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What are coastal windows?
What are coastal windows?
You might hear coastal windows referred to in various ways, like hurricane windows or impact windows. While impact windows refer to windows with impact-resistant glass, a feature that’s commonly code-required in certain coastal areas, coastal and hurricane windows are more general terms that describe windows meant to help protect against the harsh conditions found near the ocean.
Coastal windows and doors are tested to higher standards than traditional windows and doors, so they can help protect your home from rain, wind, and blowing debris. Wind is a real danger posed by severe coastal storms. The worst damage can occur when a window or door is broken, allowing wind to enter and causing air pressure to increase. If a house becomes pressurized, catastrophic damage can occur: The roof may blow off or walls may collapse. The right windows can help minimize damage without the need for storm panels or shutters.
Where are coastal windows most important?
Coastal windows and doors are most critical closer to the water, but the requirements also vary by geography. A home on the Maine coast will have different needs from a home on the Florida coast. Parts of South Florida, like those in the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ), have more stringent code requirements because of the severity of storms there. While the actual code requirements vary by area, areas with the more severe storms may require both impact-resistant glass and a specific performance grade (PG) rating.
In other coastal areas, such as parts of the Northeast, windows and doors might be code-required to meet a specific PG rating, but impact-resistant glass isn’t required.
Generally, the further inland the home, the fewer code-required performance and/or design requirements. Always check with your local code authority for requirements in your area, and remember that good builders and contractors will be aware of code in their areas.
Which windows and doors perform best in a coastal environment?
Our 400 Series windows and A-Series windows and doors are available with Stormwatch® Protection, which means they’re designed, engineered, manufactured, and certified to perform in severe coastal conditions.
Stormwatch Protection products may include features like:
- PG 70 and upgrades to 70+ (depending on the product)
- Impact-resistant glass
- Structural reinforcements in the frame and sash
- High-strength silicone glazing on the interior
- Heavy-duty hardware and additional locks (on some select larger sizes)
Exact features included with Stormwatch Protection will depend on the product selected. See the 400 Series Coastal Product Guide and A-Series Coastal Product Guide for details.
Coastal window features to compare before you buy
Performance grade (PG) rating | What is this?As industry-wide rating system used to indicate products that have undergone extensive testing related to air, water, and structural performance. | What we offer:Most A-Series products meet PG 70 standard and can be upgraded to PG 70+. Most 400 Series windows are PG 50 with upgraded PG ratings available depending on product. Our windows with a PG upgrade have enhancements, such as built-in features and special materials, including the following:
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Impact-resistant glass | What is this?Glass that’s reinforced with a layer of clear laminate, helping it maintain its integrity after an impact event (much like safety glass in a windshield).* This type of glass also reduces forced entry and unwanted noise. | What we offer:We offer two impact-resistant glass options with coastal windows: monolithic and dual-pane. Monolithic impact-resistant glass is best used in tropical climates and dual-pane impact-resistant glass is used everywhere else. |
Structural reinforcements | What is this?Extra protection that stabilizes the frame and sash of the window. | What we offer:Our windows and doors with Stormwatch® Protection have structural reinforcements in the frame and sash. |
Salt air durability and corrosion-resistant materials | What is this?Products exposed to harsh salt air environments can corrode more easily. The right materials are needed to help stand up to these conditions. | What we offer:Both A-Series and 400 Series products are engineered to resist salt damage and maintain their appearance over time.* |
Energy-efficient glass | What is this?Harmful UV rays are intense in places where solar radiation reflects off the water. Certain low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings can help filter out UV rays while also supporting more energy-efficient performance. | What we offer:SmartSun™ glass filters out 95% of harmful UV rays while still allowing sunlight through and providing the benefits of Low-E glass. This Low-E coating is available with both 400 Series and A-Series products. |
Which window materials work best for coastal homes?
Exterior material | 400 SeriesPerma-Shield cladding forms a protective shell around 400 Series windows, helping to repel water and resist dents, and stays beautiful for years to come.* It resists salt spray and sea air and never needs repainting. | A-SeriesFiberglass-composite is used on the exteriors of our A-Series windows and doors because it won't flake, rot, blister, peel, or pit. It comes with a lifetime warranty against the corrosion that can result from salty air.* |
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Interior material | 400 SeriesThe Perma-Shield cladding also safeguards wood on the inside of our 400 Series windows and doors. | A-SeriesA-Series wood interiors are protected by the innovative water management system on their exteriors, including sloped sills, hermetically sealed corner keys, and more. |
Glass | 400 SeriesThrough both product lines, two coastal glass options are available to provide impact-resistance and UV protection:
| A-SeriesThrough both product lines, two coastal glass options are available to provide impact-resistance and UV protection:
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Which window styles work best for coastal homes?
Any of the styles we offer through the A-Series and 400 Series product lines can work in a coastal home. However, the best style will depend on your home's architecture, local conditions and code, and other factors. Your pros will be able to help you decide what’s best for your home.
Window and styles available with Stormwatch Protection:
- Awning windows: A-Series and 400 Series product lines
- Casement windows: A-Series and 400 Series product lines
- Double-hung windows: A-Series and 400 Series product lines
- Picture windows: A-Series product line only
- Specialty windows: 400 Series product line only
- French/hinged patio doors: A-Series product line only
- Gliding patio doors: A-Series product line only
How to choose between our coastal product lines?
Product line overview: | A-Series windows and doorsThe A-Series product line is our best-performing and most energy-efficient. It also offers design flexibility with both contemporary and traditional options. | 400 Series windowsThe 400 Series product line is our most legendary. With timeless product designs in a wide selection of popular products. It also offers either contemporary or traditional options. |
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Cost: | A-Series windows and doors$$$$$ | 400 Series windows$$$$$ |
PG options: | A-Series windows and doorsMost A-Series products come with PG 70 standard and the option to upgrade to PG 70+. | 400 Series windowsMost 400 Series products come with the option to upgrade to PG 50. |
Stormwatch availability: | A-Series windows and doorsBoth A-Series windows and patio doors are available with Stormwatch Protection. | 400 Series windowsOnly 400 Series windows are available with Stormwatch Protection. |
Other coastal features: | A-Series windows and doors
| 400 Series windows
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How to choose the best windows for a coastal home
Ready to start your window shopping? Consider the list below your cheat sheet to selecting the right coastal features for your home.
- Understand your local code requirements: Your builder or contractor should know about requirements for impact-resistant glass, PG ratings, design features, and more.
- Select coastal-ready exteriors: There are materials available that can both complement your home's style and help withstand corrosive salt air.
- Confirm PG ratings: If there is a PG rating requirement in your area, you’ll want to work with your builder or contractor to make sure your window and door selections are certified to the required rating — find 400 Series performance data and A-Series performance data.
- Choose the right impact-resistant glass: Work with your builder or contractor to determine whether monolithic or dual-pane laminated glass is appropriate for your climate.
- Consider UV-ray protection and energy efficiency: Look for Low-E coatings and SmartSun™ glass options to help protect your home's interior and help reduce energy costs.
