If you live in an area with a potential for hurricanes and severe storms, then you should protect your household before it gets too late. Generally, your home will always be vulnerable to damage. For instance, severe winds can cause debris to fly in open areas, which can wreak havoc when getting in contact with your household.
Windows are most vulnerable, especially since broken glass can continue to fly and cause severe problems to your family members. That is why you should think about protecting your household from potential issues by making relevant safety measures. These methods are effective and will protect your home.
1. Plywood
You should remember that one of the most effective methods from protecting your windows is by adding plywood. The best thing about them is affordable price tag, making them practical especially because it will protect glass from shattering and running around causing havoc.
The main idea is to board up glass-pane doors and windows, which will prevent the breakage and other issues that come with. That way, flying debris cannot affect the glass, which is a common problem people avoid protecting.
As a result, you should install plywood on the outside of your household, which is an amazing solution that will protect glass and prevent flying debris from making an impact.
Of course, it is not the only solution for windows, but if you are in a time and you need to do something, plywood is your best solution. You should check out whether taping windows for a hurricane is an effective way or just a myth you can find online.
It is vital to prepare yourself beforehand, meaning you should check out in the local store and ensure plywood is pre-cut to fit all your glass doors and windows. At the same time, you should install screw anchors, which will increase your productivity and allow you to install everything as soon as possible.
2. Hurricane Film
Another way to protect windows and prevent debris from shattering glass all over your home is by finding a specific, hurricane film. We are talking about a thin layer of clear plastic that you can place over your window for additional protection.
It means each time a debris reaches your window, a film will capture shattered glass and prevent it from spreading and flying around your household. It is not the most effective way to protect your windows, but it will help you reduce the damage that may happen after a strong wind causes the glass to fly around.
Besides, you will make a clean-up process much more straightforward. Compared with plywood, which requires regular installation and removal, you should know that films can stay on your windows all the time. It means you can install them once and prepare for the worst-case scenario, such as inability for plywood to keep everything together.
Another advantage of hurricane film is its ability to block UV rays, meaning you will prevent faded fabric, carpets, and paint. It is a straightforward solution that will prevent glass from flying and causing you life-threatening issues.
3. Storm Shutters
Regarding long-term solution, you can take advantage of storm shutters which will prevent windows from breaking. However, they are more expensive to install than previous two options.
They come with accordion or roll-up design, which will allow you to attach them as soon as you purchase and install them, which will boost the coverage and protection during heavy winds and other weather conditions. Storm shutters will keep your home by leaving light inside, making them perfect for illumination during bright days.
4. High-Impact Glass
If you wish to ensure the additional impact and force without DIY solutions that may not offer you protection you want, the best way to do it is by investing in high-impact glass. You probably understand that it is expensive investment, but you will ensure to get ideal option for household which is vulnerable to debris and wind damage.
You should know that high-impact windows feature two panes of tempered glass, while they come with plastic film between. At first, they appear as regular windows, but you will get an additional glass layer combined with film inside, which will ensure the exceptional structural integrity that can handle almost anything without breaking.
The main problem with these windows is their lack of energy efficiency, meaning your heating and cooling bills may increase after you decide to install them. They do not feature effective insulation capacity, which makes them expensive to handle.
5. Always Close Blinds and Curtains
In case of storm or hurricane, the most important thing is to keep your blinds and windows closed, while you can set other preventive measures that will protect your home from potential breaking. Watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5muFT4KclAto learn more about protecting your home from hurricane.
For instance, you can keep curtains closed as well, which is effective way to prevent debris and glass from entering your home and causing severe problems to your family members. By tactically placing curtains and closing them before the storm, you can reduce the ongoing damage and ensure the critical issues are in smaller areas.
That way, you can hide in a shelter or basement where you will be protected from flying glass and other debris that may cause severe problems. Still, this is an option you should choose as the last preventive measure, but it is way better to invest into plywood or high-impact glass, which will prevent serious damage.
6. Protect Exterior Doors as Well
Although you can spend too much money on high-impact glass for windows, you should think about doors as well, especially if you have glass-paned options. Similarly, as windows, doors are vulnerable to hurricanes and heavy winds, meaning you should find ways to protect them and prevent glass from causing damage.
You can choose various options including high-impact glass, plywood protection, hurricane film or other measures that will offer you a peace of mind. Still, if you have a large sliding doors, which are common options at back decks and backyards, the best course of action is adding plywood, which will prevent them from shattering.