Each year, Charlestonians collectively cross their fingers, hoping the next hurricane to hit the East coast doesn’t make landfall with the force and destruction of Hugo. Thankfully, there has yet to be a repeat of 1989. Still, to combat the potential power of mother nature, homes in the coastal zone are required to have hurricane glass or an additional hurricane panel to shield windows from potential storms.
There are numerous companies that supply windows to protect homes in the coastal zone, but none of them quite match the devotion and expertise of The Muhler Company. Muhler owns 14 different patents on their window components and glass — as well as doors, shutters and other components — designed in-house and implemented over the last 28 years. The Muhler Company also serves more than just the single-family builders and homeowners. “Over the past 12 years, we’ve done about 85% of the multi-family units in the Charleston area,” said Henry Muhler Hay, company president.
One of the highlights of the company’s products is a hurricane protection system called “Storm Trim,” which reduces labor and storm panel cost, conceals the permanent attachment hardware and creates a more aesthetically-pleasing window visible from the street. “Storm Trim has been on the market for over a year,” said Hay. “Once our customers — including builders and homeowners — start using it, they don’t stop.”
The impact-rated windows are manufactured using a process that requires very little energy. “We’re the only company that creates their own windows like this,” Hay said, referring to their sister company, All American Windows. “Impact windows do more than just protect your family and home — they also strengthen the overall integrity of your home,” he added. “Rather than glass shattering across the floor, impact windows will hold the shards of glass within the window frame.”
When asked how the coronavirus is affecting his business, Hay seemed optimistic about the near future. There is a nationwide focus on real estate, including renovating homes, and The Muhler Company is bringing the best technology to that process.
“Everyone is at home, and they’re fixing things up. There have been some challenges, of course, but things are really starting to pick back up in a big way,” he said, adding that there is community trust in The Muhler Company’s ability to provide a one-of-a-kind product with the ideal curb appeal for Lowcountry architecture.
By James Crawford
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