A hurricane is one of the most devastating natural catastrophes that can seriously harm homes and businesses. High-velocity winds and torrential rains that occur during a storm can harm windows and doors. As a result, many homeowners frequently worry if they need to board up every window in their house to safeguard it.
It is advised that you board up your windows for safety if you reside in a region that is likely to be affected by a hurricane and your home is close to the shore or in a low-lying location. During a hurricane, you should decide whether to board up every window based on the hurricane’s power, your house’s location, and the kind of windows you have.
In this article, we will look at the elements to consider when considering whether to board up your windows during a hurricane.
Factors To Consider
The decision to board up your windows during a hurricane is based on several variables, including the hurricane’s power, where your home is located, and the kind of windows you have. Let’s examine each of these elements in more detail.
- Strength Of The Hurricane
One of the key elements to consider while determining whether to board up your windows is the hurricane’s intensity. Hurricanes are divided into five categories based on their wind speed, with Category 5 being the most dangerous.
It is strongly advised that you board up your windows for safety if you reside in an area affected by a Category 3, 4, or 5 hurricane.
- Location Of Your Home
In addition to wind speed, it is also important to consider the potential for storm surge when deciding whether to board up your windows. Storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by a hurricane, and it can cause significant damage to homes located near the coast or in low-lying areas.
Even if your home is not directly in the path of the hurricane, storm surge can cause water to enter your home through doors or windows, leading to significant damage.
Therefore, if you live in an area that is prone to storm surges, it is highly recommended that you board up your windows to protect your home from water infiltration.
It is also important to note that even if you do not live in a high-risk area, it is still a good idea to be prepared and have a plan in place in case of a hurricane.
Type Of Windows
Another aspect to think about while considering whether to board up your windows during a hurricane is the sort of windows you have in your house. Because they are less likely to break during a hurricane, laminated or tempered glass windows are more resistant to wind and water damage.
However, it is strongly advised that you board up any windows made of regular glass to stop them from breaking during the storm. Impact-resistant windows are yet another option to think about. Multiple layers of glass are bonded together with a layer of plastic to create impact-resistant windows.
Because of their design, they are very difficult to break and can shield your home from flying debris during a hurricane. Impact-resistant windows are more expensive than standard windows, but they provide long-term protection and may raise your home’s worth.
It’s crucial to remember that even while impact-resistant windows are quite durable, they could still break in the most extreme situations.
Even if your windows are impact-resistant and the storm isn’t yet a high category, it’s still wise to take extra precautions like boarding up your windows or putting up hurricane shutters.
Boarding Up Windows
During a hurricane, board up your windows to give another layer of protection to your house. If you want to board up your windows, bear the following in mind:
- Materials
When boarding up your windows, it is essential to use the right materials to ensure that they are adequately protected. The most common materials used for boarding up windows include plywood, hurricane shutters, and impact-resistant windows.
Plywood is the least expensive option but may not provide the same level of protection as hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows.
- Installation
When boarding your windows, proper installation is essential. The boards must be accurately measured and trimmed to fit against the window frame. To prevent the boards from coming free during the storm, they should also be fastened with screws or nails.
Here’s how you can board up the window:
How To Board Up Windows with Plywood | Severe Weather Guide
- Timing
To guarantee that you have enough time to accomplish the operation, it is crucial to board up your windows well before the hurricane. Waiting till the last minute can be risky and could lead to injury or property damage.
Alternatives To Boarding Up Windows
While barricading your windows during a hurricane can add to your protection, it is not always necessary. Here are some substitutes to take into account:
- Hurricane Shutters
An increasingly popular substitute for boarded-up windows is hurricane shutters. They are an efficient technique to safeguard your windows during a storm because they are made to endure the ferocious gusts and downpours of a hurricane.
- Impact-Resistant Windows
Another option to board up your windows is impact-resistant windows. In order to survive the impact of flying debris during a hurricane, these windows are built of laminated glass.
Conclusion
The decision to board up your windows during a hurricane is based on several variables, including the hurricane’s power, your home’s location, and the kind of windows you have.
It is advised that you board up your windows for safety if you reside in a region likely to be affected by a hurricane and your home is close to the ocean or in a low-lying location.
But you might not need to board up your windows if they are made of laminated or tempered glass or if you have hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows. To reduce the potential of damage and preserve your safety during a storm, it is crucial to take action to safeguard your home and property.