Storm-Proofing Your Windows

Strategies for Strengthening Your Windows Against Storms

Katrina. One of the single most devastating storms to hit America. It is, of course, what we think of when we think of a truly horrifying storm. However, storms like those aren’t the norm. Even though most storms aren’t monumentally devastating, we as homeowners should still take precautions against storms that we deal with all the time. These storms with their high winds, and heavy rain can still cause damage. One of the most vulnerable places in your home is your windows. There are multiple different proactive things you can do to help prevent damage to your windows. Here are some of those strategies, so you can decide what would be best for you and your home. 

Strategy #1: Invest in Impact-Resistant Windows

Starting off with the strongest, most effective strategy you can put into effect: impact-resistant windows. These windows were built to take the heavy hits that a storm can bring from either high winds, flying debris, or heavy precipitation. Because of the storm-resistant features of these windows, they also provide enhanced security and energy efficiency. Enhanced features such as: window panes that don’t shatter upon impact, an interlocking rail system for the sashes that keeps the windows from being pried open, heavier-duty frames, and extra insulation technologies. Here at Window Source of Atlanta, we’d suggest either our 6000 or 9000 series. These windows are more expensive up front, but if you live in a particularly stormy area it’d be worth the investment.

Strategy #2: Install Storm Shutters

There are multiple thoughts that pop into people’s heads when storm shutters are brought up: 1) those ugly things, 2) ugh… can you imagine the rattling, and 3) those things show up in every scary movie, and they’re just swaying back and forth, squeaking. However, storm shutters are a very effective way to protect your windows from the dangers that come with storms. To address the first concern, storm shutters come in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. Basically, they’re customizable to not only match your home’s architectural style but also your style. The physical barrier that storm shutters provide can quickly and successfully protect your windows and minimize the risk of repairs. As for the second concern, high winds make everything rattle and shake, but as we’ve mentioned before, technology is always evolving and growing. Storm shutters now have a variety of options to properly secure them both open and closed.  So we wouldn’t be too worried about it, but it is a great practice to make sure that your shutters are still properly secured after any unusually rough storms. Lastly, to address the third concern, yes, those do often show up in a scary movie. However, we are going to assume you aren’t living in a house of horrors, so you should be safe. 

Strategy #3: Seal and Reinforce Window Frames

If you’re handy, this strategy gives you something to do: check your window frames. Window frames that have been damaged from past storms, age, or use are at a higher risk of further damage from wind and water. To prevent this, seal up any gaps or cracks in or around the frames and change out any old or torn weatherstripping. All windows inevitably come to a point where it’s time to replace them. That would be our best suggestion if you have multiple windows with several points of weakness and/or fixing these points of weakness is beyond your comfort zone. All of our models come standard with fusion-welded frames. This makes the frame one piece rather than several pieces screwed together, making the window not only more strong and durable but energy-efficient too. 

Strategy #4: Trim Trees and Shrubs

This may seem like a strange strategy, but you’d be surprised how many tree limbs break. We’ve all probably seen one in the street, but maybe never had a tree end up coming through our roof or a branch swinging into your window. This is why we’ve included this strategy, it’s a last-second thought for most people, but it is highly effective in keeping your windows, your home, and you safe. You can always take it a step further, and have a tree removed. This is essential if a tree is dead, dying, or rotting. It substantially increases the risk of the tree breaking and if it’s too close or the winds are high, it could damage your home.  Lastly, keep your shrubs and other decorative plants trimmed. Keeping the view out your windows clear gives you good visibility and helps provide safe access and evacuation during emergencies.

Strategy #5: Create an Emergency Plan

For our last strategy, we recommend having an emergency plan for you, your family, and your home. There’s the saying “You simply can’t plan for the unexpected, so you must prepare instead.” Your emergency plan should include steps for securing windows and doors, as well as evacuation routes, and where the “safe areas” within your home are. Going over this plan with the members of your family helps everyone to be prepared for the unexpected, while also minimizing the risks of damage to your home.

Beyond the Pane

Being prepared is a critical first step in guarding your home against the forces of nature, and their somewhat unpredictable actions. We believe part of our job is to help inform homeowners so we can work together to make your home as safe and secure as possible. It’s not just windows and doors and siding, it’s our people. Let us help you, and don’t wait until it’s too late, contact us today to make sure that you’re prepared for the storms that come your way.