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Turtle Glass Options from Simonton Windows
The glass option, which was previously available only in windows in the StormBreaker Plus product line, meets code requirements of a lower visible light transmittance in many seaside locations to deter sea turtles from heading inland, instead of toward the ocean
News Release
May 13, 2009
HousingZone
Just in time for the 2009 Sea Turtle Season, Simonton Windows has expanded the availability of Turtle Glass as an option in Simonton StormBreaker Plus sliding patio doors and all of its StormBreaker products. The glass option, which was previously available only in windows in the StormBreaker Plus product line, meets code requirements of a lower visible light transmittance in many seaside locations to deter sea turtles from heading inland, instead of toward the ocean. “The big advantage is that Turtle Glass has a lower visible light transmittance for homes and structures so that the moon appears as the overriding ‘brightest light’ to guide the turtles back to the ocean,” says Christopher Burk, product manager for Simonton Windows. “Changing code requirements in different geographic areas mandate that Turtle Glass be used in new construction and replacement windows to help reduce light transference.
“Our StormBreaker and StormBreaker Plus product lines are designed to meet the needs of coastal area homeowners. Simonton is pleased to offer this glass option that helps us play an important role in protecting the natural order of this species while providing builders and remodelers with a top-quality product that meets local codes.”
Starting May 1st each year, female loggerhead sea turtles leave the ocean to dig nests on the beach and lay approximately 100 eggs. After covering the nest with sand, the female, using the moon as a guide, returns to the sea. Two months later the eggs hatch and baby sea turtles emerge ready to follow the moon back to the sea.
As coastal areas have become more inhabited by humans, bright lights from homes, stores, parks and streets have confused the turtles. Mistaking the artificial lights for the moon, the mother turtles and their young have headed inland, instead of the ocean --- where they die from dehydration and heat exhaustion or street traffic.
Turtle Season runs from May 1 through October 31 and is observed in coastal areas throughout Florida, the Carolinas and other warm coastal climate areas. For more details, visit www.turtletime.org, the web site for the non-profit organization, Turtle Time, Inc., dedicated to the continued survival of loggerhead sea turtles.
© 2009, Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.
