In Australia, weather conditions vary, and extreme weather is commonplace. This means that our houses and windows need to be able to stand up to all sorts of storms.
In this blog, we’ll cover how weatherproof windows are an essential investment.
The Threat of Extreme Weather in Australia
If you live in Australia, you already know how unpredictable the weather can be. From intense heat to severe cold, it’s hard to know what you’re going to get.
Our continent is renowned for its scorching heat. In fact, the hottest temperature globally was registered in Australia – a staggering 50.7 Celsius (or 123.3 Fahrenheit). This temperature was reached twice, once in 1960 and again in 2022.
Unfortunately, these extreme temperatures can also trigger bushfires so your windows must be able to cope with heat and smoke.
At the other end of the spectrum, the country continues to experience bouts of extreme cold. The lowest temperature recorded in Australia is -23.0 °C (-9.4 °F).
The country has also experienced torrential rain downpours. In some areas, this has caused disastrous flooding. Severe storms and strong winds have impacted southeastern Australia, causing damage and disruptions.
With this in mind, all windows installed in Australian homes need to be able to weather a variety of temperatures and events.
4 Key Features of Weatherproof Windows
If you want to protect your home against the weather, investing in weather resistant windows is key. Here are some of the features you should look for to ensure your new windows have sufficient weatherproofing.
1. Weatherstripping and Airtight Seals
Having airtight seals is essential to stopping air leaks, draughts and rainwater from infiltrating the house.
Weatherstripping creates an airtight seal between the window frame and the sash. It is made of vinyl, foam or felt. These solid seals improve energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling costs.
2. Durable Frames
Having window frames that resist moisture, corrosion and warping is essential. Here are some of the recommended materials:
- uPVC: Energy efficient, low maintenance and resistant to corrosion.
- Aluminium: This strong material can withstand high winds.
- Fiberglass: This material is strong and energy efficient. It can also be painted your desired colour.
Here at Ultimate Windows, we offer uPVC windows as we believe they provide the best weatherproofing.
3. Insulated Glass
We recommend double or triple glazed windows with a low emissivity coating. This improves energy efficiency and minimises heat transfer. The low emissivity coating reflects heat into the room in winter and blocks heat during summer.
4. Drainage Considerations
It is important that your window prevents leaks. To do so, good windows have channels and weep holes to allow water to drain to the exterior. This helps the window avoid water damage.
Protecting Against High Winds and Storms
If you live in an area prone to high winds, it is essential to select windows that can weather them. Here are some of the impact-resistant window options that might suit you:
Laminated Glass
This solution has a layer of plastic film between double-glazed windowpanes. This holds the glass together if it is shattered, preventing the glass from flying everywhere.
Impact Windows
These are more hardy than regular windows, featuring durable frames and laminated windowpanes.
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is stronger and can withstand more pressure before breaking. However, it is not as durable as laminated glass.
You may also wish to invest in storm shutters to protect your windows from intense storms.
Sealing Out Rain and Preventing Water Damage
To protect your home from the elements, making sure your windows are watertight is vital. All window frames should feature caulking to seal between the window and wall. Additionally, using weatherstripping around the window frame will add an extra layer of protection.
Insulating Against Temperature Extremes
In Australia, we get a wide variety of weather events. While we are best known for our sunshine, we also see extreme cold in the winter. This makes insulating your home crucial to keeping a comfortable environment indoors.
The best way to insulate your window is by opting for double or triple glazing. This involves having two or more panes of glass with a gap in between. This effectively reduces heat transfer, stopping heat or cold air from escaping your home.
This keeps your house cool during summer and warm during winter. This will increase your energy efficiency as your air conditioner and heater will work more effectively. This is why Ultimate Windows offer double glazing as standard.
Resilience to UV Rays and Sun Damage
One of the issues with sunshine is that it produces UV rays. Over time, UV rays degrade the colour of fabrics, plastic and flooring. This can damage your furniture, costing you money in the long term. This is why UV film on windows is highly recommended. This blocks up to 99% of UV rays.
Here at Ultimate Windows, our windows come with UV window film as standard for this very reason.
The Importance of High-Quality Installation
To ensure your windows last for years to come, it is vital to seek out a professional installer with extensive expertise. This will ensure your investment pays off and your windows can handle any temperature and weather.
The best way to ensure you use a highly trained professional is to check if they are registered with a program like FENSA or CERTASS. This shows they meet quality and compliance standards. Additionally, we recommend checking their credentials with Checkatrade. It is also important to seek out an installer who has insurance to protect against any potential damage.
Looking for Weatherproof Windows?
Ultimate Windows design and install windows designed to protect against all extreme weather. All of our high-quality windows consist of uPVC frames, double glazing and UV resistant window film. We manufacture our frames in-house, meaning we can provide products tailored to your needs and tastes.
If you’re considering new windows, why not contact us for a free quote? Contact us on our website or call your closest branch directly.
