Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A

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Fabric Storm Shield
Q: I live in an area that was hard hit by a couple of recent storms. I've heard that there is a fabriclike material that can be used to protect windows. It's supposed to be similar to what's found on trampolines. Can you provide further information?
FRANCISCO GONZALEZ
KISSIMMEE, FL

A: Armor Screen, a company based in Riviera Beach, Fla., manufactures a fabric system to shield structures from hurricane damage (www.armorscreen.com). It is a flexible, woven polypropylene fabric designed to deflect wind-blown debris and driving rain, and to withstand extremely high wind pressures without rupture. The system is lighter and easier to deploy than steel or plywood panels. A homeowner unrolls it and attaches it to eye hooks and eyebolts that are installed in and around the home.

The Armor Screen system has been wind-pressure tested up to 195 pounds per square inch--the equivalent of 276 mph. That rating well exceeds peak winds associated with even Category 5 hurricanes (winds over 155 mph, on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale), such as the deadly Labor Day hurricane of 1935, Hurricane Camille in 1969 and Hurricane Mitch in 1998, all of which had peak wind speeds of about 180 mph. Armor Screen exceeds the requirements of Florida's building code and those of the storm-prone Miami-Dade area.

The screen is installed by contractors, and is not a do-it-yourself project. Armor Screen may cover the entire face of a building or shield vulnerable elements, such as windows and sliding doors. To diffuse the impact of windblown debris, the screen must be free to deflect, so it is anchored to the building and the ground with at least 22 in. of space between it and the structure. The amount of deflection space varies based on the height of the wall.

Armor Screen's cost depends on its size and on factors such as the type of anchors used and whether they are placed in wood, masonry or the ground. Generally, it costs $13 to $15 per square foot, and on rare occasions, up to $17 per square foot.

12. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
Do we really NEED more paint-contaminated plastic bags in our waste stream? Seems like a very expensive solution - it's just that other people end up paying the expense instead of the painter. Myself, I try to USE the paint (i.e monitor usage better and don't fill the tray if I'm nearly done), then use the tray with a brush for touch-up and trim, then let the paint dry in the tray, then peel it all out in one piece and dispose of it.

11. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
In the Feb. 2008 issue you talk about cleaners for house shingles. Are there any products you recommend or do you know of any places I could purchase one ? Thanks !

10. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
Still not sure why they build cities in areas under sea water. I hope they can protect against massive losses again http://www.arizonaautoinsurance.cc

9. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
I live where there are no hurricanes, no tornado's, and no earthquakes. Makes me happy to be where I am.

8. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
I've gotten confusing answers about double pane and triple paned windows for homes where we need to keep cold air out. Some said that it is not worth the money to get triple paned windows as compared to double paned windows. The differences in cost are too great when the differences in keeping cold air and preventing the "radiation of cold air" from coming in are minimal. The others say that the difference in cost is not that great and we can feel the difference in warmth. Thanks, Christine

7. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
Can you help me in replacing my 52gal Electric Hot Water Tank? My plumbing Aids don't talk about replaement.

6. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
I have a garage that is attached to the house and when the humidity gets real high at certain times of the year my garage floor reaaly starts to sweat real bad. The concrete floor has a real smooth finish. The garage has a drop down set of stairs that I keep cracked open and I have installed a roof turbine and vents in the eaves of the garage. What is causing all this moisture to build up on the floor and how do I stop it.

5. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
Now all I need is dual pane windows to keep out the sun in the arizona summer. http://www.choicearizona.com

4. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
Each time I flush my tilet alarge air bubble is belched up. Could you give me a helpful hint as to the cause and possble corrective action? Thanks, Jim

3. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
I am so glad I don't have to worry about putting material over my windows to protect against hurricane damage or tornado damage. Thanking God for small favors.

2. RE: HWillowbrook High Schoolomeowners Clinic Expert Q & AI need new switches for my low Voltage lighting in my house, can you help me find them?
I need new 3way wall switches for my low voltage lighting in my house, the ceiling lights won't go on.

1. RE: Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A
How do you fix a whistling tiolet. As the tank refills after the flush it whistles. thanks, chris

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