How Strong Windows Protect Homes

When hurricanes strike, they leave behind a trail of destruction—damaging homes, businesses, and communities. With extreme weather events becoming more intense due to climate change, the need for hurricane impact-rated systems, such as windows, doors, and other fenestration products, has never been greater.

How Strong Windows Protect Homes

New and Replacement windows with high design pressure and performance grades are specifically designed to withstand high winds and flying debris during severe storms. These systems protect homes by preventing rapid internal pressurization, which can lead to catastrophic structural failures. Dean Ruark, Vice President of Engineering and Innovation at PGT Innovations, explains that even the failure of a single window or door can compromise a building’s roof and walls.

In addition to storm protection, these products offer other benefits, including:

• Improved energy efficiency
• Superior UV resistance
• Enhanced acoustic performance

Mike Layne, Regional Sales Manager at Kolbe Windows & Doors, highlights the convenience of impact-rated systems over traditional storm shutters or plywood, which require installation and removal before and after storms.

Lessons from the 2024 Hurricane Season

The 2024 hurricane season has been especially active, with Hurricanes Helene and Milton causing widespread destruction. Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, resulted in an estimated $250 billion in damages, while Hurricane Milton caused $50 billion in losses. These storms demonstrate the critical role impact-rated products play in protecting homes and reducing damage.

According to experts, warmer waters due to climate change are driving rapid storm intensification. The National Center for Environmental Information predicts that 2024 may become the warmest year on record, further emphasizing the need for resilient building solutions in hurricane-prone regions.

Adapting to Customer Needs and Industry Trends

Manufacturers are responding to the demand for larger windows, bolder designs, and improved energy efficiency in impact-rated products. However, as Layne notes, laminated glass used in these systems has size limitations, which architects and designers must account for in their projects. Unique geometric windows, such as trapezoids or triangles, are gaining popularity as a creative design solution that balances functionality and aesthetics.

In Florida, where hurricanes are a constant threat, demand for impact-rated systems has surged—especially among new residents unfamiliar with storm preparation. Experts predict that stricter building codes and standards, like Florida’s already effective hurricane regulations, will continue to evolve in response to increasingly severe weather.

Building for the Future

Josh Jensen, President of YKK AP’s residential business group, believes that the glass and fenestration industries must stay ahead of these challenges by investing in research and development. This includes creating stronger materials, improving product performance, and educating homeowners and contractors on proper installation and maintenance.

PGT Innovations is exploring “code-plus” options like the IBHS Fortified Program, which prepares buildings to withstand more severe wind events than current regulations require. As Jeffrey Gore, Vice President and General Manager at Marvin, points out, manufacturers must be proactive in offering solutions that anticipate the demands of a changing climate.

Conclusion

Hurricane impact-rated systems are not just a product of necessity—they are a testament to innovation in the face of nature’s challenges. By investing in these products, homeowners can protect their families, preserve their properties, and adapt to the realities of an ever-changing climate. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, the glass and fenestration industries will remain at the forefront, developing resilient solutions to safeguard communities for years to come.