Hurricanes bring with them many potential hazards. Between flooding, strong winds and damage from debris, there are lots of things to prepare for. One major way you can prottect yourself and your home during a hurricane is by taking steps to prepare your windows. Here are 3 common ways to hurricane-proof the windows in your home:
Hurricane Film
Hurricane film is a popular option for reinforcing your windows against strong winds and debris. It's a tough, clear plastic film you can apply to your windows yourself. It's inexpensive and can prevent glass from shattering and spreading into your home. Unfortunately, it's not enough to prevent the entire window pane from blowing in, but it will lower your risk of injury or damage and injury from broken glass.
Plywood
Plywood is a tried-and-true material for reinforcing your windows in a variety of storm situations. It's one of the toughest materials in the building industry and also inexpensive enough to buy in large quantities without breaking the bank. To shield your windows with plywood, cut sheets that are at least 1/2 inch thick and overlap the sides of your windows by at least 8 inches.
Use heavy duty screws, anchors or expansion bolts to attach the plywood to the walls. While it involves a bit of DIY handiwork, plywood is a tough and reusable option for protecting your windows in a hurricane.
Storm Shutters
Professionally installed storm shutters offer the advantage of quick setup when it's time to hunker down in preparation for a hurricane. These shutters are permanent installations and therefore cost more than the above options. However, they are simple to use: simply pull the accordion-style shutters down into place before the hurricane gets close to prevent damage to your windows.
These are the three most common ways to hurricane-proof your home's windows. Keep these ideas in mind when considering your best options for hurricane safety.
About the Author
Joe N. Pollifrone
For over 30 years, Joe Pollifrone has practiced real estate full-time as a licensed Real Estate Broker in California. Joe’s vast sales experience includes duplexes, tri-plexes, four-plexes, apartment buildings, land, condominiums, townhomes, fixer-uppers, estate properties, and bank-owned properties (REOs). He also is active in selling non-owner occupied properties and is well-versed in 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, property management, tenant/landlord issues, and local laws. During Joe’s career to date, he has sold in excess of $200,000,000 of real estate, including over $32,000,000 in REOs.
Joe brought his deep experience to Sereno Group Willow Glen as a Broker Associate in 2012. He was the Sales Manager and lead a top-producing office. Joe would mentor new Sereno hires, making sure that they’re comfortable with the ethos of the office, plugged into Sereno’s network of contacts, and well-versed in the technology required of today’s real estate professionals.
Joe prides himself on his proven ability to negotiate, extensive knowledge of contracts, and securing close of escrows in a timely manner. Both he and his clients credit his success to effective communication skills, honesty, and hard work. Joe is a native of San Jose and resides in Willow Glen with his wife of twenty-seven years, Kimi, his daughters Milan and Micaela and their two Goldendoodles, Tony-Luca and Marco.
