PGT Windows and Doors' WinGuard impact-resistant product lines were recognized by Consumer Reports as the Top-Rated Storm Window for 2026. With testing across three performance areas—wind resistance, rain resistance, and impact resistance—WinGuard products achieved the highest overall score and were also more affordable than most other ranked brands.
“This recognition from Consumer Reports speaks to the strength of the engineering and testing behind our WinGuard products,” says Dean Ruark, SVP of Engineering and Product Development for MITER Brands. “Our team is committed to designing impact-resistant windows and doors that deliver exceptional performance in extreme weather conditions, while also meeting the style expectations of today’s homeowners. With both aluminum and vinyl options and a wide variety of configurations, WinGuard products offer the flexibility to complement everything from traditional homes to more contemporary architectural designs without sacrificing protection.”
During testing, each window was subjected to simulated hurricane conditions, including cyclic wind-pressure tests to mimic the suction and gusts of a real storm, water infiltration checks to reveal leaks under wind-driven rain, and a projectile test.
These windows are required by code in coastal parts of the Carolinas, Florida, and Texas. But more homeowners in inland areas are considering them, too, say PGT officials. “Rainwater intrusion is one of the leading causes of building damage,” says John van de Lindt, PhD, a structural engineer at Colorado State University. When a window breaks in a hurricane, that opening can let in water, destabilize pressure, and lead to major structural failure. “Hazard-resistant windows greatly improve the chance of maintaining the building envelope.”
