Consider hurricane window protection if you purchase a new home in a region susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms. Investing in these improvements will protect your property and save you thousands of dollars in repairs later on.
There are several options available, including impact windows and accordion shutters. The best choice for you will rely on a few things, including your budget and curb appeal.
Impact-Resistant Glass
The impact-resistant glass might be a wise investment for your home if you reside in a region that experiences solid winds or regular hurricanes. These windows add value and protection to your property while lowering your insurance premiums.
These hurricane window protection are made with multiple layers of glass, including PET laminated glass and PVB laminations between the panes. This polymer interlayer is what gives these impact-resistant windows their extra strength.
They also feature a shatter-resistant film on either side of the window panes. This polyvinyl butyral (PVB) film will stick to any pieces of shattered glass that fall through the window, keeping it contained and out of your home.
Shutters
Hurricane shutters protect your home and its contents from a storm. During a hurricane, windows can shatter and let in rain, wind, and debris. It can cause severe damage to your home’s roof, interior walls, and even its contents.
There are several types of hurricane shutters available to choose from. They include accordion shutters, Bahama shutters, colonial shutters, and roll-down shutters.
Plywood
Plywood is a common material that can be used to protect windows from hurricane damage. It is cheap, convenient, and easy to find at most hardware stores. However, there are better options for long-term protection.
When shopping for plywood, make sure that it has a structural rating. It will ensure that it is rated resilient against wind and earthquake forces.
To use plywood to board up a window, cut it to the size of the window opening. The boards should be no thinner than 5/8-inch, 21/32-inch, or 3/4-inch in thickness and overlap each side by four inches.
Drill matching holes through the panels and the wall to mount them with lag screws. These should be inserted into the home’s frame 1-3/4 inches deep.
Polycarbonate Panels
A clear polycarbonate panel is one of the best hurricane window protection solutions. It is lighter than aluminum corrugated panels, offers ideal weather and storm protection, and allows up to 95% of natural sunlight transmission.
Polycarbonate is also easy to cut, making it a great alternative to plywood for hurricane shutters. The ideal equipment for this job is a circular saw with a fine-tooth cutting blade made of plastic.
Polycarbonate is highly versatile, and it can be shaped to fit a variety of specific design applications. It can be molded into corrugated or textured forms, printed with different colors, or used as an awning to block out direct sunlight from a room. Greenhouses even use it to protect plants from intense sun, rain, and other weather elements.
Hurricane Screens
Hurricane screens are an excellent choice for homeowners who want extra protection for their windows. They’re easy to install and can be rolled down for privacy or shade from the sun.
They can also help keep out insects and provide some energy savings. They typically cost around $20-$30 per square foot, though additional features like motorized operation and UV deflectors can increase the cost.
These super-strong woven screens are made from the same material as ballistic vests, which makes them strong enough to withstand most hurricane impacts. They’re also translucent so you can see outside through them from the inside during a storm.