Hurricane season is here, and it’s time to think about how you’re protecting your property. If you’ve had regular windows and glass in your home in the past, you may want to rethink your approach during this season. There are better, impact-resistant options that can keep your property safe from damage and debris.
One of the most important things to do is to make sure windows and doors stay shut during major storms. If glass breaks, water, animals and debris can enter the home, making clean-up a difficult endeavor. The good news is that there are simple changes to your home that can make it stronger the face of major storms, so there is a lower likelihood of damage upon your return.
Protecting your windows during hurricane season
In windows, transparent plastic sheets or glass glazing allow light to enter a building but also can become susceptible to damage in heavy winds or storms. To prevent damage during a hurricane or heavy storm, it’s vital to protect these glass or plastic windows. Shutters and storm doors protect the vulnerable glass of windows, preventing water and debris from entering a home. It’s also important to consider the pressure rating of the window, so that you know it stands up to heavy winds.
Damage to glazing systems is preventable. Even when it’s impossible to completely prevent damage, it’s still likely that the damage can be minimized. By using systems designed to withstand high wind and windborne debris, you can better protect your home, business and investments.
One thing to consider is an impact-resistant system. Laminated glass and polycarbonate glazing systems resist impact and damage better than glass on its own. Another option is to use a physical barrier system like shutters, screens and wooden panels. There is a general preference for systems that do not need to be implemented in the wake of a storm. Shutters, screens and panels require assembly, whereas lamination is already part of the window or structure itself.
Damage to the glass isn’t the only thing to consider. The surrounding molding could also fail, allowing water to enter the home. Leakage around the frames is a serious concern for home and business owners, but there are changes you can make to resolve those problems. Adding flashing under window sills, weather stripping and other seals can help keep the door and window frames secure and prevent water from entering your property.