Protecting Your Doors and Windows

Choosing a shutter style can be based on several criteria, including the building location relative to the coast and the cost and ease of operation. Ease of operation is an important factor to consider because if shutters are too hard to close, owners may not use them. If shutters cover windows on an upper floor or hard to reach location, they should be operable from the inside. Roll-down shutters are often the easiest to operate in these conditions. Temporary shutters are designed to withstand wind borne debris impacts and wind loads during a hurricane. They are commercially available in many types of materials including steel, aluminum, and clear plastic. Temporary shutters are typically corrugated panels that come in standard widths and can be joined to cover wider openings. Bolt Down One Half The exterior walls, doors, and windows are the protective shell of your home. If the shell is broken during a hurricane, high winds can enter the home and put pressure on the roof and walls, causing serious damage. For each double door, at least one of the doors should be secured at both the top of the door frame and the floor with sturdy sliding bolts. Most bolts that come with double doors, however, are not strong enough to withstand high winds. Your local hardware store can help you select the proper bolts. Some door manufacturers provide reinforcing bolt kits made specifically for their doors. The mounting hardware for temporary shutter systems should be installed well before hurricane season by trained individuals according to the manufacturers specifications. Each panel should be clearly labeled to aid in quick installation, and should also bear approved labels. Plywood Shutters the Last Resort Covering your windows and doors with plywood should only be a last-resort alternative to actual storm shutters. Plywood that is not properly attached to your house can rip off during high winds and become a projectile that can cause serious harm to your and your neighbor's property. See Emergency Board Up for detailed instructions about building plywood shutters. The Myth of Masking Tape Many people still believe they can use masking tape to protect their windows when a hurricane is on its way. This is a myth. Imagine a mail box that has been ripped from the ground, post and all, by a 120 mph wind gust. A dangerous projectile will not even slow down as it passes through masking tape. Windows are best protected with impact-resistant glass or hurricane shutters.

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