The frequency and magnitude of tropical storms and hurricanes appear to be increasing. And the damage caused by these storms can be tremendous. I’ve seen the damage first hand- I’ve experienced several hurricanes and numerous tropical storms. One of the most vulnerable parts of your home is your windows and doors. If they are not protected correctly, projectiles and the wind itself can inflict major damage. This in turn can make the interior of your home more susceptible to both wind and water damage. That’s why it’s really important to do what you can to protect your windows and doors during hurricanes.
Another benefit to proper window and door hurricane protection is a reduction in your homeowners insurance. Savings with the right hurricane mitigation measures can be significant. Who doesn’t like savings money!
In this article, we break down some of your options and the most effective ways for securing your windows and doors against hurricanes this storm season.
Windows and Doors are Vulnerable to Hurricanes
You know the damage an errant rock can do to a home’s unprotected windows or sliding glass doors. Now imagine that rock driven by hurricane-force winds in excess of 155 mph. Keeping your windows and doors intact during a storm prevents injuries from flying glass, water damage and pressure.
Protection from Flying Glass & Debris
If you have children you may be aware of the damage a small stone can cause when hurled at a window. Maybe you are guilty of it! An unsecured window or door is damaged surprisingly easily. But that thrown rock is traveling at a slow pace compared to an object picked up by 100, 130, 160 mph winds. We have seen 2x4s and steel stakes rammed through siding, tree trunks even concrete because of Category 5+ winds. It’s quite unbelievable and looks supernatural even. Now take shards of broken glass flying at 150+mph. Imagine the damage they can do to both property and life!
Protection Against Water Damage
So there’s the damage of broken glass flying around. But there’s also the issue of water entering your home now. A blown window or door, even if it is slight, can allow a lot of water in, especially under the pressure of high winds.
Protection from Dangerous Pressure
Then, there’s the problem of wind pressure. A broken window can allow dangerous pressure to build in the house that can then destabilize walls and roofing.
Protection for Your Wallet
Yes, by protecting your windows and doors against hurricane winds, you can also protect your wallet. Insurers don’t want to fork out money for claims. So instead, they encourage any efforts that help to prevent hurricane damage. That’s why many insurers provide discounts to homeowners that invest in hurricane-mitigation measures for their homes.
Take, for example, an older house located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Without any hurricane protection measures, the premium will be sizeable. If the covered value is $150,000, the total premium could run $3,000 – $8,000. If the homeowner were to make improvements by installing storm shutters or hurricane impact glass, that premium could drop. Typical savings through “mitigated openings (protecting doors and windows) could reduce the wind portion of the policy by 20% – 80%+. Calculate your savings.
Basically, hurricane protection of windows and doors requires some form of covering. But what is the best type of cover for your windows? Some are far more efficient than others. Some are simple and require minimal cost. Other solutions require professional installation and can run to tens of thousands of dollars.
Firstly, some hurricane protection myths…
Should I Tape Windows Before a Hurricane?
In a word, No. Taping your windows is ineffective against hurricanes. There may be folks who promote this out there as a simple, quick form of protection, but it’s a myth. You need to read on for better alternatives.
Should I leave Windows Ajar?
Another myth is that windows should be left slightly open as this will prevent pressure-build-up and prevent them shattering. However, it allows the high winds to enter your home, increasing the force that can pressurize your interior, potentially causing damage from the inside out.
Protect Windows During a Hurricane
The protection options listed below have all been tried and tested over many years. Each has it’s own pros and cons. You will have to weigh the costs, labor required, the convenience factor and the aesthetics of each and find the right balance for your home, wallet and preferences.
Plywood Sheets for Hurricane Protection
Plywood sheets are one of the most well-known and frequently employed hurricane window protection solutions. Large plywood sheets are an inexpensive and highly successful way to shield glass windows and doors during a storm. I am all too familiar hearing the whirring of circular saws across our city as the unprepared desperately cut up their plywood sheets to cover their windows hours before a storm.
The drawback of this approach is the time and effort required. If you don’t store and reuse the sheets, then every time a storm approaches, each plywood sheet must be trimmed to size and installed on the outside of the window separately.
Even if you do store the sheets, it requires correct labelling and storage space. These sheets can be hefty. So many individuals find it difficult to install, remove, and reinstall these plywood sheets after each storm.
You should select 5/8 plywood. You’ll need to make sure the plywood covers the windows with 8″ to spare on each side to allow for good installation. And make sure you use solid anchors like expansion bolts or lag bolts to attach the plywood to the wooden siding or concrete wall.
Another downside is, that these sheets are kind of ugly. They aren’t up year-round, but even so, they are not attractive! And finally, you can’t keep them up too long as they block all light. So unless you are okay with living in a cave they have to put up last minute before a storm, and of course, that’s a lot of work!
Hurricane Window Protection Fabric
Hurricane fabric sheets are a flexible woven material, like canvas, that is typically coated with PVC to enhance the durability of the sheets. Sometimes called panels or screens, these all do the same thing and are mounted using clips secured into the frame or surround of the window.
These fabric hurricane window screens are a lot easier to install than plywood sheets as they weigh ounces per square yard rather than pounds! They can be stored much easier too, taking up a fraction of the space. With their simple clips, installation can be quick. Plus, they can have the advantage of allowing some light through once installed, so you’re not completely in the dark.
They absorb impact well. In fact, some argue fabric is better at deflecting debris than solid covers because of their flexible nature. However, they may not completely prevent your window from shattering depending on the force of impact.
As with plywood sheets, these have to be re-installed every time a storm approaches. So, if you’re after a permanent hurricane window solution, these hurricane screens are not optimal.
Window Security Film for Hurricane Protection
Plastic film is popular since it is inconspicuous and can be used all year. You don’t have to think about re-installing it when severe weather approaches. Many homeowners like the idea of plastic film because it protects carpets and textiles from fading due to Ultraviolet light and can help reduce heat.
Those with a DIY streak, can install film easily too. Just peel-and-stick! hurricane film for about $25/linear foot.
The major disadvantage of film is that, while it may protect fragments from becoming hazardous missiles, it does nothing to prevent wind from rushing through the entire window frame. A film can slow intruders and add shatter resistance, but really are not adequate hurricane protection. That’s why most insurance companies refuse to give discounts for hurricane protection.
Storm Shutters (Hurricane Shutters)
Shutters are among the most costly option for hurricane window protection. But they are also also very convenient. Shutters may be left in place all year and used only when a storm is expected. This makes them a very good permanent solution. They come in a variety of designs and range in price. Some choices can even provide your property or company with beauty appeal.
Be prepared to fork out some dough. Storm shutters are expensive, depending on styles and materials used, but they are a permanent solution. They also can have the advantage of adding architectural and design appeals to your home. Expect to spend anywhere from $10-$50+/sq. ft. for professional installation. Aluminum shutters are common, but also look for shutters made of reinforced fabric or aluminum-wrapped foam.
Below we look at some of the different storm shutter options.
Aluminum Corrugated Storm Shutters
These are dated in style and ugly when mounted, but effective. The panels come in various heights for different sized windows, and the panels overlap to provide a continuous cover for a window. The panels slide up into a track, and are secured at the base with bolts or clips.
The upside is that these provide good protection from winds. The downside is that they have to be put up and taken down and stored! Plus, the tracks have to be installed well ahead and can detract from the aesthetics of the building. You could do this yourself, but probably best to have a professional install them. However, once the hardware is installed, getting these shutters up isn’t as labour intensive as plywood boards. But like plywood, you’ll make the interior of your home dark as no light penetrates.
Translucent Polycarbonate Corrugated Storm Shutters
Like the aluminum corrugated storm shutters, but made out of translucent material like a polycarbonate, which is lighter, and allows light in while mounted. These are installed in the same manner as the aluminum models. Although lighter and easier to move around, you’ll have to have space the store them.
Accordion Shutters
An accordion-style shutter, which is bolted to the sides of windows and opens like an accordion, is one of the more budget-friendly options. Accordian shutters are easy to operate manually but they are not visually appealing, and remember, they will be permanently mounted. They will probably require professional installation and sizing. There are steel, aluminum and translucent materials.
Roll Down Hurricane Shutters
Roll-down shutters are made of aluminum or steel, and they attach to the top of windows and then roll down to protect them when necessary. Some roll-down shutters are automated, while others must be lowered manually. These can be an expensive option, requiring professional fabrication and installation. But, they are very convenient once installed. The automated models have a manual override too, should the power go out. When stored, these shutters are not obtrusive. When down, they will block all light but are a cinch to roll back up.
Bahama Hurricane Shutters
Bahama shutters attach above the window and can be propped open when not in use. They provide good shade. But also, they can affect visibility. The look of Bahama shutters can be very appealing with the right architecture. I know many new modern buildings that have selected Bahama Shutters both as a design feature, to help save air condition costs, and of course to protect windows.
Colonial Hurricane Shutters
Shutters like these, which are usually referred to as colonial, are some of the most visually appealing shutters available. They can actually enhance your home’s appearance and complement your home’s style. When you close a window with one of these shutters, they collapse together on either side. They basically act as swing doors over your window. Just make sure they are well-secured into the wall, that the hinges are solid and not compromised, and that the locking mechanism for securing them across your window is solid too.
Storm Shutter Summary
Storm shutters will be visible on your property. But, as you have seen in the images above, they can actually add curb appeal to your building. If you want a long-lasting hurricane window protection solution that won’t go out of style, hurricane shutters are an excellent choice. Make sure you weigh up the options of each design for your home and get a number of quotes from professional installers. Overall, shutters can be a great way to protect your windows and doors during a hurricane.
Polycarbonate Panels
Polycarbonate storm panels, such as those used in a DefenseLite system, are a good choice for long-term hurricane protection if you desire a more subtle approach to integrating them into your architecture.
It’s very difficult to detect these panels after they have been professionally installed. Special adhesives are used to weather-seal the panels and avoid water penetration. The polycarbonate can be up to 250 times stronger than normal glass, making them excellent shields against flying debris and dangerous projectiles. This essentially turns your existing windows into high impact-resistant windows. And they work very well for businesses and stores, not just homes. They also provide excellent protection against intruders, increase energy efficiency and reduce street noise.
One of the downsides is that depending on the type of window, opening the window may become impossible.
Hurricane-Impact Glass
Hurricane glass is often referred to as high-impact glass windows, hurricane-resistant windows or storm windows. They are usually made of two panes of tempered glass separated by a plastic film. Hurricane-resistant windows can also help upgrade your security, but most importantly, provide effective protection against hurricanes.
Hurricane windows are not cheap. They will need to be professionally installed, and often require new window frames. Expect to pay as much as $50 per square foot for single-glazed impact glass and $70/sq. ft. for double-glazed glass.
One the biggest benefits of hurricane impact windows is that they are still like normal windows! They will not affect the appearance of your home. Plus, there’s nothing to do when preparing for a storm. They truly are a permanent solution and in that sense are some of the most effective, lasting hurricane protection. Plus, insurance companies will often usually offer premium discounts for hurricane glass.
Inspect and Secure Exterior Doors
As you would with windows, protect glass doors. Examine every door for loose or missing screws, including solid wood external doors. Any door that isn’t properly protected and fastened can be bent by strong winds.
Pay attention to the hinges on exterior doors while checking them. Are any screws missing? How many hinges are there? Outside door hinge screws should be upgraded with longer ones to secure it to the wall construction.It’s critical to ensure that the door threshold is securely fastened into the home, not just the door frame. A one-inch deadbolt on a door makes it more resistant to wind. If you have double doors, make sure the barrel bolt that keeps the second door in position goes through the floor.
Protect Garage Doors From Gusts
Garage doors are particularly prone to wind gusts since they are frequently flimsy and cover a wide area. The track of your garage door should be at least 14-gauge weight — check the owner’s manual or look for markings on the track – and securely fastened with numerous bolts.
Bracing your garage door against high winds will help it withstand the elements. Vertical and horizontal 2-by-4 boards secured to the walls can be used to brace your garage door. Garage door wind retrofit kits are also available. These include all the braces and necessary fasteners. A double garage door wind retrofit kit costs between $500 and $1,000.
A steel impact-resistant garage door is a more expensive choice than a standard garage door. Impact-resistant doors start at $750 and can exceed $1,200. Make sure whatever door you pick meets your local building codes for wind resistance.
The Final Score- How to Protect Windows During a Hurricane
Protecting windows from storm damage is an important step for any homeowner. Storms can wreak enormous havoc, especially when wind speeds are hurricane force. That’s why planning is important. Last-minute solutions will leave your property, your belongings, and even your family at risk. Make sure you do what you can to protect your windows and doors during hurricanes.
The best window coverings for preventing hurricane destruction might also prevent costly water damage and structural damage from flying debris or high winds. Window coverings and shutters can help safeguard your property against storm damage, broken glass, and other storm-related dangers.
Selecting the right window protection will depend on your budget as well as the design and construction of your home. Typically, the most cost-effective, permanent protection for the long-term is high-impact hurricane windows. They won’t look out of place, and last for years although the upfront cost can be significant. A good alternative would be hurricane shutters that complement or add to the appeal of your home, such as colonial or Bahama shutters. A good alternative worth exploring for stationary, non-moving windows like those in storefronts and office buildings would be permanent polycarbonate panels.
I have personally seen the mayhem, damage and loss of life caused by hurricanes. Protecting your windows before a severe storm can bring much peace of mind. So, if your area is prone to storms or hurricanes, plan ahead, protect your windows and doors from hurricanes this storm season, and stay safe!