You may love the large picture windows in your home or business for the natural light and great views they provide. Unfortunately, if you live in a hurricane zone, your beautiful windows could prove to be your building’s weak spot. Don’t let a hurricane catch you unaware—install one of the following window coverings to secure your home or business before the next storm hits.

Hurricane Window Film

Sometimes called security window film, hurricane film is a thick, durable layer of transparent plastic applied to your windows and left in place year-round. Hurricane window film accomplishes the same task as high-impact glass for about 5% of the cost.

Keep in mind that hurricane film doesn’t prevent your window frames from blowing out, and it might not even protect your windows from breaking. However, if the glass does break, it sticks together, preventing dangerous shards from falling into your home.

Roll-Down Shutters

This safety measure, which protects against break-ins and hurricanes, is custom-made to fit your windows. The rolling shutters retract into a durable housing above the window or other opening. Then, when a storm is forecast in your area, or you want to boost security before going out of town, simply pull the shutters down over the glass.

Storm Panels

Available in aluminum, steel, or reinforced clear plastic, storm panels retract to the side of the window. Depending on the style you buy, you might need the panels to be the same size as or a few inches larger than your windows. For the best results, hire a professional to install your storm panels.

Fabric Storm Panels

While they tend to cost more per square foot than metal or plastic, fabric storm panels can easily be installed when a hurricane rolls in and removed once the storm passes. As a result, you can protect your windows without mounting permanent shutters or panels to them.

Plywood

If worse comes to worst, you can always cover your unprotected windows with plywood when a hurricane is forecast in your area. Either keep your own plywood on hand or schedule emergency board-up services when a storm is headed your way.

The plywood sheets you use should be at least 5/8-inch thick. The boards should also extend about 8 inches past the window frame on all sides. Install the plywood with bolts, screws, window clips, or barrel bolts every 12 inches along each side. Plywood is also a solution for securing broken windows after a storm has blown through.

Get Help Recovering from Hurricane Damage

If your home or business has been damaged in a hurricane, turn to DKI for help recovering. We are the largest disaster restoration contracting organization in North America with over 200 locations across the United States. DKI is here for you 24 hours a day and is committed to rapid response and recovery. For more hurricane preparedness tips or to schedule storm damage restoration services in your area, please contact us online or call 877-533-0210.