High strength Spectra® fiber commonly used in bullet-resistant body armor is a key component in novel curtains that can protect windows and doors during hurricanes. Honeywell Spectra® fiber enables the roll-down curtains to resist high winds and resulting debris. They also are extremely lightweight, weighing only 2.5 ounces/square foot. Spectra fiber is non-corrosive and UV-resistant. As they are highly translucent, the curtains allow daylight into a home: a helpful feature during power outages. They also are engineered to stop wind-driven rain.
Homeowners can easily install the curtains using standard fasteners without special tools. They can be easily fastened to wood, brick or concrete surfaces. The curtains are available in more than 350 patterns and come with a five-year warranty. Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. In addition to armor, Honeywell produces Spectra fiber for industrial applications such as fishing line, rope and marine cordage.
The product, Storm-A-Rest, is approved under the State of Florida 's building code for Wind Zone 4, which includes the area within one mile of the state's nearly 1,200 mile coastline. Florida has adopted some of the country's toughest building codes following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The new curtains meet or exceed requirements for winds in excess of 155 mph and for impact from large wind-borne projectiles. It is estimated that 7.3 million homes are within the hurricane zone.
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