Windows Upgrades to Help Your Home Weather the Storm

Tornadoes, hurricanes, and cyclones – and high wind speeds and hailstorms, can all cause major damage to a home. Stormproofing protects your home and its inhabitants against storm damage and debris. But what are the best window upgrades to help your home weather the storm? Storms can cause the worst damage to windows and frames, and severe storms can shatter windows, or tear windows clean out of their frames. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Preparation is always safer than facing a storm. Here are some of the best window upgrades to prepare your home for future storms.

Window Upgrades to Help Your Home Weather the Storm

Seal Window Gaps

Window gaps create additional problems. Gaps can let cold air into the home and let moisture build-up, causing potential mold growth. Seal all window gaps on the interior and exterior as the first step to proper stormproofing.

Sealing gaps automatically increases the home’s internal temperature, decreases heating and cooling costs, and lowers energy consumption. Sealing will improve energy efficiency and secure the window by closing up a potential weak spot.

If we’re talking about a crack in the window instead of a gap, replace the window.

Reinforced Window Frames

Reinforced window frames could save your life, especially during increased wind speeds. Most frames aren’t properly secured or begin to degrade over time. A window that shows any signs of rust means your frames aren’t as strong as you’d expect them to be.

Install reinforced frames, especially if you aren’t sure when last the frames were checked. Like most things, window frames have a finite lifespan and can only last through so much harsh weather before needing work.

Aluminum and vinyl frames are highly resistant to damage, however, fiberglass window frames are the strongest.

Strengthened Windows

Manufacturers use superior quality materials to make strengthened windows compared to simple glass. That might be the difference between a storm emergency and a passing storm.

Glass can shatter, especially older glass, when subjected to flying debris or enough atmospheric pressure.

Shattered glass is a potential projectile in a storm. Strengthened or reinforced windows might stop debris during extreme weather conditions.

Stormproof or Shatterproof Windows

Stormproof or shatterproof windows are another home upgrade option. Experts recommended these for areas that are storm-prone. Professionals can replace your current windows in less than a few hours – ensuring your home is better protected.

Shatterproof windows are stronger than traditional glass and can take a harsh knock without breaking. Impact-resistant windows provide even more protection over storm windows.

Adding Window Film

Window film is a synthetic film that glues over your windows. There are several reasons why they are a good home upgrade for storms.

Adding window film:

• Protects against harsh ultraviolet light
• Stops windows from shattering by providing an extra protective layer
• More affordable
• Fast solution

If you don’t have a big budget or a lot of time, reinforce windows instead of getting window replacements.

Ask your window installation or repair company about the various available options.

Replace Hinges and Screws

A window is only as strong as its weakest point. This sometimes means that the hinges and screws in your window might need replacement. Change all hinges and screws that seem “old fashioned” or even just the slightest bit worn out.

It’s not a massive window upgrade, but it can make a big difference when it comes to safety from strong winds during a storm. Replacing worn fixtures and connections could save the entire window’s integrity.

Home Upgrades With Storm Shutters

Install storm shutters before storms hit. Even one more small window upgrade could make a huge difference to how strong your windows are. Storm shutters allow your windows some added protection.

Combined with stronger windows, storm shutters can afford your house more protection against the storm.

Smart Windows

Smart home technology allows you to operate your windows without doing it manually. Smart windows hook up to smart apps to monitor conditions. It can tell you when to protect yourself against storms.

Smart windows also offer extra protective mechanisms against storms, like temperature measurements and automatic shuttering.

It seems out of this world, but you could have this upgrade done in almost no time at all – and for a lower budget than you might imagine.

What’s better to protect against storms than upgrades to windows and helps your home weather the storm?

North Country Windows & Baths in Lincoln, NE, and the Surrounding Areas

At North Country Windows & Baths, our Windows are backed by a Lifetime Warranty giving our customers peace of mind. Each window is custom-made to fit your home with state-of-the-art engineering by design, and energy efficiency enhanced by style. Our windows are made to last for years of maintenance-free beauty.

Whether you want a soaker tub surrounded by subway tile or a low threshold shower with granite-like walls, you can customize your BathWraps space and even add accessories like soap dishes, caddies, seating, grab bars, and more Contact us today.