Defend Your Windows Against Rain and Bad Weather

Sam Simon

June 19, 2025

Windows are your home’s first line of defense against heavy rain and Midwest storms, but most homeowners don’t realize how vulnerable they really are. In this guide, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons shares 7 expert strategies to help protect your windows from water intrusion and weather-related damage, with tips tailored for homes across Chicagoland, including Glenview, Evanston, Oak Park, and beyond. Learn how to weatherproof your home before the next big storm hits.

Defend Your Windows Against Rain and Bad Weather

Your windows do more than frame a view—they're your home’s first defense against storms, wind, and water intrusion. And here in the Chicagoland area, where spring rains and summer storms can be unforgiving, even one poorly sealed window can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage. At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, we’ve seen firsthand how overlooked window vulnerabilities lead to soaked walls, damaged flooring, and mold.

In this updated guide, we’ll share 7 essential strategies to protect your windows—and your home—from costly water damage caused by bad weather.

1. Reinforced Window Frames: Your First Line of Defense

Older wooden window frames can warp, rot, and crack—especially in Chicago’s humid summers and icy winters. Upgrading to reinforced vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum frames helps ensure your windows stay sealed and sturdy in rough weather.

A bonus? These materials are more energy efficient and can help lower your utility bills.

2. Impact-Resistant Glass: Built for the Unexpected

Strong storms can send tree branches, hail, or flying debris hurtling toward your home. Impact-resistant glass contains multiple layers and a durable interlayer designed to absorb shocks and prevent shattering.

While popular in hurricane-prone areas, this upgrade is also smart in flood-prone and wind-heavy regions like the North Shore and Northwest Suburbs.

3. Exterior Shutters: Style Meets Storm Protection

Exterior shutters do more than boost curb appeal. When storm warnings hit, shutters act as a physical barrier, shielding glass from debris and minimizing the chance of breakage or leaks.

Choose functional storm-rated shutters over decorative ones, and make sure they're easy to close securely.

4. Storm Panels: Quick-Deploy Protection When You Need It

Storm panels are removable shields made of polycarbonate, metal, or aluminum. They’re a budget-friendly option for homeowners who want protection without the permanent look of shutters.

They install fast before a storm and can be stored out of sight during calm weather.

5. Window Film: Invisible Yet Powerful Defense

Modern window films offer more than just privacy. These nearly invisible layers help reinforce your windows against breakage while blocking damaging UV rays and reducing heat gain.

They can be applied directly to the inside of your existing windows, providing peace of mind without sacrificing your view.

6. Built-in Drainage Systems: Keep Water Moving in the Right Direction

Many newer windows include internal drainage channels that direct water outside, rather than letting it pool inside the frame. If you’re upgrading or replacing your windows, ask your installer about drainage options designed to prevent standing water and mold.

This feature is handy in flood-prone basements and ground-level living spaces.

7. Window Awnings: Smart Shelter from Above

Well-designed awnings don’t just add character to your home’s exterior. They also act as mini-roofs, deflecting rain away from windows and lowering the risk of water intrusion.

Bonus: Awnings can block direct sunlight, helping your cooling system work more efficiently during hot Chicago summers.

What If Water Still Gets In? Call the Flood Cleanup Experts.

Even with all these preventative measures, water damage can still happen. Torrential rain, faulty seals, or hidden roof leaks can allow water to seep in and damage walls, floors, and insulation.

When that happens, don’t delay—call ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons. Our IICRC-certified crews are on standby 24/7 to help with:

Emergency water extraction
Moisture mapping and thermal imaging
Structural drying and dehumidification
Mold prevention and remediation
Direct-to-insurance billing
Full reconstruction and repairs

We serve homeowners and businesses across Chicago, the North Shore, and suburban Cook and Lake Counties. Every job is treated with care, urgency, and respect—because protecting your home means protecting your peace of mind.

Restore Your Home. Restore Your Peace of Mind.

Water damage doesn’t have to be the end of your home’s comfort or value. With the right window upgrades—and a trusted restoration team on speed dial—you can protect your property and stay prepared no matter what the weather brings.

Call us at 773-376-1110 or Request Service Online.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons
A family-run, woman-led restoration firm with 40+ years of experience, we proudly serve Chicago and surrounding communities. We specialize in water damage cleanup, fire restoration, mold remediation, and specialty cleaning. We’re also MBE/WBE-certified and recipients of numerous industry awards.

📚 Want to learn more about protecting your home? Check out our book: RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home as Your Most Valuable Asset.

Sam Simon

Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.

He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.

Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.

In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.

Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career under the name Sam Zabadneh, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile

Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.

Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:

Subscribe now for expert tips, rapid-response insights, and restoration guidance delivered straight to your inbox. Whether you’re recovering from fire, water, or mold damage, stay prepared with advice from the trusted pros at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons.