Best Types of Windows to Protect from Storm Damage

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Storm season challenges every part of your home, especially your windows. Hail, wind, and flying debris can easily crack or dent windows that aren’t built for the job. That’s why it’s so important to choose the best types of windows to protect from storm damage. At Craftsman’s Choice, we help homeowners find the right windows that offer both peace of mind and reliable protection. Let’s go through what to look for and which options can help keep your home safe when the weather turns.

What Threatens Windows Most During a Storm?

Hail Is the Real Problem

While wind and rain are part of any major storm, hail is what causes the most damage to windows. It doesn’t just hit the glass—it targets the window exterior, and some materials hold up better than others.

The key to choosing windows that protect from storm damage is selecting a window that has a tough exterior, especially when it comes to hail resistance.

Understanding Window Exterior Materials

All windows are not created equal. Even within aluminum windows, the construction process makes a huge difference. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Extruded Aluminum: Built for Impact

Extruded aluminum is a heavy-duty material formed through a high-pressure machine that creates thick, solid profiles. This manufacturing process gives it the durability needed to handle hail strikes without denting or breaking.

  • What makes it strong: The thickness of the extruded aluminum gives it an edge over other materials.
  • Top choice: The Marvin Ultimate line features this extruded aluminum exterior. It’s one of the best options out there when it comes to window strength in severe weather.

2. Fiberglass: Lightweight but Tough

Fiberglass is another excellent material for storm resistance. It doesn’t warp, dent, or split—and it’s known for its strength, even in extreme conditions.

  • What makes it effective: Fiberglass stands up to hail without cracking, making it perfect for storm-prone regions.
  • Recommended options: The Marvin Elevate and Marvin Essential windows both have fiberglass exteriors. These lines perform incredibly well in hailstorms and offer long-lasting durability.

3. Roll-Formed Aluminum: What to Avoid

Some older or builder-grade windows are made with roll-formed aluminum, which is a much thinner and weaker option. In these windows, the core frame is typically wood, and then a thin layer of aluminum is wrapped around it.

  • Why it doesn’t hold up: The thin aluminum wrap is vulnerable to dents and tears during storms.
  • Our recommendation: If your current windows are made with roll-formed aluminum, consider replacing them with fiberglass or extruded aluminum models.

Key Features That Make a Window Storm-Resistant

Not all windows offer the same level of protection. If storm damage is a concern, here’s what to focus on when choosing the right windows for your home:

  • Tough Exterior Materials: Go with extruded aluminum or fiberglass for strong, long-lasting defense against hail.
  • Reinforced Construction: Choose windows with solid, impact-ready frames that are built to take a hit.
  • Proven Brand Performance: Materials matter, but so does the engineering behind them. Marvin’s storm-rated designs are built with hail resistance in mind.

Why We Recommend Marvin for Storm Protection

We’ve worked with countless window brands over the years, and Marvin consistently delivers when it comes to storm durability. Their Ultimate series uses extruded aluminum exteriors, which hold up exceptionally well against hail and other impacts. For homeowners looking for a fiberglass option, Marvin’s Elevate and Essential lines are built with tough fiberglass exteriors that perform under pressure—season after season.

When storms hit, you want windows that can take it. That’s why we installed Marvin. Their products help us give our customers lasting protection, no matter the weather.

In Summary

When it comes to finding the best windows to protect from storm damage, it’s not just about appearance or insulation—it’s about durability. Materials like extruded aluminum and fiberglass are designed to take on hail, high winds, and everything in between.

If your current setup includes roll-formed aluminum or older wooden frames, it’s time to upgrade. We’ll help you choose the right windows to protect from storm damage and make sure your home is ready before the next storm hits.

Contact us today at Craftsman’s Choice to schedule your consultation. Let’s get your home the protection it deserves.

Ben Juncker

Author

When Ben Juncker was sitting in his high school career planning class, siding installer was not on his list of potential career paths. As with most people in the construction industry, certain questionable life choices led to a point where they were wearing a tool belt, working with their hands. His path started just this way and he would not change a thing. Those early years in his business of scraping and clawing their way to profitability and stability, have helped him to build a culture of hard work and perseverance at Craftsman’s Choice. Ben started his company in 1998 and they installed their first James Hardie job in 2000. Since that time Craftsman’s Choice has become one of the nation’s top James Hardie Remodelers. They have won James Hardie’s prestigious President’s Club award every year since it’s inception in 2015.