Every year, during hurricane season, we are reminded of life’s fragility and why we need to protect our homes and families from hurricane damage. Water damage, wind damage, and damage from wind-thrown projectiles can all seriously injure a person or destroy structures and property. It is important to be prepared before hurricane season hits, so that you are ready for whatever comes your way.
A few important areas to focus on are your doors and windows. Because these spaces contain glass and are not a part of the rest of a building’s solid structure, they need to be taken care of to prevent serious hurricane damage. If a window or door is broken or destroyed during a hurricane, this leaves an opening in your home for the storm to really come inside and wreak havoc, possibly costing thousands of dollars of damage.
The quality of your hurricane window protection can make a giant difference in the outcome of your property after a hurricane hits. It is important to consider the strength of your hurricane door and window protection well before a storm is on its way. Doing this could be the difference between thousands of dollars of structural damage as a result of the hurricane.
In this article we will go over all of your options for hurricane window protection, so that you can make sure you make the right choice when it comes to protecting your windows and property from the dangerous effects of a hurricane.
Types of Hurricane Window Protection
Plywood Sheets
This is one of the most well-known methods of hurricane window protection, and a good solution in a pinch. But while hammering plywood sheets over your windows may seem like a wonderfully simple solution, it definitely is not the best. This option of hurricane window protection is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. Each plywood sheet needs to be cut to size and then screwed into place on the exterior of the window every time a storm approaches. This isn’t a permanent solution, as the sheets block out all light (and are also aesthetically unappealing). Installing, uninstalling, and reinstalling these plywood sheets every time there is a storm isn’t a realistic option for many people, due to one reason or another.
Besides being unsightly and creating holes in your home exterior, plywood sheets can also come off during a storm if not attached securely. This not only leaves your windows and home exposed, but also turns the plywood into a projectile that could cause serious damage elsewhere.
Note: It is not wise to wait until a storm is about to hit to purchase plywood, as sometimes due to the pre-storm frenzy, stores can run out of stock. This can also happen with other storm-related products in the days leading up to a hurricane. It is always best to plan ahead!
Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are a very popular method of hurricane window protection. Hurricane shutters, like hurricane screens, can be installed year-round and then deployed when a storm approaches. These shutters can range in price, and on the higher end can become quite pricey. There are a few different types of hurricane shutters used for hurricane window protection:
Accordion Hurricane Shutters: Accordion shutters are bolted to the sides of windows and open like an accordion.
Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters: Typically made of aluminum or steel, roll down shutters attach at the top of windows and roll down to protect the window when needed. Some roll-down shutters are automatic while others need to be lowered manually.
Bahama Hurricane Shutters: These shutters attach above the window and can be propped open when not in use. They have the added benefit of offering shade, but can also affect visibility.
Colonial Hurricane Shutters: These shutters are some of the most aesthetically-pleasing shutters available and can add character to your home. They’re attached to either side of a window and fold together when the window needs to be protected.
Hurricane Screens / Hurricane Window Protection Fabric
There are quite a few names for hurricane screens, including hurricane fabric, fabric storm panels, and wind abatement screens, but they all serve the same purpose. Hurricane screens are made of a woven material, often coated with a plastic-like PVC to increase strength and deflect flying objects.
Hurricane screens have become one of the most popular and effective methods of hurricane window protection available. Unlike plywood sheets or hurricane shutters, hurricane screens are not unsightly or unattractive. Hurricane screens come in a variety of colors that allow them to blend into the home exterior when used, and when not used they can be rolled away cleanly.
Hurricane screens also come in all different shapes and sizes, and are dynamic and able to work in odd-shaped areas.
Once hurricane screens are installed, they can be left alone year-round and are then easily rolled down or deployed when a storm is approaching. This method of hurricane window protection is easy to use, looks great against any type of exterior, and can fit in even the largest or most unique-shaped areas.
Hurricane screens are one of the best methods of hurricane window protection because they are much easier to install than plywood sheets and take up much less storage space when they aren’t needed. They’re simply clipped into place and have the added benefit of allowing light and visibility through once installed.
This method of hurricane window protection can also help to protect you and your furniture and interior from damaging UV rays. This can also allow your home to cool down faster.
Why Armor Screen Is Your Solution for Hurricane Window Protection
When it comes to hurricane window protection you can count on, Armor Screen has your back! Be sure to check out our different products and hurricane solutions for both residential and commercial properties. There is no more important investment than the protection of everything you hold dear. Contact us today at 877-237-2337 or request a quote online to find out more about how you can protect your home or business with our highly acclaimed products!
