Windows are the most vulnerable areas of a home during the time of a hurricane, so it is essential to purchasing the appropriate type of window security to protect your house. A Category 1 hurricane can have the ability to attain speeds of as high as 95 miles per hour. It is able to tear tree limbs and create dangerous projectiles from scattered lawn furniture, loose objects, and branches of trees. It is essential to take all necessary precautions to safeguard windows from breaking since the hurricane could cause destruction to your house. A variety of window coverings are available such as shutters, cut plywood or hurricane glass. Each comes with its own pros and pros. The kind of security you select will depend in large part on the accessibility to installation, the price and the results you hope to attain.
Check out the various options for window protection and choose the best one to protect your home from the effects of hurricanes:
Shutters
The term “hurricane shutters” refers to any solid material made to cover windows, such as steel, plywood, and other things. Get shutters that are specifically designed to protect windows from the hurricane. Metal accordion shutters or roll-down shutters can be affixed to your home permanently. Simply roll them down and attach them to the correct spot. Some shutters can also be operated electrically, but the majority of them come with the ability to allow to operate manually in the event of power outages. You can alter the size of the shutters to fit any size of windows and doors, such as sliding glass doors and huge picture windows. They are expensive solutions for hurricanes, and people of all incomes are unable to put them in place. If you’re interested, you can buy storm panels made of steel that are specifically designed to fit the windows of your home. The panels are fixed to the wall using screws. They should be removed and put back up anytime a hurricane appears. They should be stored in a secure location whenever they are not being used.
Plywood
Every hurricane season, the news on television shows homeowners fixing plywood to their windows to prepare for the storm that is coming. Plywood is cheaper than shutters made of metal. But it is heavy and difficult to store. In coastal climates that are usually impacted by hurricanes, plywood can decay within a few months. According to the International Hurricane Protection Association, plywood isn’t in compliance with the requirements of the building industry or the insurance industry. If the plywood isn’t able to secure your window, the insurance company might not be able to pay for the damages. If you decide to go with plywood, buy sheets that are at least 2 inches more than and half an inch thicker than your windows on all sides. Install using 1-to-2-inch anchors or screws that are spaced at intervals of 12 inches throughout the plywood.
Film
The window film does not protect glass from breaking. The film does contain broken glass and helps to stop rainwater from entering your home. The film is quite affordable and straightforward. Therefore, it is able to remain on the ground throughout the entire year. However, you must replace the film as well as the damaged window glass in the event that your home has been damaged by storms. Be aware that the film isn’t adequate protection against all kinds and types of debris flying around.
High-Impact Glass
High-impact glass can also be referred to as”laminated” glass. It is composed of two sheets of glass sandwiched between an unlaminated film. It is similar to auto glass. Be aware that laminated glass can withstand extreme impact. It could break, but it will not break. High-impact glass is usually located in coastal regions with high-speed winds. But its biggest drawback is the cost.
Once you have a better understanding of the pros and cons of various methods of window protection, It will be much easier to pick the most appropriate one for your house. Choose the most appropriate coverage and shield your house from the devastation of hurricanes.
