Buzz
As climate change intensifies, hurricanes are becoming increasingly severe across the globe. For coastal residents, safeguarding windows is paramount. Explore budget-friendly solutions like hurricane film or plywood covers. Enhancing your windows with metal, plastic, or fabric, or upgrading to high-impact glass, not only ensures protection but also qualifies you for reduced homeowner's insurance rates.
Steps to Follow
Securing Your Windows Affordably
Construct Plywood Covers for Your Windows: Plywood presents a cost-effective and widely used option for window protection. Opt for plywood sheets with a minimum thickness of 5⁄8 inch (1.6 cm). Measure the perimeter of each window and cut the plywood accordingly, ensuring an 8-inch (20 cm) extension beyond the window in all directions. Install the plywood covers using bolts, screws, window clips, or barrel bolts spaced every 12 inches (30 cm).
- Attaching plywood to the window frame helps mitigate the risk of glass breakage due to flying debris or pressure fluctuations.
- When installing plywood, enlist assistance to handle the heavy panels.
- Note that plywood may not meet building code requirements in certain areas and may not lead to insurance premium reductions.
Utilize Hurricane Film to Shield Your Window Panes: Opt for hurricane film, an economical transparent plastic that can remain in place throughout the year. Measure the perimeter of each window pane and procure sufficient film to fully cover them. Carefully peel the film from its backing and slowly adhere it to the window panes.
- Hurricane film does not safeguard your window frame against detachment and may not prevent window breakage. However, it offers protection against glass shards and helps maintain a sealed environment within your home.
- Hurricane film typically does not lead to reductions in homeowner's insurance premiums.
Ensure Window Closure During Storms:
Refrain from opening windows during storms. While some believe this reduces pressure within the house, it's crucial to keep the hurricane's pressure outside your home.
Avoid Duct Tape on Windows: Dispel the myth of reinforcing windows with duct tape during hurricanes. Contrary to popular belief, duct tape does not offer protection against hurricanes.
Implementing Permanent Storm Protection Measures
Acquire Metal or Plastic Storm Shutters: Storm shutters, available in aluminum, steel, or reinforced plastic, serve as durable protective barriers. Though plastic variants are pricier, they allow light penetration, preventing darkness during power outages. Depending on the type purchased, select shutters sized to match or exceed window dimensions.
- All hurricane shutters possess a standard width of 15.25 inches (38.7 cm).
- Procure shutters, H tracks, and F tracks from local home construction stores or metals/plastics distributors.
- For installations involving bolting instead of tracks, omit H and F tracks.
- Investing in shutters typically results in reduced homeowner's insurance premiums.
- Plastic shutters cost approximately $18 per square foot, while metal options average around $11 per square foot.
Install Storm Shutters Yourself or Seek Professional Assistance: If opting for a DIY approach, measure the window and shutter heights. Deduct the window height from the panel height, then divide the result by 2. Mount the H track above the window opening at that distance. Subsequently, affix the F track below the H track for the full panel length.
- For example, if your panels exceed window height by 6 inches (15 cm), position the H track 3 inches (7.6 cm) above the window.
- Insert shutters into the H track and secure the bottom section to the F track with bolts.
- In addition to the provided instructions, bolts, and wing nuts, a screwdriver will be required.
Explore Fabric Storm Panels as an Alternative: While pricier than metal or plastic counterparts, fabric storm panels offer distinct advantages. They are swiftly deployable post-installation, facilitating rapid window protection after storm alerts. Lightweight and foldable for storage, they can be effortlessly installed by homeowners.
- Find dealers online or at nearby home improvement retailers.
- Dealers typically offer installation services; otherwise, adhere to provided instructions.
- Equally effective as metal or plastic shutters, fabric panels also qualify for insurance savings.
- PVC fabric costs approximately $12 per square foot, while Kevlar nearly doubles that price.
Opt for High-Impact Glass Replacement: High-impact glass comprises dual panes with an interstitial protective layer. Although pricier than standard windows, it fortifies homes against hurricanes and may reduce utility bills.
- Investing in high-impact glass may lead to insurance premium reductions.
- Engage professionals for comprehensive window replacement.
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Pointers
Important Notes
- Stay away from windows during storms, even if they're fortified.
- Avoid using duct tape or makeshift materials for window protection; they offer no real safeguard.
- Always heed evacuation orders if you're in an evacuation zone, regardless of your home's preparedness.
- Keep windows shut during storm events.
