Prepare Now to Protect Windows from Future Hurricanes

If you live in a coastal state, you know what happens when a hurricane warning is issued. People rush to grocery stores for food and home improvement stores for plywood. Plan ahead to beat the rush. First, store enough non-perishable food, water and supplies for two weeks. Then prepare your window and glass protection.

Avoid the rush to nail plywood to window frames by installing special storm panel frames that will be ready to hold the plywood in place. Pre-measure and cut 5/8-inch plywood to fit the frames before a hurricane is on the way. When the hurricane watch is issued, all you’ll have to do is slip the plywood panels into the frames.

How to Prepare Secured Plywood Panels

Storm panels and frames may not be able to be installed for some window openings. If storm panel frames are not possible, prepare to secure plywood directly to the window frames. This saves time when a hurricane watch is issued.

• Cut the plywood to fit at least six inches around the window frame.
• Make sure there are at least two inches from the edge of the window pane to the outer edge of the exterior wall to prevent damaging the window when the plywood is installed.
• Special clips that fasten to the window frame or brick veneer can be used to secure the plywood to the exterior wall.
• When a hurricane watch is issued, secure the plywood using clips or by drilling screws 18 inches apart around the plywood perimeter.

Other Window Protection Options

The main reason to secure the windows is to protect them from wind-blown projectiles and water. High wind still could damage the glass, but the worst of the water will be kept out of the house. So make sure the windows are sealed, caulked and/or weather stripped too. Replace gravel landscaping material with shredded bark or other soft material. Cut weak and dead branches to at least five feet away from the house. Put lawn furniture and ornaments inside when there is a hurricane watch.

If you know you won’t have much time to protect your home when a hurricane watch is issued, you may need to spend some more money. Storm windows, screens, and other protective devices are more expensive than plywood, but they can save valuable preparation time when a hurricane watch or warning has been issued.

• Install accordion shutters or roll-down shutters of plywood, aluminum, Plexiglas or steel.
• Large, open entrances to patios and sunrooms can be sealed off with roll-down screens or aluminum slats.
• Replace windows with storm windows that can withstand hurricane-force winds. These windows are made from two panes of glass melded together by a sheet of tinted laminate. Laminated glass doesn’t shatter into shards, it breaks into little pieces held in place by the PVB layer, similar to a windshield.

Storm Window Options

Glass Doctor now carries StormArmor™ Windows from MI Windows and Doors, which meet the strict Miami-Dade County, Fla. building standards.  StormArmor™ windows have a 10-year warranty on most parts, frame material and insulated glass panels. These windows also frustrate burglars and reduce outside noise. StormArmor™ windows can be ordered with Low-E glass that qualifies for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost up to $1,500. Plus the outer layer of glass can be NEAT glass that uses the sun’s UV rays to loosen dirt so they can be cleaned with just a spray of water. Now you can protect the environment and your home too. To find a Glass Doctor near you visit http://www.glassdoctor.com.

About the Author

About Glass Doctor®:
Glass Doctor is the largest chain of full-service glass franchises in the nation. From windows to windshields to storefronts, Glass Doctor can handle any glass need. Glass Doctor also offers custom glass services, such as tub and shower enclosures, entry door glass and mirrors. Established in 1962 with one shop in Seattle, Wash., today Glass Doctor offers complete glass repair, replacement and services to the residential, automotive, and commercial markets at more than 375 locations in the United States. Glass Doctor began franchising in 1977 and joined The Dwyer Group, Inc., an international franchisor of service industry companies, in 1998. Now there are more than 170 Glass Doctor franchise owners across the United States and Canada. For further information or to find the location nearest you, visit www.glassdoctor.com.

SoftFit Wrist Brace – Perforated Suede Finish …

Activa Soft Fit Graduated Therapy Knee Highs 20-30 mmHg Designed to prevent venous disorders of the leg such as varicose veins, spider veins and ankle/foot swelling. Provides moderate graduated compression to increase circulation in the legs. Knitted with Microfibers, this medical hosiery has a cotton-like softness that wicks moisture away. Elegant in its sheen and softness, it is a support hose with the feel and look of tights. Relieves leg fatigue an…

FLA Hospital Grade Thumb Spica …

Activa Soft Fit Graduated Therapy Lace Top Thigh Highs 20-30 mmHg Activa Soft Fit Graduated Therapy Lace Top Firm 20-30 mmHg Thigh Highs. Designed to prevent venous disorders of the leg such as varicose veins, spider veins and ankle/foot swelling. Provides moderate graduated compression to increase circulation in the legs. Knitted with Microfibers, this medical hosiery has a cotton-like softness that wicks moisture away. Elegant in its sheen and softness, it is …

Soft Point Performance/Shock Absorption Sport Insoles: For Hiking, Running, Skiing, Work Boots & more! …

Soft Point Viscolas Heel Pad Size D – Fits mens shoe size 11-13 $19.99 FLA Orthopedics Soft Point Viscolas Heel Pads are low profile pads and are ideal for most shoe types. It is extremely easy and comfortable to wear. It has natural tacky surface to keep heel pad in place, covered with super-soft, ultra-absorbent, abrasion-resistant suede fabric to keep the foot dry and comfortable….

USB Quick Grip Flash Drive Holder – Licorice Brown Design $8.95 Keep your GPS, hard drive, or camera safe and secure with style. The QUICK GRIP is the perfect case to protect your electronic device. Equipped with a designer carabiner, the case can easily clip on to a bag or backpack for the new generation on the go.A cozy design will protect your electronic device from bumps and bangs…

Opteka SB-1 Mini Universal Studio Soft Box Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Sigma, & Other External Flash Units $9.95 A dramatic, eye catching photo can mean dramatic profits. Getting a well exposed photo is extremely important. Photographers often turn to a flash to help light the scene. The problem is that flash can cause harsh reflections or glare spots or create deep shadows that distract viewers. This little, portable universal external flash diffuser will prevent those problems when using a flash. Simply pu…

Canon Speedlite 270EX Flash for Canon Digital SLR Cameras $240.00 Perfect for expanding your creative options on compact cameras and entry-level EOS DSLRs, Canon’s new Speedlite 270EX adds power and flexibility for enhanced flash photography anywhere. Light, compact and small enough to fit in your pocket, Speedlite 270EX features 2-step coverage for 28mm and 50mm focal lengths, plus a highly useful bounce-flash function for amazingly easy, polished results. Powe…

Opteka Soft Pop-Up SLR Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, & Pentax On-Camera Flashes with White, Blue (Cooling), & Orange (Warming) Screens $39.00 Diffuse your pop up flash and prevent red eye with the handy Opteka pop-up flash diffuser. Quick and convenient to put on & take off. This is the answer to most on camera flash problems. Light loss is about 2/3 of a stop. Fits most Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Kodak, Pentax & Fuji Camera’s with Pop-Up Flashes. Includes White, Blue (Cooling), & Orange (Warming) Screens….