Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals - Layout Drawings

The layout drawings will tell you a lot about how a sliding door system can be used but there are often MANY variations and limitations.

- The maximum tested number of tracks is a critical limitation.
- Some manufacturers may say "unlimited panels" but be stacking on the same track which will not allow them to fully open.
- The maximum panel size may limit the overall frame size to several inches less than an even number if your opening is 15' or 20' wide (or larger multiples).
- Do the meeting stiles have heavy reinforcing?
- Do the interlocks have additional reinforcing above certain heights?
- How wide are the tracks? (sometimes wider than your wall thickness).

I help architects and builders select, specify, and detail luxury hurricane glazing systems without dealer or manufacturer biases. I also give classes on these and related topics including glass appearance and energy performance.