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 the type of storm window that suits your location correctly then you can be reassured that your windows are protected adequately.

So how do you choose the correct hurricane proof window 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.

So here I've listed a number of pointers that I think are important in regard to making the right choice.

• The window pane has to be made to withstand anything nature has to throw at it. Anything less will not do when a hurricane comes knocking on your window.


• The glass provided for storm 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 proof window panes are made of polycarbonate plastic and acrylics which offers higher protection than most (not all) glass panes.


• Furthermore, most plastic panes take on a yellow tinge when exposed to excessive sunlight. I should also point out if you appreciate a room with a view you may want to stick to glass panes since they last a lot longer and have better visibility in the long run.


• 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 stronger at higher elevations, then it is wise to have maximum protection on your second storey windows if you have them.


• Don't let me put you off getting the strongest type of hurricane proof winds installed on the lower stories as well since this is the region where most thefts and flooding occurs.


• 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. But let me say, this is the main downfall of these products. 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 windowpane. 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 will 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 their shape, 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 receive a nasty surprise when it's time to fit these windows.




Back to Top

Wooden frames:

• Yes these have been around for centuries and for good reason, they add character to the home.


• Looks great on old traditional homes since it adds to the appeal.


• Provides excellent thermal performance by keeping the heat from passing through.


• Wooden frames need to be made of high quality timber so that it doesn't warp or twist.


• Modern wooden frames tend to last a lot longer than the older frames since modern timber has been treated with chemicals to reduce the progression of rot, mold and from being attacked by termites.


• Older wooden frames need constant maintenance since they are more likely to swell in hot humid conditions and shrink in cold weather.


• They need to be painted and sealed every 4 years so as to slow down the ageing process. Thus, maintenance is quite a high priority.


• If you don't want to undertake the maintenance then why not consider using clad wood windows instead. Clad wood windows are made by placing a thin strip of either aluminumor vinyl over the front of the wooden frame.


• The older they get the more likely that the window will be harder to open or close since they will succumb to warping and swelling.

Aluminum frames

• They have greatest strength and will resist the strongest of winds.
• It's the least expensive of all the storm window frames and are quite easy to install.
• Aluminum frames are resistant to scratching and don't wear down as quickly as wooden frames. They also don't corrode like steel does.
• These frames are extremely good conductors of heat, (in fact, they are about 1000 times more conductive than vinyl and wood).
• You can obtain thermally improved aluminum frames. These provide better insulation while maintaining the strength and pliability of aluminum.
• They require very little maintenance.

Vinyl frames

• These have a longer life than wooden frames.
• They are more pliable than aluminum and much more so than wood which allows their use in a custom storm window.
• They are installed on the outside and due to this they have to perform well against the wind, rain, sunlight and heat.
• It is not damaged by flooding unlike wooden frames.
• Can be made much stronger by incorporating metal reinforcements to the hollow chambers that are within the vinyl frame. I should clarify this, what I mean is the internal hollow chambers have to made, they are never just part of the vinyl frame. These chambers tend to trap air which aids in reducing heat and sound (by up to 50%).
• Vinyl is nearly maintenance free just like aluminum and clad wood windows. They age quite slowly compared with wooden frames.
• Can be matched to nearly any colour you desire. The only downside to this is that they tend to fade with age.
• If the weather is extremely cold for extended periods then there is the possibility that it will crack. In most instances they don't crack.
• If the outside temperature becomes excessively hot, the vinyl can become stretched.

Back to Top