Florida homeowners know there’s always work to be done before hurricane season. Impact windows, hurricane doors, shutters, roofing, garage doors – many options exist to upgrade a home’s storm protection. But who has the time or budget to do them all?
If you need to prioritize which projects to complete first, you may wonder: should you upgrade your windows or doors for hurricane season?
The short answer: it depends. The condition of your home, types of openings, and existing weak points all play a factor. By understanding how windows and doors can fail during storms, homeowners can better decide where to start.
Both windows and doors have vital roles in keeping your home safe during severe weather. If either fails, high winds and rain can wreak havoc on interior spaces and structural components. It pays to understand how different openings respond to hurricanes.
Why Windows and Doors Are Important
When hurricane-force winds blow, your home’s windows and doors are under a lot of pressure. Debris impacts, wind-driven rain, and rapid changes in air pressure all stress these openings far beyond typical weather conditions.
If a window or door fails during a storm, it’s never just glass breaking or water coming in. Once that opening is breached, pressure inside your home can skyrocket. Wind rushing through the damaged area can impact your roof, other windows, and even the home’s structural integrity.
That’s why Florida building codes put such an emphasis on impact-resistant windows and doors.
Strong windows and doors help maintain your home’s “pressure envelope.” This protective shell keeps wind and rain outside where they belong.
Upgrading Windows First
Windows are often the most vulnerable place for high winds and debris to attack your home. Non-impact windows were standard before Florida’s hurricane building codes evolved. Older glass can be major weak points during hurricanes.
Do windows need to be upgraded first? It depends on…
- The number of glass doors/windows you have
- Existing window condition
- Drafts during storms
- Visible wear around window frames
- Whether your home has single-pane glass
Picture windows and other large expanses of glass can increase exposure. If you have many old windows, upgrading them may have a big impact on overall protection.
Many homeowners also love how new windows help:
- Increase energy efficiency
- Block outside noise
- Reduce UV exposure
Since windows are found throughout your home, replacing them can often protect more square footage at once.
Upgrading Doors First
Sometimes doors can be the bigger liability. Garaga doors, sliding glass doors, and old entry doors are common problem areas for hurricanes.
Large sliding glass doors are a particular point of concern. They have large glass panels combined with wide openings. Older models can have trouble withstanding wind pressure, rain, and flying debris.
Regular entry doors can fail if the frame shifts or the door’s seal is breached. Garage doors are often the largest single opening in your house. If they fail, sudden pressure changes inside your home can lift the roof off.
Should you upgrade doors first? Consider it if:
- Your home has old sliding glass doors
- Outside wind or rain enters during storms
- Your garage door lacks reinforcement
- Doors no longer seal correctly
- Doors are hard to lock or feel “drafty”
Damaged garage doors are particularly problematic because wind can easily enter and affect internal pressure.
If your home has weak doors, they may be the best place to start.
Weak Points Are More Important Than Windows vs. Doors
Homeowners trying to decide whether to upgrade windows or doors should think about weak points instead. The age and condition of your windows matter little if your garage doors won’t shut properly.
Maybe your home has newer impact windows but an old non-impact sliding glass door. Replacing that door may be more urgent. Another house may have sturdy impact-rated doors, but every window is single-pane.
Hurricane protection relies on all vulnerable openings being up to par.
Consulting with a contractor can help you understand your home’s current weak points. They can advise where upgrades would benefit you most.
Budget Usually Determines the Course of Action
Let’s be honest, budget is usually the deciding factor on what hurricane upgrades to make. Most homeowners can’t replace every window and door at once.
Those that can’t may need to break their projects into phases. If that’s the case, prioritization is key.
Some homeowners opt to upgrade the largest doors and windows first. Others may start with the side of the house that typically faces most storms or where leaks happened before.
Hurricane upgrades done in phases can still protect your home if done wisely. Just be sure that each project improves your home’s storm resistance.
There’s nothing wrong with taking your time. Start with what you can afford, and plan future projects as your budget allows.
Windows and Doors Provide Benefits Even Outside of Hurricane Season
Hurricane protection is important, but that’s not the only reason to upgrade windows and doors. Homeowners who install impact windows and doors report benefits year-round:
- Lower energy bills
- Better home security
- Less noise from outside
- Reduced UV exposure
- Increased property value
Impact glass is much more difficult to break than standard glass. That means better security and less outside noise. Most new windows and doors also seal tighter, preventing drafts.
The installation also matters just as much as the quality of windows and doors you select. Impact windows and doors are tested as entire systems.
The frame, anchors, flashing, and installation process all work together to keep your home safe. Poor installation can lead to water leaks or structural issues during hurricanes.
Look for these qualities in a hurricane windows and doors installation:
- Proper window and door anchoring
- Correct flashing
- Secure framing fit
- Waterproof sealant
- Installation that follows Florida building codes
That’s another reason to trust experienced pros who install hurricane windows and doors year after year. They know best practices for making your home as safe as possible.
Windows or Doors: What Should You Upgrade First?
There is no definitive answer on windows vs. doors during hurricane season. Each home has different weak points based on structure, age, budget, and more.
Maybe windows are your culprit. Others may have older doors that need attention first.
Instead of deciding whether doors or windows are more important, look at your home as a whole. Upgrade the weak points that will provide the biggest benefit when storms arrive.
At Absolute Window LLC, we want to help Florida homeowners discover their options for impact-resistant windows and doors. Not only can these upgrade your hurricane protection, but they also provide many benefits year-round. From energy savings to security, there are many reasons to consider storm windows and doors for your home. Contact us today to learn more.
