Weathering the Storm: Protecting Your Windows from Severe Weather Damage
Lynchburg is no stranger to severe weather. Regardless of the season, we often are faced with weather threats. From springtime heavy rainfalls to summertime thunderstorms that produce hail to wintertime snowfalls and ice storms, severe weather is common. Homeowners must be prepared for any severe storm that can occur any time of year or day.
We invest in our homes to protect them from severe weather damage and ensure they will be safe from weather threats. Whether we select the highest quality roofing materials or the most durable home siding, as homeowners, we’re always looking to invest in and protect our homes. A major home component that is often threatened when severe weather strikes is our windows.
How can you protect your windows from severe weather damage? Keep reading to learn how severe weather can damage windows, how to protect them to keep them safe from Central Virginia’s severe weather, and a permanent solution to never having to prepare your windows for severe weather again.
How can Severe Weather Damage Windows?
We’re lucky to live in a state that experiences all four seasons in a calendar year. We have beautiful winters that are relatively mild yet blanket our area with snow, springs that warm the air and bring lush greenery and new life, summers that are humid yet beautiful and falls that display vibrant foliage and cool air.
Each season has its threat of severe weather, from springtime heavy rainfalls to summer thunderstorms that produce hail and strong wind gusts and winters that can dump multiple inches of snow or ice. Winters are relatively mild here in Central Virginia, but that doesn’t mean we don’t see temperatures that hover at or below freezing. Because our weather can be unpredictable and has varying temperatures that range from below freezing to the mid-60s in the winter and early spring, windows can form cracks from the rapidly changing temperatures putting pressure on the glass.
Likewise, strong wind gusts can rattle a loose window, causing it to crack or shatter. Severe thunderstorms that produce hail, regardless if it’s the size of a dime or golf ball-sized, can break windows. Flying debris from strong wind gusts or thunderstorms can also damage a window.
How to Protect Your Windows from Severe Weather Damage
Install Storm Shutters
Some homes have shutters simply to add curb appeal, while others choose to install storm shutters with an entirely different purpose. Though they can be eye-catching, storm shutters function to protect your windows in the event of severe weather. They’re installed over home windows on the exterior and shouldn’t be installed directly on them to avoid voiding your window’s warranty. Be sure to check with the storm shutter installation company you hire to ensure their installation won’t void your window warranty.
Storm shutters can easily be lifted when severe storms aren’t a threat, letting the sunlight into your home and creating optimal airflow throughout the house. However, when there’s a severe weather warning or watch, they can be lowered to cover the windows, protecting them from flying debris and strong wind gusts.
Place Plywood Over Windows
Though rare, tropical storms and hurricanes have made landfall, or we’ve felt the impact as they drew close to Central Virginia, barreling along the shore (think of Hurricane Isabel back in 2003 or Gaston in 2004). A proactive approach to preparing your windows for a tropical storm or hurricane is to place plywood over them to prevent flying debris and strong wind gusts from destroying the window panes.
Lifetime Windows from One Stop Home Improvement Shop
Having high-quality home windows is another great way to prepare for the threat of severe weather. If your windows are old/showing signs of wear and tear or damage, consider scheduling a window replacement now to avoid damage from the next storm that impacts Lynchburg and surrounding cities.
At One Stop Home Improvement Shop, we offer MountainView Windows, lifetime windows that withstand severe weather. They have superior energy efficiency, meeting and exceeding all ENERGY STAR® standards. With a multi-chambered frame design and premium glass packages and glass fills, there are plenty of options. Our replacement windows come with a comprehensive lifetime warranty that protects your investment, one that other window installation companies can’t offer.
No matter your budget, we have replacement windows that perfectly fit your home and offer superior protection while eliminating drafts. Our MountainView replacement options are available in various styles, including slider, casement, awning, double-hung, and more, to complement your home’s style.
One Stop Home Improvement Shop can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing new windows, a new roof, or a gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation!
