Prepare Now to Protect Windows from Hurricane Rush

If you live in a coastal state, you know what happens when a hurricane warning is issued. People rush to grocery stores for food and home improvement stores for plywood. Plan ahead to beat the rush. First, store enough non-perishable food, water and supplies for two weeks. Then prepare your window and glass protection.

Avoid the rush to nail plywood to window frames by installing special storm panel frames that will be ready to hold the plywood in place. Pre-measure and cut 5/8-inch plywood to fit the frames before a hurricane is on the way. When the hurricane watch is issued, all you’ll have to do is slip the plywood panels into the frames.

How to Prepare Secured Plywood Panels

Storm panels and frames may not be able to be installed for some window openings. If storm panel frames are not possible, prepare to secure plywood directly to the window frames. This saves time when a hurricane watch is issued.

• Cut the plywood to fit at least six inches around the window frame.


• Make sure there are at least two inches from the edge of the window pane to the outer edge of the exterior wall to prevent damaging the window when the plywood is installed.


• Special clips that fasten to the window frame or brick veneer can be used to secure the plywood to the exterior wall.


• When a hurricane watch is issued, secure the plywood using clips or by drilling screws 18 inches apart around the plywood perimeter.
  

Other Window Protection Options

The main reason to secure the windows is to protect them from wind-blown projectiles and water. High wind still could damage the glass, but the worst of the water will be kept out of the house. So make sure the windows are sealed, caulked and/or weather stripped too. Replace gravel landscaping material with shredded bark or other soft material. Cut weak and dead branches to at least five feet away from the house. Put lawn furniture and ornaments inside when there is a hurricane watch.

If you know you won’t have much time to protect your home when a hurricane watch is issued, you may need to spend some more money. Storm windows, screens, and other protective devices are more expensive than plywood, but they can save valuable preparation time when a hurricane watch or warning has been issued.

• Install accordion shutters or roll-down shutters of plywood, aluminum, Plexiglas or steel.


• Large, open entrances to patios and sunrooms can be sealed off with roll-down screens or aluminum slats.


• Replace windows with storm windows that can withstand hurricane-force winds. These windows are made from two panes of glass melded together by a sheet of tinted laminate. Laminated glass doesn’t shatter into shards, it breaks into little pieces held in place by the PVB layer, similar to a windshield.
  

Storm Window Options

Glass Doctor now carries StormArmor™ Windows from MI Windows and Doors, which meet the strict Miami-Dade County, Fla. building standards. StormArmor™ windows have a 10-year warranty on most parts, frame material and insulated glass panels. These windows also frustrate burglars and reduce outside noise. StormArmor™ windows can be ordered with Low-E glass that qualifies for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost up to $1,500. Plus the outer layer of glass can be NEAT glass that uses the sun’s UV rays to loosen dirt so they can be cleaned with just a spray of water. Now you can protect the environment and your home too.