The Puget Sound region can experience powerful windstorms, especially during the fall and winter. Strong regional storms can bring damaging winds, with gusts sometimes reaching 60 to 70 mph or more. Local hills and ridges can also increase wind speeds in some areas.
For homeowners, that means windows may face strong wind, driving rain, and changing weather during a storm.
If you live in an area that gets frequent windstorms, your windows are an important part of your home. Old, drafty, or damaged windows may make it harder to keep your home comfortable when the weather gets rough.
Keep in mind that no window can make a home storm-proof.
But five window styles to consider to help withstand the gusts are casement, sliding, double-hung, awning, and specialty windows. Each offers different benefits for your home.
Casement windows are hinged on one side and open outward. You turn a handle to open and close the window.
When you close and lock a casement window, the sash presses firmly against the frame. This helps create a tight seal. A tight fit can help limit unwanted air from entering your home during windy weather.
Casement windows also provide plenty of ventilation. When the weather is nice, you can open them wide to bring fresh air into your home.
Their clean design works with many types of homes. You can use casement windows in bedrooms, kitchens, living spaces, and many other areas.
Sliding windows open from side to side along a track. This simple operation can make them easy to use.
They can also work well in places where an outward-opening window would not be practical. A sliding window does not need extra space outside your home to open.
Their wide shape can provide plenty of natural light and broad views. This can make sliding windows a good fit for rooms where you want the space to feel brighter and more open.
As with other replacement windows, proper fit matters. The window needs to be measured and installed correctly. Good seals and weatherstripping can also help limit unwanted air and water from getting into your home during stormy weather.
Double-hung windows have two sashes that move up and down. You can open the bottom sash, the top sash, or both.
This gives you more control over ventilation when the weather is calm. Double-hung windows also have a classic look that fits many traditional homes. They can work just as well with newer home designs.
When you are choosing double-hung windows for a windy area, look beyond appearance. Weatherstripping, locks, frame materials, and professional installation all help the window work as a complete system.
Renewal by Andersen double-hung windows combine a traditional window style with modern materials and performance. Each window is custom made for your home.
Awning windows are hinged at the top. They open outward from the bottom.
Their compact design makes them useful in many parts of the home. You may find them in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and other areas where a smaller window works well.
When an awning window is closed, the sash fits securely against the frame. This makes the style another option to consider for homes that experience windy weather.
As with casement windows, remember to close and lock awning windows when severe weather approaches.
Specialty windows can be a good choice for homes in areas that experience strong winds. These windows come in many shapes and sizes, including circles, arches, triangles, and other custom designs.
Many specialty windows are fixed, which means they do not open or close. Because there are no moving sashes, fixed specialty windows have fewer areas where outside air can enter. This can help reduce air leaks when strong winds blow against your home.
Specialty windows can also bring more natural light into spaces where a standard window may not fit. You might use one above another window, near a high ceiling, or as an architectural feature. They can add character while helping you enjoy more daylight and outdoor views.
The window style is only one part of preparing your home for windy weather. The glass, frame, window size, location, and installation also matter. Renewal by Andersen can help you choose specialty replacement windows that fit your home’s design and the weather conditions in your area.
Window style is not the only thing that matters when you live in a windy climate. The complete window system needs to work together.
When comparing replacement windows, consider:
A good window may not perform as intended if it does not fit the opening correctly. Gaps around the window can contribute to unwanted air or water entering your home.
That is why accurate measurements and professional installation are important parts of your replacement window project.
Your window frame is exposed to changing weather year after year. That makes the frame material an important part of your replacement window decision.
Renewal by Andersen windows are made with exclusive Fibrex® material. Fibrex® material combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance qualities of vinyl.
It resists decay and fungal growth. Fibrex® material also will not flake, blister, peel, pit, or corrode.
These features can be valuable for windows exposed to sun, rain, wind, and changing temperatures.
Fibrex® material is durable, but that does not mean every Renewal by Andersen window is an impact window. Homeowners who need specific storm or impact ratings should always check local requirements and available product options.
Windstorms are only one weather condition your windows face. Your windows also deal with summer heat, winter cold, and sunlight throughout the year.
Renewal by Andersen offers several energy-efficient glass options. High Performance™ Low-E4® SmartSun™ glass can help reduce heat transfer through the glass while still letting natural light into your home.
The right glass depends on your climate, the direction your windows face, and your home’s needs.
For example, a window that receives strong afternoon sunlight may have different needs than a shaded window on another side of your home. Your replacement window consultation can help you compare glass options for your climate and home.
Homes in the Pacific Northwest can face a different mix of weather. Strong winds, heavy rain, cool temperatures, and long periods of wet weather may all be concerns.
That means homeowners need to think about both wind and wind-driven rain when choosing replacement windows.
Location can also make a difference. Homes near Puget Sound, on exposed hills, or along ridges may experience stronger winds than homes in more sheltered areas. Even two homes in the same community can face different conditions based on their elevation and surroundings.
Think about where each window is located on your home, too. Some sides of your home may take the brunt of a storm, while others stay more protected. Your window choices can reflect these differences.
There is no single window style that is best for every Pacific Northwest home. The right choice depends on your home’s location, architecture, window openings, and how you use each room.
A Renewal by Andersen design consultant can help you choose windows that make sense for your home and local weather.
Even a well-made window depends on proper installation.
Every window opening can be a little different. Precise measurements help make sure your new replacement window is built to fit the opening.
Proper installation also helps manage gaps around the window that could allow unwanted air or water into your home.
Renewal by Andersen provides a full-service window replacement process. It starts with an in-home consultation. Your windows are measured and custom made for your home. A professional installation team then installs the new windows.
If you live in an area with special requirements for storms or wind, local building codes should also be part of the process.
Before choosing your replacement windows:
Your needs may also change from room to room. You might want a large picture window in your living room and casement windows in a bedroom. Choosing the right style for each space can help you get the comfort, views, and ventilation you want.
There is no single replacement window that is right for every storm, climate, or home.
Start by looking at the complete window. Consider the style, frame, glass, seals, locks, and installation. Your local weather and building requirements should also guide your decision.
Renewal by Andersen creates custom replacement windows for your home’s existing openings.
Ready to explore replacement windows for your home? Schedule a consultation with Renewal by Andersen to get started.
