How to Hurricane Proof Windows

Protect Your Home with Hurricane Proof Windows

Introduction:

If you live on the East coast between Florida and Maine or the gulf cost you are subject to hurricanes. Although approximately a dozen hurricanes are generated each year only about four actually come ashore and damage property. House windows take the major brunt of hurricane winds which can be in excess of 150 mph. These winds create a buffing effect on the glass that can cause it to fail leaving you with tens of thousands of dollars of destruction and in most cases the need for replacement windows. You can prevent a lot of the damage if not all of it by being hurricane prepared.

Hurricane force windows can cause windows to shatter causing glass to come flying through your home at 150 mph.  In addition the broken windows can create dangerous pressures inside your home that can collapse the walls and roof.

Here are four suggestions on how to hurricane proof your windows:

1. Add hurricane window film to all your windows. This tough clear plastic hurricane film is popular because it is completely transparent. It is not visible and it can be left in place year round. If the glass breaks, the hurricane film prevents glass shards from flying around inside the house.

2. Shield windows with plywood. Plywood is one of the building industry’s toughest materials and is hard to beat for storm window protection. Cut pieces of ½ inch thick plywood to cover the windows. Insure the plywood overlaps the window frames at least 6 to 8 inches.

   • Use heavy duty screws to attach the plywood to your home’s walls, not the window frames.

   •  Store the plywood window coverings in a handy location where you can reach them easily and install them fast.

3. Install real storm shutters on your home that can be closed if you live a hurricane prone area.  Roll-up type storm shutters do the best job because they are a permanent installation.  During a hurricane you just have to pull the shutters into place to prevent damage and broken windows.

4. Install high impact resistant glass windows as replacement widows or during new home construction. Once installed the high impact glass will always be in place to protect your home against hurricane force winds. They are expensive but they do the job.

Once you have hurricane proofed your windows you may even get a better rate on your home insurance. If you don’t you have the satisfaction that your home is protected from flying glass during a hurricane.

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