I’m in the process of replacing the original (ancient) windows in my 80s house here in Florida, and honestly, I’m a little overwhelmed by all the brands claiming to be “hurricane-proof.” Pella, Andersen, Simonton, and even some local companies… how do you even compare them? If you’ve had a big storm roll through, did your windows hold up? Any regrets or things you wish you’d known before picking a brand?
Trying to compare hurricane window brands is like picking the least annoying mosquito in Florida—everybody claims they’re the toughest, but you never really know until a storm tests them. I’ve put in a ton of Andersen and Pella over the years, and honestly, both hold up pretty well if you get their impact-rated lines. Simonton’s solid too, especially for the price. Sometimes those local companies surprise you though... One client went with a smaller regional brand because they had a faster turnaround, and their windows survived Hurricane Irma without a scratch.
Here’s what I wish more folks knew: the install matters just as much as the name on the glass. If it’s not anchored right or sealed up tight, even the fanciest window can leak or rattle like crazy in high winds. Oh, and read the fine print—some warranties are basically toilet paper once you actually need ‘em.
If you’re sweating over which brand, think about your budget, how long you plan to stay in the house, and who’s doing the install. Don’t let all the marketing hype freak you out—most of these will do the job if installed right. And hey, anything’s better than those 80s sliders that barely keep out lizards, right?
I get where you’re coming from about installation being a huge factor, but I’ve gotta say, I’ve seen even well-installed windows from the “big names” fail when debris hits just right. After Hurricane Michael, my neighbor’s top-tier impact glass cracked while my old (but properly shuttered) double-hungs survived without a scratch. Sometimes it’s just dumb luck and how your house sits on the lot. I wouldn’t trust any window to be hurricane-proof—shutters or panels still seem like the safer bet if you’re in a real high-risk zone.