When a hurricane heads your way, the windows are one of the most vulnerable areas of your home or commercial property. High winds can cause flying debris to shatter glass windows, allowing rain and winds to enter and cause further damage inside. Replacement windows can be very expensive, so taking proactive actions is necessary for any savvy homeowner or business owner. In this article, we review different ways to protect windows during hurricanes, including proactive and reactive measures.
Proactive Steps to Protect Windows During Hurricane
Proactive measures entail setting up fixtures to protect windows. There are several practical and cost-effective ways of doing this as the following sections highlight.
Hurricane Screens
Hurricane screens, such as Hendee’s 100 or 500 series, offers lightweight and rugged woven polymer protection. These screens provide compact storage yet protect extensively against wind-blown debris. Hurrican screens are lightweight and offer ease of installation, custom designs to fit odd openings, and translucency for the comfort of building occupants.
Hurricane Shutters
One of the most reliable ways to protect windows is to install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant shutters. The design of these shutters enables them withstand the impact of wind-borne projectiles and provide a strong barrier against shattering glass.
Plywood Panels
If you don’t already have permanent hurricane shutters in place, plywood panes can serve as a temporary option. Another alternative could be storm panels, which consist of lightweight polycarbonate or metal. The shutters/panels should be pre-cut to fit each window, with corresponding frames around the window to secure them using screws or bolts. Doing this makes them effective and easier to install when a storm is imminent.
Window Films
A less expensive option for reinforcing existing windows is to apply window film or protective window coatings. Hurricane window films consist of thick polyester sheeting that adheres directly onto glass surfaces. If the window breaks, the film helps hold shattered glass in place.
Window films are affordable at around $5-10 per square foot of window area and can be installed by homeowners. The key is installing the film well in advance so it has time to cure and bond to the glass.
Although not as robust as shutters, window films are much better than bare windows, providing resistance against minor projectiles.
Tape Windows
A very inexpensive hurricane prep step is to tape windows with hardy tape designed for the job. Taping won’t prevent shattering, but it can help hold glass fragments together if windows are breached. Unless in dire straits, use tape approved for hurricane conditions, not standard duct tape. Apply the tape in a cross or star pattern across each window. While taping is marginally better than doing nothing, it should only serve as a last resort. Some experts believe taping is actually worse than doing nothing as it creates a false sense of security.
Clear Surroundings
A key step in protecting windows is to clear surroundings of any loose outdoor objects that could become wind-borne missiles. Patio furniture, grills, bikes, toys, and landscaping debris like loose branches need to be stowed inside or tied down securely. Even small objects like loose rocks can damage windows when driven by high hurricane winds.
Reactive Measures to Protect Windows During Hurricane
Whether there is damage to your windows after a hurricane or not, there are necessary measures to prevent further issues.
- Using temporary covers: Using temporary covers like tarps helps prevent further water intrusion until repairs can be made.
- Seal cracks with caulk: Examine windows and use caulk to seal any cracks or gaps around the frame where wind and water could potentially get in.
- Removing debris: After the storm, carefully remove any debris that may have accumulated around windows. This can include fallen branches, leaves, or other objects that could pose a risk of further damage or obstruct access for repairs.
- Reinforce with sandbags: For windows at ground level, stack and brace sandbags up against the exterior side to help deflect debris. Anchor bags in place with stakes and plastic sheeting.
Proactive Measures vs Reactive Measures to Protect Windows During Hurricane
| Parameter | Proactive Methods | Reactive Methods |
| Cost | Moderate to High Upfront Cost. For example, hurricane shutters range between $5-50/sq ft. While window film ranges between $5-10/sq ft | Low Upfront Cost. For example, window taping could cost $0.28-2/sq ft. |
| Effectiveness | These measures are highly effective. Shutters and bracing prevent window failure, while window films mitigate shattering. | Moderately effective as boarding and taping reduce damage but can’t fully prevent window breaks from major impacts. |
| Ease of Use | Requires advance planning and installation. Shutters and bracing need professional installation. Window films need curing time. | Quick Installation. Can be done just before a storm with minimal prep. |
| Installation | Shutters and bracing are permanent installations. Window films are semi-permanent. | Boards, tape, sandbags are temporary measures that are removed after the hurricane season. |
| Other Benefits | Potential energy savings. Shutters and window films can provide insulation benefits year-round. | No additional benefits. Reactive methods only provide hurricane protection with no other advantages. |
Interested in proactively protecting your home or business? Contact Hendee to discuss possible solutions today.
