Should I tape my windows when a hurricane threatens?
The widespread custom of placing wide duct tape on windows before the arrival of hurricane season is actually a counterproductive myth. Even though many claim it is an «effective» way to protect your property, it can actually increase the risk of serious injury.
This is one of the most common questions most people ask as hurricane season approaches. Today, at Install Glass and Windows, we’re to answer this question and give you other safety tips for your home.
Is it effective to tape windows?
The answer to this question is “NO”, as we mentioned before. In fact, it can be counterproductive to take this as a protective measure for your home. Adhesive tape does not have the effective security features to protect your windows and it could be more of an inconvenience.
At worst, some people who use it as a method of protection are under the illusion that they are safe and, as a result, they could injure themselves or others in their families.
Taping windows can cause glass to shatter into larger and more fatal shards when wind bursts into a house.
What alternatives are there to protect your home from hurricanes?
In this sense, we show you the most viable, safe and effective options to avoid damage from strong hurricane winds.
Use boards
First of all, one of the oldest and most effective alternatives to protect your home from hurricane damage is to install shutters or fixed boards in front of the windows, as well as impact-resistant glass.
Install shutters
Secondly, make sure your shutters are working appropriately and they are securely installed. If you don’t have them, try to install impact-resistant shutters.
Install hurricane resistant entry doors
Likewise, all entry doors should have three hinges and a lock with a latch that is at least one inch long to stay in place in high winds.
In the same way, if the entry door to your home is double, strengthen the inactive door with latches at the top and bottom that extend through the door header and below the floor.
Furthermore, we suggest the door frame to be securely anchored to the wall structure with anchor bolts which are at least three inches long. In addition, patio doors should be made of tempered glass.
Place protective panels on the doors
As an additional way of protection, we suggest you install panels or shutters on the doors. This action never hurts when it comes to security.
At Install Glass and Windows, we understand the importance of being fully prepared to face the hurricane season. Therefore, if you need guidance and a specialized team to prepare your home for it, do not hesitate to contact us.
We have a wide variety of services to ensure that your home looks beautiful and it is well protected for all types of weather eventualities. In addition, as experts in the construction field, we know exactly what your property requires. We will do a detailed evaluation of each area and give you our assessment regarding your property so you can feel completely confident that you are making a smart investment that will give you tranquility.
Leave absolutely everything in our hands!
