Hurricane Impact Windows: Care & Maintenance Guide
Built by Experience. Backed by Safety.
Impact windows are engineered for strength, durability, and long-term performance. Proper care and routine maintenance are essential to preserve their appearance, functionality, and protective capabilities — especially in Florida's coastal climate.
Follow these guidelines to keep your windows performing at their best and to help maintain manufacturer warranty coverage.
1. General Care Guidelines
- Clean and inspect impact windows regularly to ensure optimal performance
- Avoid exposing windows to harsh chemicals, abrasive tools, or excessive force
- Routine maintenance helps prevent premature wear and protects the integrity of the glass, frames, and seals
2. Glass Cleaning & Care
- Clean glass using mild soap and water with a soft cloth or sponge
- Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent water spots
- Inspect for scratches or coating damage and address any issues promptly
Pro Tip: Clean windows on a cloudy day or when the glass is not in direct sunlight to prevent the cleaning solution from drying too quickly and leaving streaks.
3. Frame Care & Cleaning
AlAluminum Frames
- Wash with mild soap and water using a soft cloth
- Rinse thoroughly and dry to avoid residue buildup
- Inspect for scratches or coating damage and touch up as needed
VVinyl Frames
- Clean with mild soap and water only
- Avoid solvents, petroleum-based cleaners, or abrasive materials
- Periodically inspect for discoloration or dirt buildup
4. Hardware & Moving Parts
- Inspect handles, rollers, locks, and hinges regularly
- Vacuum tracks and wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Check for scratches or coating damage and repair promptly to prevent corrosion
5. Tracks, Weep Holes & Drainage
- Keep window tracks free of dirt, sand, leaves, and debris
- Vacuum tracks regularly and wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Do not use oil-based lubricants or grease — they attract dirt and debris
- Replace loose screws and ensure all hardware operates smoothly
6. Sealants & Caulking
- Inspect exterior sealant annually and after severe weather events
- Look for cracks, gaps, or deterioration around window frames
- Replace damaged or failed sealant promptly using compatible exterior-grade sealant
- Proper sealing helps prevent air and water intrusion
Important: Failed sealants are a common cause of water intrusion. Early detection and repair can prevent costly interior damage.
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7. Storm & Severe Weather Preparation
- Before hurricane season, inspect all windows for proper operation and secure locking
- Remove loose objects near windows that could become airborne during high winds
- Do not apply aftermarket films, tints, or coatings unless approved by the manufacturer
Hurricane Season Reminder
Florida's hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Complete your window inspection and maintenance before the season begins.
8. What to Avoid
- ✕Do not use pressure washers directly on windows or frames
- ✕Do not drill into window frames or glass
- ✕Do not allow standing water to remain on tracks or frames
- ✕Do not use abrasive pads, harsh chemicals, or strong solvents
Download Care Guide PDF
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Download the complete window care and maintenance guide as a PDF to keep handy for reference.
Download PDF GuideImpact Window Maintenance for Melbourne FL's Climate
Melbourne's unique combination of salt air, high humidity (averaging 75%), intense UV exposure, and hurricane-force storms creates specific maintenance challenges that differ from inland Florida. As the Space Coast's local impact window installer, here's what we've learned matters most for Brevard County homeowners:
Salt Air Corrosion Prevention
Melbourne's proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon means constant salt exposure. Homes in Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Indialantic face the harshest conditions. Even mainland Melbourne and Palm Bay homes experience salt-carried winds during storms.
- Rinse hardware monthly with fresh water, especially locks, hinges, and exposed screws
- Apply silicone spray to all metal components every 6 months
- Stainless steel hardware resists corrosion much longer than standard zinc-plated (ES Windows includes this standard)
- Watch for white powder on aluminum frames — early sign of oxidation, clean immediately
Humidity & Mold Prevention
Melbourne's average 75% humidity creates ideal conditions for mold growth in window tracks and around seals. This is the #1 maintenance issue we see in Brevard County impact windows.
- Keep weep holes clear — these small drainage openings prevent water accumulation. Check monthly.
- Wipe track moisture after heavy rains. Melbourne gets 50+ inches of rain annually.
- Address mold immediately with diluted vinegar solution (1:4 vinegar to water). Never use bleach on window components.
- Check weatherstripping for mold growth — replace if contaminated. Compressed or moldy weatherstripping allows water infiltration.
UV & Heat Exposure Care
Florida's intense sun — Melbourne averages 230+ sunny days per year — takes a toll on window components over time, especially south and west-facing windows that receive the most direct exposure.
- Inspect caulking annually on sun-exposed sides — UV causes caulk to crack and shrink faster
- Vinyl frames on south-facing windows may show slight color fading after 10-15 years — this is cosmetic only and doesn't affect performance
- Check for seal failure — cloudiness or fogging between glass layers indicates a broken seal (warranty issue)
Melbourne FL Annual Maintenance Schedule
Here's the maintenance calendar we recommend for Brevard County homeowners based on our local climate patterns and hurricane season timing:
March-May: Pre-Hurricane Season Deep Clean
Full window cleaning (glass + frames + tracks). Test all locks and latches. Lubricate hardware with silicone spray. Inspect weatherstripping — replace if cracked. Check all caulking — recaulk any gaps. Verify weep holes are clear. This is the most important maintenance period.
June-August: Hurricane Season Monitoring
Quick visual inspection monthly. Clean salt residue from hardware after storms. Check for water in tracks after heavy rains. Verify all windows close and lock properly. If a storm passes through, do a full inspection afterward for any debris impacts or seal issues.
September-November: Post-Peak Season Check
Clean all windows after the worst of hurricane season. Inspect for any storm damage (glass cracks, seal failures, hardware issues). Lubricate tracks and rollers. Rinse all hardware with fresh water to remove accumulated salt from summer storms.
December-February: Annual Inspection
Best time for a thorough inspection. Check every window for: smooth operation, proper locking, seal integrity, hardware condition, track drainage, and glass clarity. If you find issues, winter is the best time to schedule repairs — off-season means faster service. Contact us at 321-610-1005 for professional inspection.
When to Call a Professional in Melbourne FL
Most maintenance can be done yourself, but some issues require a licensed professional to maintain your warranty and ensure safety. Call Premium Impact if you notice any of these:
Call Immediately
- Cracked or shattered glass (even if holding together)
- Window won't lock or latch properly
- Visible water entering around the frame during rain
- Frame separation from the wall
Schedule Service
- Foggy or cloudy appearance between glass layers (seal failure)
- Window difficult to open or close
- Persistent drafts around closed window
- Hardware corrosion despite regular cleaning
Premium Impact provides warranty service for all windows we install across Brevard County. If your windows were installed by us, many of these issues are covered under our 10-year installation warranty or the manufacturer's warranty. Call 321-610-1005 — we typically respond within 24 hours for Melbourne area service calls.
Maintenance Tips by Brand
Each brand we install has slightly different care requirements. Here are the key differences for the three brands we carry in Melbourne:
PGT WinGuard
- • Clean powder-coated frames with non-abrasive cleaner only
- • Lubricate balance springs on single-hung models annually
- • WinGuard vinyl frames: avoid all petroleum-based products
- • Check multi-point locks for smooth engagement
- • Touch up any frame scratches with matching paint to prevent corrosion
ES Windows
- • Stainless steel hardware is low-maintenance but still benefits from silicone spray
- • Heat-strengthened glass cleans same as standard laminated
- • Roller adjustment screws accessible from inside — adjust if sliding becomes stiff
- • Aluminum frames: wash with mild soap, avoid acidic cleaners
- • Contact us for warranty service on any ES-specific issues
ECO Windows
- • Standard hardware may need more frequent lubrication in salt air
- • Check zinc-plated hardware for early corrosion signs (white spots)
- • Track drainage is especially important — ECO tracks tend to be narrower
- • Weatherstripping replacement available through us
- • 10-year warranty covers manufacturing defects — keep maintenance records
For a complete comparison of these brands including specs, pricing, and warranty details, see our best impact window brands in Melbourne FL guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean impact windows in Melbourne FL?
Every 2-3 months for mainland Melbourne. Monthly for oceanfront homes in Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach, and Indian Harbour Beach where salt spray accumulates faster.
Does salt air damage impact windows in Brevard County?
The glass itself is unaffected, but salt corrodes hardware and degrades seals over time without maintenance. Stainless steel hardware (standard on ES Windows) resists corrosion much longer than standard zinc-plated.
What cleaning products should I avoid?
Pressure washers, abrasive pads, steel wool, razor blades, ammonia on coated glass, petroleum solvents on vinyl, and bleach products. These damage coatings, scratch glass, degrade seals, and void warranties.
How do I maintain window tracks in Florida's humidity?
Vacuum monthly, wipe with damp cloth, ensure weep holes are clear, and apply silicone lubricant every 6 months. Melbourne's 75% humidity makes track maintenance critical to prevent mold and corrosion.
Can improper maintenance void my warranty?
Yes. Using pressure washers, unapproved chemicals, drilling into frames, painting over seals, and neglecting weep holes can void manufacturer warranties. Follow your specific brand's care guidelines.
How do I prepare impact windows for hurricane season?
Before June 1: test all locks, inspect weatherstripping, check caulking, clean tracks, lubricate rollers, and verify weep holes are clear. Impact windows are always ready — but they perform best when well-maintained.
Impact Window Service & Maintenance Across Brevard County
We provide installation, maintenance service, and warranty support in all Brevard County cities:
Disclaimer
Manufacturer warranty terms may vary. These guidelines are general care recommendations and do not replace individual product warranty requirements. Always refer to your specific product documentation for detailed warranty information.
Need Professional Service or Inspection?
If you have questions about maintaining your impact windows or would like a professional inspection, our team is here to help. Contact Premium Impact Windows & Doors for expert service and upgrades.