Historic Window Preservation During Hurricane Season: Why Protection Matters More Than Replacement
As hurricane season approaches in Florida or anywhere close to the Southeast Coast, preparation becomes a top priority for homeowners—especially those living in historic districts. Organizations like Preserve the Burg have rightly emphasized early planning and thoughtful storm readiness for historic homes in their recent article: Preparing Your Historic Home for Hurricane Season. One critical area deserving special attention is historic window preservation.
A common misconception persists that replacing historic windows with modern “hurricane windows” eliminates storm risk altogether. In reality, even impact-rated replacement windows are frequently damaged during hurricanes and often require full replacement afterward. Historic windows, when properly restored and protected, can often be repaired rather than discarded, preserving both architectural integrity and long-term value.
Hurricane resilience is not about replacement—it is about protection.
The Myth of “Hurricane Windows”
Modern impact-rated windows are designed to resist penetration, but they are not immune to damage. During major storms, these systems often experience:
Cracked or delaminated laminated glass
Failed seals leading to moisture intrusion
Warped frames from pressure differentials
Mandatory replacement after impact events
Once damaged, replacement windows are typically not repairable. They must be removed and replaced entirely—often multiple times over the life of the home.
Historic wood windows, by contrast, were built from dense, old-growth lumber and designed to be maintained indefinitely. When paired with proper storm protection, they offer a more resilient, repairable, and preservation-appropriate solution.
Why Historic Window Preservation Is the Better Strategy
Historic windows contribute to a home’s character, craftsmanship, and historic designation. More importantly, they can be protected without altering or removing original fabric.
Preservation-based hurricane strategies focus on:
Keeping original windows in place
Adding reversible protective layers
Minimizing irreversible loss after storms
This approach aligns with national preservation standards and local historic district guidelines while providing real storm protection.
Proven Hurricane Protection Solutions for Historic Windows
Emergency Protection: Plywood Boarding
When a storm is approaching, plywood boarding remains a practical and effective temporary measure, especially for homes without permanent systems.
Best practices include:
Exterior-grade plywood cut larger than the opening
Secure attachment into structural framing ideally, not trim
Pre-cut, labeled panels stored for repeated use
While plywood is not intended as a permanent solution, it is reversible, affordable, and effective when installed correctly. Ultimately, it will provide the protection your windows need.
Long-Term Protection: Historically Accurate Storm Windows (AustinShield)
For ongoing protection without sacrificing architectural integrity, historically accurate storm windows, such as AustinShield, provide an ideal solution.
These systems:
Shield original windows from wind, debris, and rain
Preserve historic profiles, proportions, and sightlines
Are fully preservation-compliant
Extend the lifespan of original sash and glass
Rather than replacing historic windows, storm windows act as a sacrificial outer layer—absorbing storm exposure while leaving the original window intact and repairable.
Doors, Frames, and Surrounding Elements
Historic doors, frames, sills, and trim should also be inspected annually before hurricane season. Loose hardware, deteriorated joints, or failed glazing compounds can compromise the entire opening during high-wind events.
Routine maintenance and targeted repairs ensure that all components work together as a resilient system.
Preservation Is Resilience
Hurricane protection does not require abandoning historic character. In fact, the most resilient approach is often the most conservative one: restore what exists, protect it properly, and avoid unnecessary replacement.
By combining seasonal preparedness with long-term protection strategies, St. Petersburg and all homeowners susceptible to hurricanes can safeguard their homes while preserving the architectural heritage that defines their neighborhoods.
For broader hurricane preparedness guidance for historic homes, we encourage homeowners to read Preserve the Burg’s excellent article on preparing historic homes for hurricane season and to work with preservation-focused professionals who understand historic window preservation.
Concerned about how your historic windows will perform this hurricane season?
Our team specializes in historic window preservation, including storm-readiness evaluations that identify vulnerabilities in original windows, doors, frames, and surrounding trim—without recommending unnecessary replacement.
👉 Schedule a Historic Window & Storm Protection Assessment
