Sep 6 2008
The death and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 is etched forever in the American publics’ collective memory.
As Gustav came and went – pounding the Louisiana coastline on its way – nerves were understandably on edge. According to USA Today , the average number of hurricanes per year has doubled over the last 100 years. In 2005, the most active hurricane season in history, there were 15 hurricanes, with five in 2006 and six in 2007. Others are heading this way.
With three months to go before the 2008 hurricane season is over, thousands of homeowners from the Carolinas to Texas are bracing themselves for what lies ahead. But many are breathing a bit easier, having discovered a clear and virtually unbreakable plastic sheet material from SABIC Innovative Plastics.
Called Lexan Clear Storm Panel, this high-tech product is four times stronger than half-inch plywood sheet and offers 250 times higher impact resistance than glass and 30 times the impact strength of acrylic of the same thickness. Like plywood, Lexan sheet can be easily cut to size using conventional power tools to cover windows and doors. Because it is a clear see-through material, it lets in light. It is designed for easy installation and take-down, is reusable and is safer to handle than metal panels. Extremely light weight with outstanding ultraviolet (UV) resistance for year-long use,
Lexan Clear Storm Panel meets Miami Dade County hurricane protection requirements for shutter systems (NOA 08-0305.03). The newest product from SABIC Innovative Plastics, Lexan LTH3T16 sheet, is a 5/8-thick clear, fluted polycarbonate clear storm panel and an alternative to plywood for temporary hurricane protection for windows and doors.