It’s the start of hurricane season, and restorers play a critical role in helping property owners understand where their homes are most vulnerable before and after a storm. In this Q&A, Darren Macri, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Wythe Windows, shares his expertise on window performance, storm resilience and why air and water intrusion can create long-term damage if it’s overlooked.

With a background in Passive House construction and high-performance building, Darren explains what restorers should know about window systems, installation, condensation, weep holes and the key features that help protect homes and businesses during extreme weather events like hurricanes.

Q: What parts of a structure are most likely to fail first during a hurricane, and why are windows often overlooked?

A: Windows are often viewed only through the lens of broken glass, but failure can also happen through seals, hardware, and installation. If a window doesn't maintain a tight air and water seal, wind-driven rain can be forced into the home. And if a window is breached or blown open, it creates a large opening that lets the storm pressurize the inside of the building. That internal pressure pushes up and out on the roof and walls, adding to the suction already acting on them from the outside — which is why a single failed opening can lead to roof and structural damage far beyond the window itself.

Q: Why does proper window installation matter during a hurricane?

A: Even a high-performing window can fail if it isn't installed correctly. The window has to be properly integrated with the home's air barrier and water-resistive barrier. If the opening is left with gaps or sealed improperly, water and air can get into the wall system and cause hidden damage that may not show up until much later.

Q: What red flags should restorers look for around window systems after a storm?

A: Restorers should look for signs of water intrusion, mold, wood decay, damaged or compressed seals, loose or misaligned hardware, blocked weep holes, and gaps around the window frame. These issues can point to deeper moisture or air-leakage problems inside the wall assembly.

Q: Why are weep holes important?

A: Weep holes let water that collects inside the frame drain back out. Many high-performance systems, including ours, also use pressure-equalization holes that balance the air pressure inside the frame, so water is pushed out rather than driven inward. If those openings are blocked, painted over, or missing their covers, water can sit inside the frame or be forced back into the home during wind-driven rain, leading to long-term moisture damage.

Q: How can air and water intrusion lead to secondary damage?

A: When water gets in around or through a window, it can cause mold, poor indoor air quality, wood decay, and hidden damage inside the wall. Repeated wetting and drying slowly weakens building materials, even when nothing looks wrong on the surface.

Q: How can better window design reduce these risks?

A: Better window design includes stronger seals, multiple gaskets, reinforced frames, and multi-point locking hardware. Together these help the window stay tightly sealed and clamped shut under pressure, which reduces air and water leakage and keeps the operable sash from being forced open during a storm.

Q: What role can restorers play before the next hurricane hits?

A: Restorers can help clients understand the weak points in their homes and recommend more resilient solutions before storm season. That can include stronger window systems, correct installation, impact-rated glazing, exterior shutters, or other upgrades that reduce future damage.

Q: Why do multi-point locking systems, multiple gaskets, and reinforced frames matter?

A: These features keep the window sealed and the sash held firmly in place during high winds and rapid pressure changes. A stronger, fully clamped seal reduces wind-driven rain and air leakage, and it helps keep the sash from blowing open and becoming the kind of large opening that lets storm pressure build inside the home.

Q: What should restorers understand beyond impact resistance?

A: Impact resistance matters, but it's only one part of performance. In many hurricane regions it's actually code-required, alongside a rated design pressure. But restorers should also understand air tightness, water tightness, thermal performance, and frame strength — the same categories the industry tests for (air infiltration, water penetration, structural/design pressure, and thermal performance). It's also worth knowing that laminated impact glass holds together when it's struck, which keeps the envelope closed and prevents the breach that pressurizes a building. A window is part of the full building envelope, so it affects moisture control, comfort, energy use, and storm resilience all at once.

Q: What causes condensation on windows?

A: Condensation forms when warm, moist indoor air meets a cold surface and reaches its dew point. Poorly insulated frames or glass make that more likely. Over time, repeated condensation can contribute to mold growth, moisture damage, and deterioration around the window. If you see condensation between the panes of glass rather than on the surface, that's a different problem — it means the sealed insulating glass unit has failed and the window needs to be replaced.

Q: What is the best long-term solution for poor window performance?