Hurricane-force winds can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles, potentially shattering windows and compromising your home’s structural integrity. However, there are several effective methods for safeguarding your windows against these powerful storms. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates various hurricane window protection options, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
The Importance of Window Protection
Hurricanes pose three primary threats to coastal homes—storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall. While elevating a house on stilts can protect against flooding, it’s not always a practical solution for existing structures. Instead, focusing on protecting windows and doors from wind-driven debris can help you maintain the integrity of your home during a hurricane.
Windows are often the most vulnerable points in a home during a hurricane. When broken, they allow wind and rain to enter, potentially damaging your home’s interior and compromising the entire structure. Proper window protection can:
- Prevent debris from penetrating the home
- Reduce the risk of structural damage
- Protect valuable belongings from water damage
- Increase the overall safety of occupants during a storm
Types of Hurricane Window Protection
There are several options available for protecting your windows during a hurricane, ranging from temporary solutions to permanent installations. In the video above, Tom Silva demonstrates the effectiveness of properly installed hurricane window protection.
Plywood Boards
Plywood is one of the most common and cost-effective methods for protecting windows during a hurricane. While effective, plywood is heavy and takes time to install, especially for upper-story windows. Homeowners also need to store these large boards, which might require considerable storage space.
Key points about plywood protection:
- Use 5/8-inch thick plywood
- Cut boards to fit window openings precisely
- Secure plywood with appropriate fasteners
- Install before the storm approaches
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
While OSB is cheaper than plywood, it’s not recommended for hurricane protection. As shown in Silva’s demonstration, OSB fails to stop a 2×4 projectile traveling at hurricane-force wind speeds, leaving windows vulnerable to breakage. Given the compromised protection OSB offers, it becomes a risky choice during storm preparations.
Ballistic Nylon Fabric
This lightweight alternative to plywood offers some protection against flying debris. However, as demonstrated in the video, while the fabric may prevent debris from entering the home, it may not prevent window breakage due to its flexibility.
Key features include:
- Easy to store and install
- Allows some light transmission
- Requires permanent mounting hardware
Metal Storm Shutters
Metal shutters provide robust protection which you can permanently install on a home. But if struck in a vulnerable spot (such as near a locking mechanism), metal shutters can still fail to protect the window completely.
Metal storm shutters offer several advantages:
- Quick deployment before a storm
- Durable and long-lasting
- Available in various styles, including roll-down and accordion designs
Polycarbonate Panels
Installing polycarbonate panels can allow homeowners to safeguard their properties without compromising natural light. However, secure mounting and occasional maintenance checks remain necessary to ensure the panels do not weaken over time.
Some of their benefits include:
- Lighter weight compared to metal and plywood
- High impact resistance
- Transparency, allowing for light passage
Impact-Resistant Hurricane Windows
Impact-resistant windows represent a passive, always-ready solution for hurricane protection. While they may crack when struck by debris, impact-resistant windows maintain their integrity, preventing wind and rain from entering the home.
These specially designed windows feature:
- Multiple layers of glass with a strong interlayer
- Ability to shatter without creating a hole
- Permanent protection without pre-storm preparation
Benefits of Impact-Resistant Windows
The initial investment might be higher for impact-resistant windows, but the long-term savings are substantial. Here are several benefits:
- No need for pre-storm installation
- Improved energy efficiency
- Enhanced security against break-ins
- Potential insurance discounts
- Soundproofing qualities
Considerations for Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows aren’t cheap, with most homeowners spending between $4,589 and $20,415* for materials and installation. Certain severe impacts might necessitate replacement, which adds to the cost. Proper assessment pre-purchase can help determine their value relative to the frequency of hurricane seasons in the specific area.
*Cost data in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Choosing the Right Hurricane Window Protection for Your Home
It’s often beneficial to consult with a local contractor or hurricane protection specialist to determine the best option for your specific situation. When selecting hurricane window protection, consider the following factors:
- Local building codes and regulations
- Your budget for materials and installation
- The frequency of hurricanes in your area
- The ease of deployment before a storm
- Aesthetic impact on your home’s appearance
Hurricane Window Protection Installation Tips
While you can DIY some hurricane window protection solutions, professional installations offer guarantees and insurance that DIY efforts might lack. Local professionals are also familiar with the environmental demands and can offer personalized preparations.
If you do install window protection on your own, make sure you follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes, ensure all fasteners and mounting hardware are corrosion-resistant, and consider professional installation for complex systems or impact-resistant windows.
Window Protection Maintenance Recommendations
Stay on top of window protection maintenance to keep your home safe and secure. Minor damages, if overlooked, can render protection systems ineffective, so timely interventions are necessary.
- Inspect protection systems annually, preferably before hurricane season
- Replace any damaged components promptly
- Practice deploying removable systems to ensure quick installation when needed
- Keep necessary tools and hardware easily accessible
Regular Updates and Innovations in Hurricane Window Protection
New advancements in hurricane protection technologies frequently emerge. Staying updated on the latest innovations in the market can introduce more effective and user-friendly protection systems. Regular consultations with professionals can also keep you informed about potential upgrades or changes that might better serve your household needs.
Local Community Referrals for Window Protection
Recommendations based on first-hand experiences can help you make more informed decisions. Network with neighbors and browse through local community forums for insights into the best protection systems used in the area. Additionally, community bulk purchases can sometimes come with discounts and ensure standard protection within neighborhoods.
Insurance Implications of Hurricane Window Protection
Consult with your insurance provider to understand the impact of your chosen protection methods on your premiums. Investing in higher-grade protections like impact-resistant windows often provides benefits beyond just safety, extending to cost-saving insurance reductions as well.
Our Conclusion
Choosing the right hurricane window protection is essential for safeguarding your home and family. While OSB is the most cost-effective option, impact-resistant windows and metal shutters offer more permanent and safer solutions. Consider your specific needs, budget, and local requirements when making your decision.