If you live in a hurricane-prone area, hurricane window protection is essential for your home. High winds, flying debris, and rain can cause windows to break, causing significant damage to your property.

Boarding up your windows is one solution, but this method is labor-intensive and time-consuming. It does not provide complete protection from the weather.

Shutters

Shutters are an essential part of any home's hurricane window protection. They offer a variety of benefits and can add function and aesthetics to your property.

Aesthetically, shutters can give a home a timeless, stylish look that increases the value of your property. They can also improve your home's energy efficiency by controlling the sunlight through the windows.

These styles are primarily used on homes in tropical and southern areas but can also be found on some cottage and colonial-style properties.

They typically come in aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate and are installed above windows. They can be rolled up or down, and some models may be motorized. Choosing one that will fit your home's design is essential regardless of your type.

High Winds

Windy days are often a blast for kites and windsurfers, but high winds can pose severe threats to homes. These powerful currents can bring down trees, awnings, and power lines.

When high winds come, many homeowners board their windows with plywood or polycarbonate panels. However, this method is less durable than storm shutters or impact windows and requires a lot of labor.

. Another popular strategy is to board up windows with hurricane shutters. These protective systems can be installed temporarily or permanently and are an affordable option that provides strong storm protection against flying debris, falling tree branches, and hurricane-force winds.

Unlike plywood, storm shutters do not need to be removed after the hurricane has passed and can be reused if necessary. However, they are more expensive than other hurricane window protection options.

Loose Branches

Wind-driven debris such as tree branches, lawn chairs, and other outdoor furniture can cause damage to a home when they blow through windows. It's essential to secure any loose pieces of patio furniture before a hurricane hits to minimize the chances of this type of damage.

If you need help protecting your windows, consider boarding them with plywood or using hurricane shutters. These are inexpensive options that will help to prevent damage from windblown debris.

Water Penetration

A hurricane can cause water to penetrate your home's windows and doorways. This is one of the most common hurricane-related causes of structural damage.

There are several ways to protect your home from storm damage; each method has advantages and disadvantages. If you're in the market for storm protection, it's essential to consider your goals and budget before choosing a solution.

Plywood boards are a common choice for homeowners, and while they're an excellent way to prevent water from entering your home, they're also very time-consuming. You'll need to remove and reinstall these panels every time there's a storm.

Damage

Hurricane windows are designed to protect your home from the effects of severe storms. They're made from 2 sheets of tempered glass separated by a polymer layer that resists damage from flying debris.

They're also a great way to upgrade your home's security. They're easy to install and are available in a variety of sizes.

But you'll still need a skilled professional to install them. Plus, plywood boards need to be approved by many building codes and are unlikely to lower your insurance premiums.

Plywood can also detract from your home's curb appeal. Moreover, it can be challenging to lift heavy boards on your own. If you need to board up your windows, get help from a friend or professional.

Impact-Resistant Glass

Having impact-resistant windows in your home is essential for many reasons. Not only do they help protect your family from the effects of hurricanes and severe weather, but they also improve your home's energy efficiency.

When hurricanes hit, they can leave a wide opening in your home's roof and walls, letting in debris and wind-borne objects that could quickly destroy your windows. That's why impact-resistant glass is so critical for homes in areas that are prone to storms and severe weather.

The glass used in hurricane-resistant windows is much stronger than traditional glass. It typically consists of two panes of glass that are sealed together with an interlayer of polymer, which adds strength to the overall window and prevents it from breaking.

Plywood

Plywood is a manufactured board consisting of thin layers of wood veneer glued together. Each veneer layer has its grain rotated 90 degrees to the adjacent layers.

These cross-laminated sheets of wood are fastened with a waterproof phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesive and then cured under heat and pressure.

It is a popular choice for furniture making and commercial applications due to its resistance to bending and rotting.

Structural plywood is used for permanent structural projects, such as beams, internal structures, subfloors, wall bracing, and roof bracing. It can also be used for shipping crates because it can withstand total weather exposure.