Wisconsin, a state characterized by its continental climate featuring cold winters and warm, humid summers, experiences a range of weather events including severe thunderstorms, hail, and occasional strong winds, particularly impacting its largest city, Milwaukee. These conditions necessitate durable and protective window solutions.
While Wisconsin is not subject to tropical hurricanes, the state's susceptibility to severe thunderstorms and significant hail events makes impact windows a prudent consideration for homeowners in Milwaukee and beyond. The primary benefit here lies in enhanced resistance to projectile impacts from hail and windborne debris. When assessing providers, it is essential to look for those who can detail the performance of their laminated glass interlayers and reinforced frame systems according to ASTM E1886/E1996 standards for windborne debris impact resistance, even if not mandated by local codes. The prevalent housing stock, often comprising older brick homes and mid-century residences, requires precise measurement and skilled installation to ensure a secure fit and effective seal against the elements and temperature extremes.
The best hurricane windows are those that meet or exceed recognized impact resistance standards like ASTM E1886/E1996. For Wisconsin, this means selecting systems with robust laminated glass interlayers and reinforced frames capable of withstanding high-velocity impacts from hail and windborne debris, providing superior protection against severe weather.
Hurricane windows, also known as impact windows, are designed as primary window replacements engineered to withstand direct projectile impacts and severe weather forces, meeting stringent testing protocols. Storm windows are typically secondary units installed over existing windows, offering a supplemental barrier against wind and rain but not the same level of impact resistance or structural integrity.
Yes, in Milwaukee, impact windows offer significant benefits due to Wisconsin's vulnerability to severe thunderstorms and large hail. They provide enhanced protection against property damage from projectiles, improve home security, and can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing air infiltration, thereby protecting your investment and comfort.
Self-installation of impact windows is strongly discouraged. Proper installation is crucial for their performance and to meet warranty requirements, as it involves ensuring correct anchoring, sealing, and structural integration to withstand extreme forces. Professional installers have the expertise to guarantee their effectiveness.
Impact windows can enhance a home's value in Wisconsin by offering superior protection against severe weather events like hail and high winds, reducing the risk of costly repairs. They also improve home security and can contribute to energy efficiency by minimizing air leaks, making the property more resilient and desirable.
For hail-prone regions like parts of Wisconsin, the best hurricane windows are those specifically tested for impact resistance against large hail (e.g., 1.75-inch or 2-inch diameter spheres) according to standards like ASTM E1886/E1996. Look for laminated glass with strong interlayers and durable frames that can absorb and resist the impact energy of hailstones.
Useful reference: NOAA hurricane center — storm risk data.