STV in Hurricane Impact Windows: Why Sash Stability Defines Real Performance in HVHZ Conditions

In High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), where impact certification is mandatory, survival isn’t the metric—stability is. The engineering approach to the blind spot in standard testing is STV (Static Dry Glazing), a European-engineered technology that replaces discrete mechanical fasteners with a continuous structural bond between the glass and the sash.

Would your family have a safe way out if the main exit were blocked? That is exactly what egress windows are designed to solve. Building codes require them in habitable rooms without direct access to a door, and they can make a real difference in an emergency. In this guide, we will cover what qualifies as essential egress, when it is required, and what the codes actually say. We will also answer a common question from our clients: can Tilt and Turn windows, including our flagship lines, meet egress requirements and how do they compare in day‑to‑day use?

Awning windows have been a familiar choice for years. They are compact, simple to use, and often seen as a practical option for bathrooms, basements, and other smaller spaces. But once homeowners start comparing window systems more closely, the choice is not always as straightforward as it seems.

Fixed windows have a specific role in residential design. They bring in more light, open up larger views, and support clean glass-heavy layouts where ventilation is handled elsewhere. In this article, we explain when fixed windows make sense and why they often work best alongside Tilt and Turn windows.

Transom windows, the narrow openings placed above doors or larger windows, have a long architectural history. Once common for ventilation, they gradually faded from mainstream design, but that trend is now changing. In 2026, this classic feature is making a comeback in a modern context. Architects and homeowners are embracing them for their ability to support open, light-filled interiors. That’s why, in this article, we aim to explore what drives this trend and how transom windows fit into OKNOPLAST’s custom approach to modern window systems.

The front door is often the first detail people notice about a home. Accessories, such as steel accents, glass inserts, finishes, and hardware, define the character of the entrance while adding long-term value. Choosing the right set creates a door that looks modern and withstands daily use. In this article, we will break down which accessories can make the biggest impact on your front door.

For decades, Tilt and Turn windows have been a go‑to in European homes because they combine a clean look with everyday versatility. Now they’re changing how U.S. homeowners, architects, and developers think about windows and doors, from single‑family houses to multi‑family buildings.

We know that spring maintenance helps homeowners catch window issues before they turn into drafts, moisture problems, or costly repairs. After winter (especially if you live in a cold climate), it is worth checking how well your windows seal, operate, and protect the home. In this article, we cover the most important tasks and explain why they matter.

Dormer windows have been solving the same problem for centuries: how to make upper floors livable. What started as a simple way to bring light and air into cramped attic bedrooms has evolved into one of the most versatile architectural features in residential design.

Following our recent article on transom windows, we now turn to another classic feature for adding natural light: the clerestory window. These high-placed windows are a stylish solution for modern homes, but they are often compared to skylights.