One way to protect a home from damage in wind storms is to install
impact-resistant shutters over all large windows and glass doors. Not
only do they protect doors and windows from wind-borne objects, but they can
reduce damage caused by sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken.
Laminated window systems (plastic bonded to glass) are another option,
and are a particularly good choice for either building a new home or adding
to an old one.
The
easiest designs are those that simply cover the opening with a structural panel
such as plywood. In past hurricanes, many homeowners upon returning
have noticed their temporary plywood shutters blown off because they were not
adequately fastened. If you have a wood-frame house, use adequate fasteners
to attach the panels over the openings when a hurricane approaches. Have these
temporary shutters stored and ready to use since building supply stores generally
sell out of these materials quickly during a hurricane warning. If your home
is made with concrete blocks, however, you will have to install anchoring devices
well in advance.
The
American Plywood Association (APA) - The Engineered Wood Association
offers a series of Hurricane Shutter Designs. Each design is available for $1,
or you can download all five designs from the APA's Web
site at no cost.
Manufactured
Shutters
If
your residence has permanent shutters, evaluate their effectiveness. Manufacturers
are responsible for testing their shutters up to the standards necessary to
resist wind forces and wind-borne debris. Some shutters are very flexible, especially
those that roll up.
If
struck by a rigid piece of debris, shutters may bend and break the window. To
determine whether your shutter can resist this impact, gently lean against it
and see if it yields. You can also inspect your shutters to see if they are
properly attached to the house and will not fly off during a storm by inspecting
the shutter connectors for obvious excessive wear or missing connectors. Ask
the shutter manufacturer for proper installation criteria.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Another way to protect your home from damage in windstorms is through the installation of impact-resistant windows and doors. Although these products look no different than standard windows and doors, they offer significantly more protection from wind-borne debris. In fact, these systems are capable of resisting impacts from large objects. For this reason, temporary shutters do not need to be installed before a storm strikes. In general, the frame and glazing work together to protect your home from both the elements and the significant internal pressure changes which lead to structural damage. While large wind-borne debris may crack the impact resistant glass during the course of the storm, the window is designed to retain its integrity and not break apart. Should either the frame or glass be damaged, it can be repaired at your convenience after the storm has passed.
The
above information is taken from IBHS's
instructive pamphlet, "Is Your Home Protected from Hurricane Disaster?
-A Homeowner's Guide to Retrofit."