On average, 13 cyclones form in the Australian region each year, representing 16% of the global total. While not all of these reach land, with cyclones thought to produce their highest wind pressures within 50 kilometres of the coastline, the potential for damage is still significant for those that remain offshore.
According to figures from the Insurance Council of Australia, losses incurred as a result of cyclones over the last ten years equal more than $587.5 million. Taking into account that 30% of people aren’t insured, the total damage bill adds up to almost $800 million.
Internal pressure caused by wind allowed into buildings through openings such as broken windows is one of the primary causes of structural damage during cyclones. Viridian StormGuard cyclone resistant glass has been specifically designed for buildings in cyclone prone regions.
Stormguard cyclone resistant glass is a laminated safety glass that incorporates a high tensile strength interlayer to resist penetration from flying debris associated with cyclones. Even if broken, StormGuard cyclone resistant glass retains its weather-tight ability allowing the building to remain habitable after a cyclone passes.
Viridian’s Paul Cocker assures that Stormguard is suitable for all buildings in strong wind areas, including homes, hospitals, hotels and government buildings.
Australian Standard AS1170.2 2002 Structural Design Actions: Wind Actions governs the determination of design wind pressures for buildings. StormGuard cyclone resistant glass has been tested and found to exceed the Standard’s requirements for cyclone regions. Incorporated into a window frame capable of withstanding wind cycles, StormGuard cyclone resistant glass can withstand the impact of a 4kg piece of timber at 72 kilometres per hour and, even when broken, can withstand wind pressure of 7.95 kPa for 5000 cycles.
There are many benefits of investing in StormGuard cyclone resistant glass: building occupants have effective shelter and the building remains habitable after the cyclone without the need for shutters, the need for evacuation or temporary accommodation is avoided and the interior of the building and therefore its contents are protected from wind and rain damage. "