Florida is bracing itself for Hurricane Dorian, which threatens to be one of the strongest storms to hit the coastal state. With the rise of climate alter, devastating storms like this accept become more and more mutual—and homeowners have needed to become more prepared than ever. Besides getting your loved ones to safety, i of the almost important things yous'll want to do ahead of a storm is protect your home's most vulnerable points: the windows. Here's how to effectively lath upward your windows before severe weather.

What kind of protection should I utilize?

In that location are numerous options for storm window protection, and your choice may depend on your area, blazon of window, and the amount of time yous have before a storm. The most popular methods are:

AstroGuard 100 in. x 108 in. Panel of Hybrid Hurricane Fabric that Replaces Traditional Storm Shutters, Panels and Screens

AstroGuard AstroGuard 100 in. ten 108 in. Panel of Hybrid Hurricane Cloth that Replaces Traditional Storm Shutters, Panels and Screens
  • Tempest Shutters: These range from temporary plastic or aluminum panels that slide into identify across windows to roll-downwards options, like these from Storm Wise Shutters, to the traditional colonial-way wooden slatted shutters.
  • Hurricane Fabric: Durable textile sheets that snap over windows, like the AstroGuard console, left.
  • Window Film: Several companies, like 3M, brand films to cover window glass for added insulation and security. While these will protect from cracks due to small objects, they are not totally hurricane-proof and won't stop, say, a large tree from crashing through your window.
  • Plywood Boarding: One of the simplest and most effective solutions, this one is fairly piece of cake to DIY. Here's how.
Shop Shutters For Hurricane Storm Season

Panel Shutters

Astringent Weather Panel Shutters
Credit: Lowe's

Hurricane Fabric

AstroGuard Hurricane Textile
Credit: Domicile Depot

Colonial Shutter

Style Selections Colonial Shutter
Credit: Lowe'due south

Plantation Shutter

Manner Selections Plantation Shutter
Credit: Lowe'southward

How to DIY it:

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How To Board Upward Windows with Plywood | HURRICANE PREP

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  1. Measure: As with any DIY project, you'll want to start by measuring your windows. Home Depot advises adding 8 inches to the measurement to let for four inch overlap beyond the window.
  2. Cut: Cutting your boards to size. If covering particularly big windows, create boards to line upward across the window; caryatid the panels together using two x 4s.
  3. Drill: Drill anchor holes around the border of your windows.
  4. Secure: Employ a lag screw with a washer to drill the wood securely into the anchor holes.

Please annotation that boarding upwards your windows may not preclude your windows from breaking or your home from getting damaged or destroyed, especially in the face of strong hurricanes. Visit the National Hurricane Center for the latest information on hurricanes and for more data on preparing for one.

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