10.05.2026
When it comes to preventing property damage from hail, window protection is of the utmost importance.
A single severe hailstorm can crack window glass, shatter panes outright, and let wind, rain, and debris into a home or business, leading to further interior damage and cleanup.
Unlike siding or roofing that can often withstand moderate hail impacts with minimal damage, window glass is incredibly vulnerable to hail. All it takes is one hailstone of sufficient size and speed to hit the glass, and the damage is instant and irreversible.
The good news is that property owners don’t have to choose between protecting window glass from hail damage and keeping their home or business looking sharp.
Roll-down shutters and stainless-steel window screens are two proven solutions that intercept hail before it ever reaches the glass behind, and both bring additional security and severe weather protection benefits along with them.
Why Windows Need Hail Protection Solutions
Most residential and commercial windows are built to handle everyday winds and rains, not the concentrated, high-velocity impacts of severe hailstorms.
Hailstones can reach speeds of well over 50 mph in a strong storm, and even stones in the one-inch range can crack standard window glass. Once a single window fails, the property is left exposed to further damage from heavy winds, rains, and flying debris.
In terms of addressing the risks of damage from hail, window protection should be the top priority, especially in hail-prone regions of the US like “Hail Alley,” which extends from the Southwest up through the Midwest.
A physical barrier in front of the glass is what makes the difference between a hail impact that just makes a loud sound and one that causes potentially expensive damage.
Mitigating Damage From Hail: Window Protection Solutions
Some hailstorms are forewarned, but they can also occur suddenly and unexpectedly, so properties need either a fast-deploying or an always-there solution to protect windows from hail damage.
Two of the best options are roll-down shutters, the same type of shutters used for hurricane damage protection, and stainless-steel window screens. Both of these solutions create a physical barrier in front of the glass, protecting it from hailstone impacts, but they go about it slightly differently.
Protecting Windows From Hail With Roll-Down Shutters
Roll-down shutters offer full window protection that can be quickly deployed when a storm is in the forecast or suddenly arises. These types of shutters, which include QMi’s Qompact hurricane shutters, are hailed as the pinnacle of storm protection, capable of withstanding even the strongest storm debris impacts, including from large, high-velocity hailstones.
However, property owners often wonder if installing such shutters to protect windows from hail will drastically change how their home or business looks. The answer depends largely on the specific product chosen.
When not deployed, Qompact shutters coil up into one of the smallest shutter boxes in the industry. The housing stays unobtrusive and maintains curb appeal when the shutters aren’t in use, yet it's fast and easy to deploy the storm damage mitigation barriers when a storm is on the way, whether that’s a hailstorm, a strong windstorm, or a hurricane.
One important thing to note about using shutters for hail damage mitigation is that they also block out natural light and cut off visibility when in place. It’s not a big deal since most home or business owners keep them retracted in normal weather conditions, but it’s something to keep in mind as you evaluate and compare the options.
Preventing Hail Damage With Stainless-Steel Window Screens
Stainless-steel window screens, also known as security window screens, take a different approach to protecting windows from hail damage. Rather than deploying when needed, they remain permanently fixed over the window glass.
QMi’s fixed window security screens are made of tightly woven stainless-steel mesh set in a low-profile aluminum frame. While you’ll see the screens over the windows, the mesh still allows natural light to filter through, maintains some visibility, and even allows for airflow during warmer weather.
In addition to protecting glass during hailstorms, these screens are built to resist cutting and prying, adding forced entry resistance to windows and offering property owners benefits outside of storm season. Emergency egress versions are also available for bedrooms or other rooms that require a code-compliant emergency exit.
Shutters vs Screens for Hail Window Protection: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Roll-Down Shutters | Stainless-Steel Screens | |
| Coverage | Deployed manually or by motor before a storm | Permanently mounted, always in place |
| Visibility when active | Blocks light and view when closed | Maintains clear sightlines and natural light |
| Security benefit | Solid barrier deters forced entry when closed | Mesh resists cutting and prying year-round |
| Operation | Manual, motorized, and remote options | No operation needed, always active |
| Best suited for | Properties in storm-prone regions wanting maximum coverage on demand | Property owners wanting continuous impact protection without blocking views and light transmission |
Which Option Fits Your Property?
The choice between roll-down security shutters and security screens for protecting windows from hail damage comes down to personal preferences and goals.
Shutters make sense for property owners who want a single, on-demand storm damage mitigation solution that also protects against hurricanes and other storm debris impacts, while screens make sense for those who want hailstorm window protection they never have to think about deploying.
In some cases, you may even choose to employ both solutions, using shutters on the most exposed sides of a building or for the largest glass surfaces and screens for smaller windows or where you most want to maintain visibility and natural light, even during a hailstorm.
Contact the team of experts at QMi to discuss your options for protecting vulnerable windows against hail and storm damage.
FAQs
Can hail actually break windows?
Yes. Hailstones as small as around one inch in diameter can crack standard glass at typical storm speeds.
Do shutters and screens need to be built specifically for hail to protect windows?
No. Any solution tested and rated to protect glass against windborne debris impacts can work for hail damage mitigation, as these are capable of resisting impact forces well beyond what a typical hailstorm generates.
Which option offers better window protection in hailstorms, shutters or screens?
Both stop hail from reaching the glass. Shutters offer a solid barrier when deployed, while screens offer continuous, always-on window protection.
Do hail window protection solutions also improve security?
Yes. QMi’s security shutters and screens specifically also protect against forced entry, so the same system protecting your windows from hail impacts helps deter and prevent break-ins.
