Ways To Prepare Your Windows So They Provide Your Home With Hurricane Protection
Posted on: 16 September 2019
When you live in an area where hurricanes are a possibility, it's good to prepare your home in advance so you're always ready. Your windows are of particular concern since glass is vulnerable to wind damage. Here are some ways to get your windows ready for a hurricane so you don't have to waste precious time before the storm arrives struggling with plywood to board up your home.
Install Impact Windows
If your home is ready for new windows, then installing impact windows is worth considering when you live near the coast. These windows offer excellent hurricane protection for your home because the glass is reinforced with a tough clear sheet between two panes of glass. This film keeps the glass from splintering and falling out of the frame. If a tree limb is hurled against the glass, the glass may break, but the film holds the pieces in place so wind can't get inside your home.
Keeping the wind out is critical because when the wind is inside, it can lift the roof of your home and cause catastrophic damage to your house due to wind and water damage. A major benefit of choosing impact windows is that your home is always ready for a storm, so if you're away on vacation, you don't have to worry about rushing home to board up your windows.
Put On Hurricane Shutters
If you aren't ready to spend money on new windows just yet, then consider hurricane shutters that close over the outside of the glass to protect it from breaking. These can be mounted permanently on your home so all you have to do is close them manually or with a remote control when a storm gets close. Some styles can enhance the appearance of your home and also provide shade over the windows year round. Others roll up so they're out of the way until they're needed.
Have Window Film Applied
Another way to get hurricane protection for your windows is to have window film applied. This is similar to the film that comes installed on impact windows, but in this case the film can be applied on the outside of the glass rather than between the panes. This might be a good option if your home doesn't need new windows just yet and you don't want the bother of shutters. When the film is applied by a professional, it is invisible, so you'll have protection that doesn't affect the appearance of your home. While the film won't keep the glass from breaking, it holds the glass in place so you'll only have to deal with window repair rather than deal with storm damage inside your home from a blown-out window.
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