Hurricanes winds can rage at over 70 miles per hour and carry dangerous debris that smashes every fragile thing in sight. Without protection, your glass windows are especially vulnerable.
If you are wondering how to reinforce windows for hurricane season, below are solutions for various budgets.
Affordable Options
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Hurricane Film
Hurricane film is available as a transparent plastic layer that goes over your window panes. You can install it yourself to reinforce your windows, making them more resistant to impacts from wind and debris.
Even if the window breaks, the film will hold the broken glass together and keep the window in place. Aside from hurricane protection, installing this film keeps out ultraviolet light and improves energy-efficiency. You can get hurricane film for about $25 per linear foot.
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Plywood
Plywood is another budget-friendly option that people have used for years. You can get quality plywood for about $1 to $2 per square feet and install it yourself over your windows. Alternatively, you can hire a storm professional to do the installation for you, which might cost about $3 to $5 per square feet.
Unlike hurricane films that you can permanently leave on your windows, you will have to uninstall the plywood boards after the storm passes. While the boards are up, you will have zero visibility and no natural lighting. For the best results, use boards that are 5/8 inches thick and about eight inches wider and longer than the window you are covering.
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Fabric Storm Panels
Compared to plywood sheets, fabric storm panels cost more but are easier to install, uninstall, and store. This material is light and doesn’t require heavy or long screws. Despite being lightweight, the material is tough enough to withstand high winds and fast-moving debris. You can get PVC fabric panels for around $12 per square feet. Kevlar panels are more durable, but pricing will be substantially higher.
Expensive Options
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Storm Shutters
Storm shutters are pricey, but they are perfect for making your home or office hurricane ready. You can get these as permanently installed options that you slide over your windows before the storm starts. Examples include rollover hurricane shutters and accordion shutters.
Alternatively, you can get shutters you will install before the storm starts, much like plywood covers. A common example is a storm panel hurricane shutter.
Depending on the design and material, storm shutters can be about $10 to $50 per square feet, and professional installation can cost between $45 and $100 per hour.
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High Impact Glass
You can replace your regular windows with hurricane windows or high impact glass. This is the priciest window reinforcement solution, costing between $90 and $400, but it is also the most convenient.
Once installed, your building stays hurricane ready all year round, and it requires hardly any maintenance. Plus, unlike installing shutters or panels, high impact glass won’t affect visibility, lighting, or curb appeal.
Need Expert Help?
At Storm Depot, our professionals can show you how to reinforce windows for hurricanes. We will also recommend solutions that fit your budget, design requirements, and safety standards.
Call us today to make your Florida home or office hurricane season ready.
