Every year from June through November, the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms looms large in the minds of South Florida homeowners. Extreme weather events can happen quickly, often providing homeowners with little time to prepare. However, every homeowner knows that the first step in hurricane preparation is to fortify their windows. This is essential because windows are by far the weakest point in the home. If not properly protected, they can cave in from extreme wind pressure or an impact from windblown debris. And, when this happens, it leaves the entire home vulnerable to catastrophic damage. Here, we’ll explore how to protect your windows during a hurricane, helping you choose the best method.
Tape
Many homeowners aren’t sure how to protect their windows during a hurricane and, in a rush to defend their homes, apply tape to the glass on the inside. This is not an effective method and should always be avoided. In the event that your windows break, tape will only ensure that glass shards, which can turn into potentially deadly projectiles, are larger than they would have been if your windows were not taped.
Plywood
When a hurricane is forecast, home improvement stores are swamped with anxious homeowners looking for a last-minute solution. Putting plywood over your windows can certainly be effective at preventing glass breakage from impacts. Plus, plywood is plentiful and inexpensive. However, plywood is far from a perfect solution. Strong winds can get under a plywood covering and easily tear it off the home. Additionally, while plywood is durable, it’s often not strong enough to withstand a high-velocity, direct impact.
Hurricane Shutters
There are many different types of hurricane shutters available, ranging from protective fabrics to solid coverings. Typically, homeowners choose shutters made from corrugated steel or aluminum and connected to the home with special hangers, as they tend to be most effective. Indeed, the best hurricane shutters will effectively protect against direct impacts. However, like plywood, shutters are simply a covering, which leaves them vulnerable to strong winds.
Hurricane Windows
Though more expensive than the other solutions on this list, high-quality hurricane windows are by far the best way to protect your home from hurricanes. These windows are specifically designed with reinforced frames and tempered glass. This means that they can not only withstand impacts from airborne debris, but they also won’t fail due to extreme pressure from hurricane-force winds. If you choose hurricane windows, it’s essential that they are installed by professionals. Even the best-performing hurricane windows won’t provide protection as advertised if they aren’t properly installed.
Turn to Max Guard Hurricane Windows
At Max Guard Hurricane Windows, we are proud to offer the most effective hurricane protection available. Our hurricane windows are rated for High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) and are the only windows available in South Florida that are rated for both residential and commercial use. In fact, the same windows we install for our customers are used in essential facilities, so you can be sure you’ll receive industry-leading protection. What’s more, they are installed by factory-trained and -certified experts and backed by a lifetime warranty covering the windows and our installation.
Still have questions about how to protect your windows during a hurricane? Contact Max Guard Hurricane Windows today, and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your home.
