Extreme weather is a growing concern across Australia, especially in Melbourne, which is often described as the city of “four seasons in one day.” A passing cold front can bring thunderstorms, hail, strong winds, and a sudden temperature drop of over 10°C within just a few hours.^[1] In these conditions, windows are particularly vulnerable. Without proper window protection, homes face an increased risk of damage from wind and debris. Installing weatherproof windows, especially durable aluminium windows with sealed frames and proper glazing, helps reduce this risk and improve overall resilience.

It’s never too late to prepare for extreme weather. Let’s look at how to upgrade weatherproof windows for extreme weather and ensure your home is safe and worry-free.

Why are Weatherproof Windows Important in Extreme Weather?

The effects of extreme weather are obvious, which can cause damage to homes, imbalanced indoor temperatures, wind and rain entering the house, and increased energy bills. Customers like ours in the Melbourne area pay special attention to the protection of aluminum windows to ensure they are fully prepared for extreme weather. Let's take a look at the important reasons why they need weatherproof windows.

Protect the Home from Damage

Windows are often the most vulnerable part of a home during extreme weather. Without proper window protection, rain and wind can penetrate the structure, leading to damage and costly repairs. A report by the Climate Council warns that by 2030, around 520,940 Australian properties—about one in every 25—could become uninsurable due to extreme weather and climate-related losses. ^[2]Using weatherproof windows built to Australian standards construction helps improve a home’s ability to withstand these conditions and reduce long-term risk.

Maintain Stable Temperature

When your windows are damaged, strong drafts from outside can enter your home, affecting indoor temperature stability. Weatherproof windows, especially well-sealed aluminium windows or aluminium double glazed windows, offer better insulation and help maintain a consistent indoor environment for comfort and energy efficiency.

Withstand Strong Winds and Rain

The right aluminium windows are essential for homes in extreme weather, as they can resist strong winds and heavy rain. During a severe storm in Melbourne’s southeast in October 2024, wind speeds reached 120 km/h, tearing off roofs and leaving over 500,000 homes without power, showing how vulnerable buildings can be without proper protection. Window durability depends on both the glass and the frame. Impact-resistant glass prevents dangerous shattering, while strong aluminium frames offer structural stability under pressure. Together, they form weatherproof windows that provide reliable protection in increasingly extreme conditions.

Reduce Energy Costs

Damage to windows can lead to higher heating and cooling costs, as drafts and air leaks make it harder to maintain a stable indoor temperature. Research indicates that double-glazed windows are up to 30% more energy-efficient than single-glazed windows, significantly reducing energy consumption.^[3]This can result in savings of hundreds to thousands of dollars annually on heating and cooling costs. Installing weatherproof windows can enhance window protection, improve comfort, and help reduce energy bills year-round.

Five Tips to Look for in Weatherproof Windows

Now that you know the importance of weatherproof windows to handle extreme weather, if you need to replace your windows, here are five tips to look for when searching for high-quality weatherproof windows:

Glass Type

Windows commonly use single glazing, double glazing, triple glazing, or Low-E glass, each offering different levels of protection against extreme weather. Single glazing is the weakest, easily breaking and providing little insulation. Double glazing improves durability and insulation, reducing heat loss and helping keep interiors comfortable during storms. Triple glazing offers even stronger thermal protection and better noise reduction, ideal for severe weather conditions. Low-E glass enhances these benefits by reflecting heat and blocking UV rays, protecting your home from temperature swings and sun damage. For reliable window protection in extreme weather, double glazing, triple glazing, and Low-E glass are the best choices.

Sturdy Frame

Although glass is the main material of windows, window frames are equally important. AMJ's aluminium windows can be made with thermally broken aluminum, which offers high structural strength. Wider frame profiles provide greater stability and resistance to deformation, making them especially reliable in extreme conditions. In addition, powder coating in aluminum processing offers better colour consistency and surface coverage, with more design flexibility and strong resistance to fading or chipping. Because thermally broken aluminium can withstand high temperatures, resist rust and rot, and requires minimal maintenance over its lifespan, many customers choose it to ensure long-term durability in all weather conditions.

Quality Weather Stripping

Installing high-quality weather stripping is an important line of defense in window construction. This method can seal the gaps in the window, effectively prevent air leakage and rain infiltration, and enhance the ability of the house to withstand extreme weather. Regular maintenance inspections of weather stripping will keep the weatherproof windows performing their functions in extreme weather.

Using Window Film

Using window film is an effective way to improve the impact resistance of windows. It is equivalent to adding an extra layer of protection. It is an excellent supplement for aluminum double-glazed windows. Suppose strong winds and rain have the potential to shatter the glass in extreme weather. In that case, window film can fix the broken glass in place, thereby reducing the risk of injury and property damage and improving safety.

WERS-Compliant Energy Efficiency Windows

The Window Energy Rating Scheme(WERS) is one of the important certifications for window performance, providing a reliable industry standard. This certification can help consumers find energy efficient windows with high energy performance. AMJ's aluminium windows are not only WERS certified but also AS2047 certified. They are high-quality windows that have multiple properties of thermal insulation, noise reduction, waterproofing, and windproofing, suitable for all types of Australian residential or commercial buildings.

What is the Difference Between Storm Windows and Regular Windows?

In areas like Melbourne, where extreme weather is common, choosing high-performance storm windows or regular windows can affect not only the resilience of a building but also its long-term operating costs. Below is our comparison of the two types of windows to help you choose the right storm windows for extreme weather.

FAQs

What Types of Windows are Best for Wind Resistance?

The casement windows and awning windows are preferred. The design of only a single leaf allows these two types of windows to fit closely to the window frame and have a high degree of sealing. When used with a sturdy aluminum frame and double-glazed glass, aluminum double-glazed windows will have excellent wind resistance.

How do l Stop Rain from Coming Through My Windows?

To stop rain from entering, seal all gaps with quality weather stripping and caulking. Use rain shields when needed. Regularly check seals, frames, and drainage for damage, and repair or clean promptly to maintain effective window protection.

Why is Window Maintenance Important?

Regular window maintenance is key to preserving window protection, improving energy efficiency, and extending the life of your windows. It helps prevent moisture damage, mold, and seal failure, while also supporting indoor air quality and overall building performance.

Is the cost of high-performance windows worth it?

Yes, investing in high-performance windows is often worth the cost. The high-performance aluminium windows offer long-term value through improved energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and better indoor comfort, making them a worthwhile investment over time.

How much More Expensive are Thermally Broken Windows?

The cost of insulated windows is usually at least 15% higher than that of non-insulated windows. It depends on factors such as the window frame material and glass. For example, upgrading to insulated aluminum windows will cost 20%-40% more, but these energy efficient windows can significantly reduce heat transfer, help reduce energy consumption, and reduce energy costs. They are a good choice to meet Australian energy efficient standards.

Conclusion

The high-performance weatherproof windows play a critical role in protecting buildings from Australia’s increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather. From strong winds to heavy rain and rapid temperature changes, durable and well-insulated windows help maintain indoor comfort and reduce long-term maintenance costs. AMJ’s aluminium windows are designed to meet Australian standards for extreme weather performance, ensuring reliable window protection in demanding conditions. To learn more about tailored solutions for your project, feel free to contact us.

[1] Wikipedia. (2024). Climate of Melbourne. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Melbourne

[2] Climate Council. (2022). Uninsurable Nation: Australia’s Most Climate-Vulnerable Places. Retrieved from https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/resources/uninsurable-nation-australias-most-climate-vulnerable-places/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

[3] Aluminium Windows and Doors. (2023). The Role of Double Glazed Windows in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Retrieved from https://aluminiumwindowsanddoors.net.au/the-role-of-double-glazed-windows-in-reducing-greenhouse-gas-emissions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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