Hurricane Proof Windows - Guaranteed To Protect Your Home
Hurricane proof windows are absolutely essential if you happen to live in areas where severe thunderstorms and hurricanes occur. If you have chosen a storm window that suits your location correctly then you can be reassured that your windows are adequately protected.
So how do you choose the correct hurricane proof windows for your house? Well (I'm going to state the obvious here)...make sure that your window frames, sashes and panes are strong. As an added bonus most storm windows are designed to protect your house from burglars.
Top tips for helping you decide which hurricane proof windows are suitable for your home
- The window pane has to be made to withstand anything nature has to throw at it.
 Hurricane strength winds can pick up objects and turn them into missiles. A weaker window pane would simply smash.
- The glass provided for hurricane proof windows comes with different impact resistance intensities. So you can decide what level of protection you are after. Obviously the stronger the glass, the more expensive it will be.
- You don't have to use glass in order to have protection from flying debris and thieves.
- Some of the hurricane window panes are made of polycarbonate plastic and acrylics which offers higher protection than most (not all) glass panes.
- If you appreciate looking out of a window to enjoy the scenery, ensure that your hurricane proof windows are made of glass. Glass panes last a lot longer and have better visibility than plastic window panes. Furthermore, most plastic panes take on a yellow tinge when exposed to excessive sunlight.
- Plastic panes tend to scratch more easily than glass panes. So just beware of this fact if you're living in a region with frequent hailstorms.
- Since winds in a hurricane are normally stronger at higher elevations, then it is wise to have maximum protection in all your windows if you live on top of a hill.
- It is critical that you install hurricane proof windows on the lower stories of your house since this is the most common location where thefts occur.
 It will also prevent water leakage into the house if flood waters rise up to window height.
- The biggest problem you may encounter with hurricane proof windows is that they tend to freeze up occasionally and for this reason you'll find it quite difficult to either open or shut the window. This normally only occurs when the tracks are not thoroughly clean. Unfortunately, this is the main downfall of these types of windows. Having said that, you may find that using a lubricant (silicon-based) on the tracks helps immensely.
- Another downside of storm window panes is that condensation can quickly form on the inside of these panes. The problem only occurs with exterior based storm windows. However, this problem has been rectified by the introduction of "weep holes" placed near the bottom of the window pane. This allows the moisture to ooze through these holes. You should constantly make sure that these holes don't become clogged with dust and dirt. If they
become clogged for extended periods, the window frame may be permanently damaged and may require replacement.
- Whatever you do, please don't place your hurricane proof windows on only one side of your house. Yes, you know that the hurricane winds will hit the hardest on that side of the house but after the eye passes over your area, almost equal strength winds will hit on the opposite side. Furthermore, a hurricane that is increasing in strength as it approaches a coastline tends to initiate tornadoes in the eye, so no side of the house will be protected.
Protecting the rest of your home is equally as important as obtaining hurricane proof windows.
- If you're about to go out and buy hurricane proof windows, then make sure that you've measured your window space properly. If you have windows that are unusual in shape, then you'll need to ask
a carpenter or someone in the know to show you how to take these measurements. It's normally much cheaper to install these hurricane proof windows yourself so I can't stress enough that you really need to double check your measurements so you don't get a nasty surprise when it's time to fit these
windows.
There are three popular types of frames that are designed to be used in conjunction with storm windows.
These are:
- Aluminum
- Wood
and
- Vinyl
Comparison of aluminum, wood and vinyl frames
| Wooden frames |
Good points |
- Yes these have been around for centuries and for good reason, they add character to the home.
- Provides excellent thermal performance by keeping the heat from passing through.
- Modern wooden frames last a lot longer than older wooden frames.
- Modern timber has been treated with chemicals to reduce the progression of rot and mold.
- You can reduce maintenance time by asking for clad windows instead.
- Clad wood windows are made by placing a thin strip of either aluminum or vinyl over the front of the wooden frame.
|
| Bad points |
- Older wooden frames need constant maintenance since they are more likely to swell in hot humid conditions and shrink in cold weather.
- Older wooden frames are difficult to open or close since due to warping and swelling.
- Shorter lifespan than both vinyl and aluminum frames.
- Should be painted and sealed every four years to slow down the ageing process.
|
| Aluminum frames |
Good points |
- Great strength and will resist the strongest of winds.
- Least expensive of all the storm window frames and easy to install.
- Does not wear down as quickly as wooden frames. Doesn't corrode like steel.
- Aluminum frames are resistant to scratching
- Requires very little maintenance.
- You can obtain thermally improved aluminum frames. These provide better insulation while maintaining the strength and pliability of aluminum.
|
| Bad points |
- If outdoor temperature is extreme, the frame temperature will reflect the outdoor temperature.
|
| Vinyl frames |
Good points |
- Longer life than wooden frames.
- More pliable than aluminum and much more so than wood.
- Can be used in custom storm windows. Can be matched to nearly any colour you desire.
- Not damaged by flooding unlike wooden frames.
- They are installed on the outside and perform well against wind, rain, sunlight and heat.
- Vinyl is nearly maintenance free just like aluminum and clad wood windows.
- Can be strengthened by incorporating metal reinforcements to the hollow chambers that are within the vinyl.
|
| Bad points |
- May crack if temperature is extremely low. In most instances they don't crack.
- Colour tends to fade with age.
- If the outside temperature is extremely high, the vinyl can become stretched.
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