The severity of hurricanes is worsening due to climate change.It is reasonable for you to be concerned about your windows.You can make a cheap fix like a plywood cover.If you replace your windows with metal, plastic, or fabric, you will be able to qualify for lower homeowner's insurance premiums.
Step 1: Make plywood covers for your windows.
Plywood is a popular option for covering windows.Pick sheets that are at least 8 inches thick.Take a look at the perimeter of your windows.Cut the plywood so that it extends past the window in every direction.Before a storm, install the plywood covers with bolts, screws, window clips, or barrel bolts.Pressure changes from breaking the glass can be prevented by attaching plywood to the window frame.Someone else will help you lift the heavy panels.It is unlikely that plywood will lower your insurance premiums.
Step 2: Hurricane film can be used to cover window glass.
You can leave Hurricane film in place year-round.Measure the perimeter of your windows and buy enough film to cover them all.Remove the film from its backing and stick it to your windows.Hurricane film doesn't protect your window from blowing off.It will keep the wind out of your house and protect you from glass shards.The homeowner's insurance premiums are usually not lowered.
Step 3: During a storm, close your windows.
During a storm, do not open your windows.Some people say this will lower the pressure in your house, but you want to keep the storm out of your home.
Step 4: Don't put duct tape on your windows.
There is a lot of misinformation about hurricanes and one myth is that putting tape in an X or a grid over a window provides reinforcement.This is not true.Duct tape won't protect from a storm.
Step 5: There are metal or plastic storm shutters.
Storm shutters are made of aluminum, steel, or reinforced plastic.If a storm blows out the lights, plastic will let in light so you won't be left in darkness.Depending on the kind of shutters you buy, you may need panels the same size as your window, or panels that are several inches larger on every side.The width of the shutters is 15.25 inches.Purchase shutters, H tracks, and F tracks from your local home construction store or from a metals or plastics distributor.You don't need to buy H or F tracks if you bolt your windows.Buying shutters will lower your homeowner's insurance premium.$18 sq is how much plastic will run you.metal will fall around $11 sq.ft.
Step 6: Hire a professional to install storm shutters.
Measure the window height and shutter height if you're doing it on your own.Divide the result by 2 by subtracting the window height from the panel height.The H track is the number of inches or centimeters above the window opening.The full length of the panel is below the H track.If your panels are taller than your windows, install the H track above the window.The H track has shutters on it.Attach the shutters to the F track with bolts.The instructions, bolts, and wing nuts are included with your purchase.
Step 7: Invest in fabric storm panels.
Some of the advantages of fabric storm panels are similar to those of metal and plastic panels.It won't take you long after a storm warning to protect your windows because they are very easy to put up.They're lightweight, so you can put them up yourself, and they fold up for storage.You can find a dealer online or at a home improvement store.Most of the time, your dealer will install the fabric panels for you.The instructions for installation are included.Fabric panels are just as effective as metal or plastic shutters, and will qualify you for savings on insurance.The fabric is around $12 sq.It will cost you nearly double that.
Step 8: You can replace your windows with high- impact glass.
Two-paned glass has a protective layer between them.They are more expensive than regular windows, but they will protect your home during a storm.It could help lower your heating and air-conditioning bills.Insurance premiums will likely be lower if you purchase high-impact glass.A professional will give you new windows.