If you live in Florida, you know the kind of damage hurricanes can cause. These storms can rip off roofs, turn streets into rivers, topple power poles, and more. Even a category 1 storm (the weakest on the Saffir-Simpson Scale) can cause devastation. Any exposed opening in your home can lead to severe damage, such as water or structural damage. So protecting your home’s windows should be at the top of your list when it comes to preparing for the storm. But if you’re relying on hurricane window films to keep you safe, you are making a dangerous mistake.
Below we discuss why hurricane window films cannot protect your home vs a hurricane.
The Myth of Hurricane Window Films
Companies market hurricane window films as easy and affordable. The claim is that they protect your windows in a hurricane.
What are they?
These films are a thin layer of polyester (or similar material). They adhere to your window glass and hold the glass pieces together if it breaks.
What hurricane films can and cannot do
But here’s the truth: hurricane window films are not designed to withstand the sheer force of a hurricane. They might stop sharp glass shards from flying into your home. But they won’t stop the glass from breaking and creating an opening into your home. The films are not connected to your window itself. This means that the glass can still blow out and create an exposed opening. And that’s the real danger with broken windows in a hurricane. Exposed openings allow your home to become pressurized.
These films are more about minimizing glass from flying. They are not about preventing damage in the first place. The film holds the broken glass together, preventing shards from flying. But your windows can still break. And with broken windows your home is immediately vulnerable to catastrophic damage.
Understanding Hurricane Strength
Florida’s hurricanes are intense, destructive, and frequent. They differ based on category in the Saffir-Simpson Scale. But all have potential to cause serious damage. Here are a few recent examples:
- In 2022, Hurricane Ian caused over $112 billion in damage and was the most expensive in the state’s history. Winds reached 155 mph, which is only 2 mph shy of a category 5 hurricane.
- 2024 included three notable storms. Hurricane Debby caused $170 million in damage. Hurricane Helene caused up to $162 million. And Hurricane Milton caused a staggering $34-50 billion in damage.
If your home isn’t protected, hurricanes have potential to cause significant damage. Hurricane window films can’t withstand the pressure and impacts of these cyclones.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) gives a clear reason why. Once wind enters a home through a broken window, it creates internal pressure. That pressure can lift roofs, collapse walls, and lead to total structural failure. Hurricane window films may prevent flying shards of glass. But this thin layer of film won’t stop this chain reaction from happening.
Real-World Testing: What the Data Says
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) tests hurricane protection products. In a study, they tested windows with hurricane film. The windows failed almost immediately when debris hit them.
Compare this to hurricane-rated protection products. Hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows withstood both wind force and debris impact.
Window film is not product approved by the Florida Building Code. In other words, it does not recognize the product as an approved form of hurricane mitigation. That alone should tell you everything you need to know.
Damage “Reduction” Isn’t Enough
Some film manufacturers argue that hurricane window films “reduce” damage caused by hurricanes. This is subjective so that might be true to an extent. For example, it may reduce glass shards from blowing into your home. But it does not stop your windows from being blow out. And it does not prevent openings into your home.
And the reality is that partial protection isn’t enough.
If you are facing a category 4 or 5 hurricane, do you want to rely on something that might only help a little? A broken window is still a broken window. Once the wind gets inside, the integrity of your entire home is at risk.
Hurricane Protection Products that Actually Work
So, if hurricane window films aren’t the right option, what can you do to protect your home?
You need real protection against hurricanes. You need opening protection that can withstand the impact of intense wind and flying debris. Some of the best options include the following:
- Hurricane shutters are a solid option. They are impact resistant and create a barrier over your glass openings. Most are suitable for windows and doors. These can take the impact of flying debris and prevent your windows from breaking. Options are plentiful. They include roll-down shutters, accordion shutters, Bahama shutters, and colonial shutters. There’s something for every budget and aesthetic. At Eurex Shutters, we offer a full range of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida.
- Impact windows are windows with laminated glass and impact resistant frames. Laminated glass has 2+ layers of glass and a strong inner layer that prevents shattering. They can resist both wind pressure and flying debris impacts. Unlike hurricane films, these meet and exceed the Florida Building Code. Our company offers a range of high quality impact windows and doors in Southwest Florida.
- If you don’t have shutters or impact windows, boarding up your windows is a last resort. Using 5/8-inch plywood in solid condition can provide some level of protection. You will need to ensure you use proper anchors to fasten to your home’s structure. But plywood is not a permanent solution. On a side note it may not be an option for every homeowner. Boarding up your home every time a storm threatens is time-consuming and frustrating. Plywood is also heavy, which limits its use for many people.
As you can see, hurricane window films aren’t your only choice. Hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows are the best options for adequate protection. If these are not possible, plywood and anchors can provide some protection. But don’t rely on plastic film to prevent catastrophic damage.
The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Hurricane Opening Protection
Hurricane window films might seem like an affordable way to protect your home. As such, they are attractive to many homeowners.
But the reality is that they could end up costing you far more from the damage. A shattered window can lead to more serious damage, such as:
- Water damage
- Structural damage
- Even total home loss
The average cost of hurricane damage repair in Florida is not cheap. It ranges from $10,000 to over $50,000, depending on the severity. A single storm-damaged window can make a major difference. A broken window can allow storm-force winds to enter your home and cause major damage. An example is if your home becomes pressurized and your roof lifts off.
Compare that to the cost of hurricane shutters or impact windows. Different types of hurricane protection products vary in price. And the total price will vary on the number and size of your home’s openings. But you can add some types for much less than the cost of significant hurricane damage. In the long run, investing in real hurricane protection saves you money and gives you peace of mind. It will also help ensure your family is not displaced due to hurricane wind damage.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for the Hype
Hurricane window films are not a substitute for real storm protection products. They won’t keep your windows from breaking. In turn, they won’t stop wind from getting into your home, and they won’t prevent catastrophic damage.
So are you serious about protecting your home in Southwest Florida? If so, invest in hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. Your home and the safety of your family depend on it. Not sure what type of hurricane protection product to pick? Get in touch with us at Eurex Shutters. One of our experts can help you choose the right options for your safety and budget. We are Southwest Florida’s oldest hurricane shutter company. Trust our 38+ years of experience and 25,000+ happy customers.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
