May 1 2007
Although many of us were saved last year with no hurricanes, no one can ever foresee what the next hurricane season will bring -- homeowners can never really be over prepared. Shield Technology Group, a Miami-based company, wants you to be prepared this year with the latest technology and that is why today they have officially launched sales on the much-anticipated ImpactShield(TM), the latest hurricane protection system that goes over almost any size window. The system is easy to install, easy to operate, affordable and visually much more appealing then what's now available.
ImpactShield(TM) consists of an impact-resistant, high-strength fabric stretched over the window to create a hurricane-resistant barrier against flying debris. The fabric is stored in a small weather-resistant housing compartment located on the outside just above the window, which can be painted any color to match your house. It can also be covered by a special canvas, if not rolled up completely to create a beautiful awning over your window.
Prices for the individual ImpactShield(TM) units, which will be designed to fit standard size residential windows (37" x 60 "inch) start at $199, and can go up to $339 for larger sized windows. An average house normally costs approximately $4,000 to install, which is less than other hurricane protection systems that are comparable. For now, ImpactShield(TM) units can be purchased by ordering online through their website.
The system is also long-lasting and easy to maintain. During a hurricane, each window can be prepared in less than five minutes and since the fabric is translucent, people inside their home no longer have to experience the dark, cave-like feeling of traditional shutters.
"People are tired of being in caves," says Tim Reinhold, director of engineering for the Tampa-based Institute for Business and Home Safety, a nonprofit that promotes hazard-resistant products for natural disasters.
"In the past few years we have undergone tough testing and approval process, so we are truly excited to now be launching sales on ImpactShield(TM)." said Cameron Gunn, an experienced mechanical engineer who was just named one of the 25 finalists of the History Channel's Modern Marvels Inventor's Challenge for 2007 for ImpactShield(TM)(Winners will be selected in May).
The new product has received essential approvals, including the American Standards Testing and Measures (ASTM), Florida Building Code, International Building Code, and the International Residential Code. Although tested to Miami-Dade County protocol, the engineering companies want ImpactShield(TM) to do additional testing which has never been done before, which would set precedence and new standards for Stretched Fabric Hurricane Protection systems.
"We are currently in the midst of launching and mass producing our product, while developing and extending our product offerings," says Leticia Delatorre, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Shield Technology Group, is working towards mass producing ImpactShield(TM) so it will be available at major National chains across the country. "We anticipate a lot of success with this product -- there is nothing like it that exists on the market today," concludes Leticia.
Talks are currently underway with major retailers. As well, long-term plans for Shield Technology involve the development of additional commercial applications of ImpactShield(TM) as well as the introduction of other safety- related products.
Shield Technologies Group will soon be hosting a demonstration event in South Florida so stayed tuned for more details.