What does it mean Design Pressure (DP) Rating Of A Replacement Window ?

With unpredictable weather conditions, that we have in New jersey and Eastern PA. You may be concerned about strength of your new replacement windows. The question is how to find out how strong the replacement window is? The simple answer is to test it and see it yourself, which can be done after the window replacement only. But there is no need for that. Every window is tested by the manufacturer to find out the Design Pressure (DP) rating. Sometimes that information is printed on a new window sticker. Other times the DP rating is included into the specifications of a replacement window. So let’s see what does it mean the Design Pressure Rating?

How DP rating can help you to choose the replacement windows?

The DP rating scale usually is from 20 to 65. The higher it goes, the better it is. The DP rating means how well is your window is going to withstand the wind pressure or how strong the window frame is.  Some people say that high DP rating of 50 or 65 does not  mean better energy efficiency. I would not agree with that. The replacement window with DP 50 rating can withstand the blows of the wind of up to 160 mph. It means that the window is so tightly locked, that not a stream of air or water comes it to your house from the outside. So by itself it means higher energy efficiency. 

When do you need the windows with high DP ratings?​

If  you live on the shore or your house is located on a high hill. You would want to have replacement windows with higher DP ratings.  In this case you should invest extra money to get replacement windows with at least DP rating of 40-50. This way you will be able to save money in the long run. But if you live Hamilton NJ or Willingboro NJ, you may want to have DP 50 windows as well. Weather is unpredictable these days. So if the next hurricane comes, you can feel yourself safer in your house. 

At Siding and Windows Wizards we sell United 8000 series windows with a DP 50 rating. If you want to have safer home both in good and bad weather conditions. Let us know and we will take care about your new window project.