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Essential Hurricane Windows for Mobile Homes in Florida

  • Admin
  • Aug 4
  • 4 min read

Updated: Sep 1

Living in Florida means enjoying year-round sunshine. However, it also means preparing for hurricane season. If you own a mobile home, hurricane windows aren't just a luxury—they're essential protection for your family and investment. At Freedom Windows and Exteriors, we've helped thousands of Florida mobile homeowners navigate the complex world of mobile home impact windows. We're here to guide you through every step of the process.


The Importance of Hurricane Windows for Mobile Homes


Florida's mobile home market in 2025 will face regulatory changes and challenges, including hurricane safety requirements. This makes proper window protection more important than ever. Traditional mobile home windows simply aren't designed to withstand the forces that Florida storms can unleash.


The devastating truth: A single failed window during a hurricane can cause catastrophic damage to your entire home. When wind enters through a broken window, it creates internal pressure that can literally blow your roof off. That's why hurricane windows for mobile homes have become a necessity, not an option.


Understanding Your Mobile Home's Unique Window Requirements


Before selecting hurricane windows, it's essential to understand that mobile homes have different structural requirements than traditional site-built homes. Mobile homes require specific installation approaches that account for the structural flexibility inherent in manufactured housing.


Key considerations include:


  • Frame compatibility with mobile home construction

  • Proper sealing techniques for manufactured home materials

  • Weight distribution to avoid structural stress

  • Integration with existing mobile home systems


Choosing the Right Type of Hurricane Protection


Impact-Resistant Hurricane Windows

These are the gold standard for mobile home hurricane protection. Impact windows are specially designed to withstand extreme wind and can face down a Category 5 hurricane without issue. The laminated glass construction means that even if the glass cracks, it stays in place rather than shattering into dangerous projectiles.


Hurricane Window Film + Shutters

For budget-conscious homeowners, applying hurricane film to existing windows combined with removable shutters can provide adequate protection. However, this requires manual installation before each storm.


Permanent Hurricane Shutters

Roll-down or accordion-style shutters offer excellent protection but can make your home feel closed-in during normal weather.


Measuring and Assessing Your Current Windows


Mobile homes don't have standard-sized doors and windows, which means professional measurement is crucial. Here's what Freedom Windows and Exteriors evaluates during our free consultation:


  1. Window frame dimensions - including any irregularities from settling

  2. Structural integrity - checking for any damage or weakness

  3. Surrounding materials - ensuring compatibility with siding and trim

  4. Interior clearance - making sure new windows won't interfere with interior features


Selecting Hurricane-Rated Glass and Frame Materials


Glass Options:


  • Laminated Impact Glass: Two sheets of glass with a plastic interlayer

  • Tempered Glass with Film: Stronger glass with protective coating

  • Multi-layered Systems: The ultimate protection combining multiple technologies


Frame Materials for Mobile Homes:


  • Vinyl Frames: Lightweight, energy-efficient, and corrosion-resistant

  • Aluminum Frames: Strong and durable, ideal for coastal areas

  • Composite Frames: Premium option combining strength with insulation


Planning for Professional Installation


Proper installation is crucial for achieving a durable and aesthetically pleasing result. DIY installation of hurricane windows in mobile homes is not recommended due to the complex structural requirements.


Professional installation includes:


  • Structural reinforcement where needed

  • Proper flashing and weatherproofing

  • Integration with mobile home anchoring systems

  • Building code compliance verification

  • Manufacturer warranty preservation


Understanding the Investment and Financing Options


Hurricane window costs for mobile homes typically range:


  • Basic impact windows: $450-750 per window

  • Premium impact windows: $600-1,000 per window

  • Installation costs: $200-300 per window


Financing and incentives available:


  • 0% interest financing through Freedom Windows and Exteriors

  • Insurance premium discounts (often 20-45%)

  • PACE financing for energy-efficient options

  • Potential federal tax credits for qualifying installations


Preparing for Installation Day


Before installation:


  • Remove window treatments and clear surrounding areas

  • Secure outdoor furniture and decorations

  • Arrange for pet accommodations if needed

  • Ensure clear access to your home's perimeter


During installation:


  • Professional crews typically complete 6-8 windows per day

  • Minimal disruption to your daily routine

  • Each window tested for proper operation before completion

  • Clean-up included with professional service


Post-Installation Care and Maintenance


Immediate post-installation:


  • Test all window operations and locking mechanisms

  • Review warranty documentation and care instructions

  • Register products with manufacturers

  • Schedule first annual maintenance check


Ongoing maintenance:


  • Monthly cleaning with appropriate products

  • Annual hardware lubrication

  • Weatherstrip inspection and replacement as needed

  • Professional inspection every 2-3 years


Hurricane Window Maintenance Schedule


Monthly:


  • Clean glass and frames with mild soap solution

  • Check weatherstripping for gaps or damage

  • Test all locking mechanisms


Seasonally:


  • Lubricate hinges and moving parts

  • Inspect sealant around window perimeter

  • Check for any settling-related issues


Annually:


  • Professional inspection and tune-up

  • Hardware adjustment and replacement

  • Review insurance coverage adequacy


Why Choose Freedom Windows and Exteriors for Your Hurricane Window Installation


As Florida's leading mobile home window specialists, we understand the unique challenges that manufactured homes present. Our team has completed over 15,000 mobile home window installations across the state, and we're fully licensed and insured for your protection.


Our exclusive mobile home advantages:


  • Specialized training in manufactured home construction

  • Custom solutions for non-standard window sizes

  • Complete exterior coordination services

  • Comprehensive warranties on materials and labor

  • Emergency storm repair services


Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How long do hurricane windows last in mobile homes?

A: High-quality hurricane windows properly installed can last 20-30 years with proper maintenance. Freedom Windows and Exteriors provides comprehensive warranties covering both materials and labor.


Q: Will hurricane windows reduce my insurance premiums?

A: Yes! Most Florida insurance companies offer significant discounts (20-45%) for impact-resistant windows. We provide all necessary documentation for your insurance company.


Q: Can I install hurricane windows myself?

A: We strongly recommend professional installation. Mobile home installations require expertise in manufactured home construction and must comply with manufacturer requirements to avoid invalidating warranties.


Q: What's the difference between hurricane windows and storm shutters?

A: Hurricane windows provide permanent protection without the need for deployment, while hurricane shutters are usually deployed in the days leading up to a major storm. Windows also offer year-round benefits like energy efficiency and noise reduction.


Q: Do hurricane windows work in all types of storms?

A: Yes, properly installed impact-resistant windows are tested and rated for Category 5 storms and provide protection against wind, rain, and flying debris from any weather event.


Don't wait until the next hurricane warning to protect your mobile home. Contact Freedom Windows and Exteriors today for your free consultation and discover why thousands of Florida mobile homeowners trust us to keep their families safe.

 
 
 

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