal location.
To ensure safety, many buildings then need to meet local regulations, whether NZS 4211:2008 in New Zealand or Miami Dade certificates in parts of the US. This makes tested, quality windows and doors, such as those from Neuffer, paramount.
Meet Required Testing Standards
New building permits usually state the wind zone a building is located in or whether special construction requirements need to be met, such as maximum window and door water tightness, impact resistance, or strength for storms and hurricanes.
At Neuffer we have supplied windows and doors for numerous projects across New Zealand, the US, and Canada.
We know the markets and stay up to date with current regulations.
This is why our best-selling aluclad timber windows and French doors, Eco Plano and Idealu, are certified to comply with New Zealand's NZS 4211: 2008 specification for high wind zone performance, including 2022 updates.
Further timber and aluclad timber windows and doors are currently undergoing testing with high wind certificates available soon.
In terms of hurricane suitable products, our CS 77 aluminium window, Hi-Finity and CP 155 lift and slide patio doors are then Miami Dade, Florida certified (NOA No.18-1226.01 [13.08.25]).
High Wind Zones - Our Certificates
To comply with the NZS 4211: 2008 high wind zone specification, our windows and doors have been tested by the All Facade Ltd's IANZ accredited testing laboratory in Wellington, New Zealand.
Various rounds of tests, described below, were used for measurements and to confirm our windows' and patio doors' excellent performance in terms of the water tightness, impact resistance, and air infiltration.
Whether fixed or with tilt and turn opening sashes, different Neuffer certified windows and doors can therefore be used in storms and for very high and extra high wind zones. The performance results and certificates from All Facade Ltd can be viewed here:
View All Certificates
Certified Products in Practice
Our high wind certified windows and doors have been used in many successful projects internationally. From initial consultation to customisation, delivery, and after-care, our team offers a full service to provide quality, tested, and tailored products with beautiful design.
How is High Wind Zone or Storm Performance Measured?
As mentioned above, there are certain properties covered by tests, such as those related to strength and water pressure, that are key to determining wind zone or storm-proof performance. During such trials, the window or French door is securely installed into a test booth in the operating facility and the following are carried out by All Facade Ltd, for example:
Air Infiltration, Wind, and Water Tests
To effectively balance pressure between inside and out during high winds and storms, just the right amount of air leakage or air infiltration needs to occur through windows and doors. A smoke test is therefore carried out and values are collected.
Furthermore, during storms much rain is blown onto windows at high pressure due to strong winds. Water test pressures and wind pressure limitations are therefore measured by determining the maximum pressure or wind speed where water still drains effectively from the door or window.
Defining Operating Force, Deflection, and Ultimate Strength
To further ensure that all parts of windows and doors will perform under high pressure, a maximum operating force test is carried out, focused on fittings. This test also reveals the product’s ease of operation during normal weather conditions and its suitability for those with accessibility needs.
In terms of deflection and ultimate strength, window measurements are then carried out via rapid cycles of positive and negative pressure to determine impact resistance and safety.
The Features behind the Excellent Performance
To perform safely and effectively during storms, hurricanes, and high winds, our windows and doors are purpose-designed with quality features. From questions about our strong aluminium and sturdy timber to impact-resistant laminated or tempered glazing, you can find out more by getting in touch.
We will gladly answer your queries or provide a free quote. At Neuffer, we are tried and tested consultants as well as window and door experts who can guide you through the process from customisation and dimensions to import and installation.
