When a hurricane is moving toward your Southwest Florida neighborhood, the last thing you want is to scramble for a last-minute solution to protect your home. Standard glass windows are often the most vulnerable part of your house. They can easily break due to intense hurricane winds or from the impact of flying debris. Broken windows allow debris and water to get into your home, causing severe damage. Broken windows can also lead to more serious damage, such as structural damage. But protecting your windows is not just about reducing property damage; it’s also about ensuring your family’s safety.
Fortunately, there are several, proven hurricane window protection options available. These range from hurricane proof windows to hurricane shutters, hurricane screens and more. In this article we talk about the importance of protecting your windows during a hurricane as well as different options to pick from. Stick around as this in-depth guide should answer most of your questions. For any other questions about Hurricane Protection Products in Southwest Florida contact the Eurex Shutters team below.
Are you prepared to for a hurricane, or are your windows an open invitation to damage and disaster?
Understanding the Importance of Protecting Windows From Hurricane Damage
Hurricane season can be a nerve-wracking time for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas. Hurricane wind speeds can reach over 150 miles per hour. If your house is unprotected the potential for damage is very high.
Protecting your home’s windows (and doors) is crucial. They are usually your home’s weakest point, and often the first point of failure during a hurricane. Your windows can break from flying debris as well as just from the intense wind and pressure. Once your windows break, high winds and flying debris can cause extensive damage and put your family at risk.
Window storm protection products serve as a shield against these intense storms. Protecting your windows helps protect your family as well as reduce more significant repairs, such as structural damage. This will help reduce the risk of being displaced from your home as well as huge repair bills.
Investing in window protection can significantly reduce the stress associated with hurricanes. Knowing your property is properly protected allows you to focus on other storm preparedness, such as supplies and evacuation if required. Protecting your windows can safeguard your home and family from the storm’s wrath.
Different Types of Hurricane Window Protection Options Available
When it comes to protecting your windows vs hurricanes, you have a wide variety of options to pick from. Each choice has its own cost, unique benefits and levels of protection. As such, you can tailor solutions to your specific needs.
Hurricane shutters are a popular choice in Florida. They are reasonably priced and come in a wide range of styles. All of them offer excellent protection against hurricane-force winds and flying debris. Permanent hurricane shutters make the process of preparing your house much quicker vs non-permanent options (such as storm panels or plywood).
Impact resistant windows are an excellent choice. They offer 24/7, permanent defense. They are ready to protect your home whether you are home or not, with zero preparation required. These windows are manufactured with multiple layers of laminated glass, providing added strength and shatter resistance. They also provide energy efficiency performance and reduce outside noise.
Hurricane screens are a great solution that blend functionality with aesthetics. Made from flexible yet strong materials, these screens can be easily retracted when not in use. Screens are an excellent choice for patios, lanais, and other wide openings.
Storm panels are the most cost-effective protection option outside of plywood. However, they require quite a bit of manual effort to install and remove them before and after each storm. Storm panels are available in polycarbonate and aluminum. They can be removed and stored after a hurricane passes.
Lastly, plywood boarding is a last-minute, last resort option. It may not be the most elegant solution, but it offers protection when you have nothing else to use.
Installing Hurricane Shutters for Maximum Protection
Storm shutters are one of the most popular and effective ways to protect your windows from hurricane damage. When properly installed, they shield your windows from flying debris and high winds.
There are many types of hurricane shutters available. In turn, it is easy to find something that fits your needs, style, and budget.
Accordion shutters
This type of shutter is particularly popular for it’s ease of use, high value, and solid storm protection. Accordion shutters can be quickly deployed as well. In fact, you can deploy accordion shutters on an average, single-family home in about 15 minutes.
Learn more about Accordion Shutters in Southwest Florida.
Rolling shutters
Rolling shutters provide an additional layer of security as they also serve as security shutters. This type of shutter is ideal for homeowners seeking convenience and enhanced safety.
Explore our line-up of Rolling Shutters in Southwest Florida.
Decorative Shutters: Bahama & Colonial Shutters
Bermuda or Bahama shutters are two types of decorative hurricane shutters. They provide tropical style, and offer both aesthetic appeal and functional storm defense. Meanwhile, Colonial shutters are known for their traditional, decorative charm and reliable protection.
Eurex Shutters Hurricane Shutters
At Eurex Shutters, we offer a range of hurricane shutters in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and throughout Southwest Florida. Our products are designed to withstand the strong winds of Southwest Florida’s hurricane season, providing you with peace of mind and safety.
Impact Windows: 24/7 Hurricane Window Protection
Impact windows are a smart investment for Florida homeowners seeking long-term security against hurricanes. These hurricane proof windows are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris. They ensure your home remains protected even during the most severe hurricanes.
These special windows are constructed with laminated glass layers and impact resistant frames. They provide added strength, making these windows a robust protection choice for any home.
One of the biggest advantages of impact windows is that they provide continuous, 24/7 protection. Unlike shutters or panels, they do not require seasonal installation or any deployment. In other words, they are always ready to protect, regardless if you are around or not.
Additionally, these windows are energy efficient, potentially lowering your utility bills. High-quality impact windows can also increase your home’s value, making them a wise investment in your property’s future.
At Eurex Shutters, we offer top-of-the-line impact glass windows that provide both protection, good looks, and energy efficiency. Our impact windows are designed for Southwest Florida’s unique climate, offering reliable protection and enhancing your home’s overall value.
Utilizing Hurricane Screens as a Solution For Your Patio or Lanai
Hurricane screens are an innovative solution for protecting open, exterior spaces like patios and lanais from storm damage. These screens offer flexibility and are easily retractable when not in use, making them a convenient choice for homeowners. Made from lightweight materials, hurricane screens can be quickly installed and retracted, providing efficient protection without compromising visibility or airflow.
Eurex Shutters’ premium Aramid Hurricane Screens are designed to look and function like high-end shade screens while offering maximum hurricane protection. These customizable screens allow you to maintain the look and feel of your outdoor spaces while ensuring they are safe during a storm. With hurricane screens, you can enjoy your patio or lanai year-round without worrying about potential hurricane damage. They also make it extremely convenient to protect all your outdoor belongings as well.
Explore our Hurricane Screens in Southwest Florida.
Hurricane Fabric Panels for Window Protection
Hurricane fabric panels are a lightweight and flexible option for window protection. They are a lighter, easier to install alternative to rigid storm panels.
They are made from flexible yet strong aramid fabric. This material creates a high-strength barrier against wind and debris, making it an attractive choice for many homeowners. Simple installation and lower storage space requirements make hurricane fabric a practical option for those seeking an economical form of protection.
Eurex Shutters’ Hurricane Fabric offers translucent options, allowing natural light to enter your home while providing hurricane proof protection. This feature eliminates the issue of storm panels and shutters blacking out your home’s interior completely.
Last Resort: Properly Securing Windows and Doors with Plywood
When other options are unavailable, plywood remains a reliable last resort for protecting your home’s windows from hurricanes. Plywood can help provide emergency protection against severe damage when you have no other protection to use.
It is important to use dry, good quality plywood of an adequate thickness. It is also important to properly measure and cut the plywood in order to ensure a secure fit over the entirety of your windows. Fastening methods, such as anchor screws or bolts, enhance the effectiveness of plywood, keeping it firmly in place during high winds.
While not the most elegant solution, plywood offers necessary protection when other options are not available. However, it should not be viewed as a long-term solution. This is because plywood breaks down over time, even after a single hurricane season.
Essential Tips and Ways to Ensure Maximum Window Security During a Storm
To maximize window security during a storm, it’s crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your protection throughout the year. This ensures optimal performance and readiness when a hurricane approaches. Clearing outdoor areas of potential projectiles before the storm arrives can prevent additional damage to your windows and home.
See our guide to learn 10 ways to protect your home against hurricanes.
Consulting with a professional hurricane shutter company can help assess your home’s specific protection needs. These experts can provide tailored solutions for maximum security. Early preparation is key to minimizing panic and ensuring thorough readiness, allowing you to focus on other essential tasks. Educating family members on emergency plans and window protection procedures can further enhance your home and family’s safety during a storm.
Conclusion
When it comes to protecting your windows from hurricane damage, preparation and protection is key. From storm shutters to hurricane proof windows, there are various options available to suit your family’s needs and budget. Each window protection system offers unique benefits, ensuring your home remains safe during hurricane season. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your property and provide peace of mind for your family. Have you taken the necessary steps to protect your windows, or are you leaving your home vulnerable to the next big storm?
