Miami is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. However, the constant threat of a hurricane is a reality for anyone living in the Miami area. Just one storm can cause massive damage to homes and businesses in only the blink of an eye. Finding ways to stay proactive against severe weather is essential to limiting losses while also keeping you and your family safe.
Installing impact windows for your home or business is one of the most effective ways to maximize safety due to their innovative design. These windows come specially tested to withstand the impact of flying debris in the middle of a hurricane. Unfortunately, not everyone has impact windows to offer additional protection against mother nature. Following a few basic safety methods is essential if you do not have professionally installed storm windows in Miami.
Here are four ways you can protect your home from hurricanes if you do not have impact-rated storm windows.
Learn More About Hurricane Safety
- Does Your Home Have Strong Hurricane Protection? Take Our Quiz!
- Here's the Damage a Florida Hurricane Can Do to a Home - By Category
- 5 Hurricane Safety Tips For Your Home in 15 Minutes
- How Hurricane Glass Protects Your Home Compared to Regular Windows
5 Methods for Home Hurricane Safety
#1) Use Tape on Glass Windows and Doors
One way you can limit tiny glass shards from flying into your home is to use tape on your glass windows and doors. You will often see a sizable x-shaped piece of tape on each window in homes preparing for a hurricane. Unfortunately, taping each window does not provide additional strength against the massive force of a storm.
While taping windows prevents tiny glass shards from entering your home, it can also create an even more dangerous risk by causing large shards of flying glass to enter your house. Investing in impact windows or even installing shutters is more effective than using tape on windows.
#2) Install Plywood Over Glass
Many people choose to use plywood to protect their windows from the devastating impact of a hurricane. Unfortunately, plywood isn't strong enough to withstand the force of an intense storm. High winds can force the plywood to fly off of your home and become a lethal projectile.
Covering each window with plywood is also a time-consuming project while preparing for a hurricane. Choosing to invest in impact windows is a much safer option, and it only requires a one-time installation from experienced professionals.
#3) Install Metal Shutters
Choosing to install metal shutters is your first line of defense against a hurricane. However, it is essential to keep them clean and well-maintained for the best results. Getting them inspected on an annual basis is critical to staying proactive and maximizing safety.
Metal shutters can be difficult to install or remove, but it is essential to avoid leaving these items up throughout the year due to fire safety concerns. You should only place metal shutters on your home whenever there is a potential threat of a hurricane.
#4) Install Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are another option if you are looking to protect your windows from a hurricane. Accordion shutters can roll left, right, or open from the center. One of the main drawbacks of accordion shutters is that they can break down over time due to their mechanical nature.
The bulky appearance of accordion shutters may also not match the style of some homes. Ultimately, accordion shutters offer more protection than tape or plywood boards but do not provide the same protection of impact windows.
Contact Alco Windows and Doors to Learn More About Storm Windows in Miami
Understanding how to protect your home or business against a hurricane is critical for anyone living in the Miami area. Following these tips to prepare your home for a storm is a time-consuming process that requires a lot of work.
These methods also do not always provide adequate protection against an intense hurricane. Choosing to install impact-rated storm windows throughout your home is one of the most effective ways to limit a hurricane’s damage.
Alco Windows and Doors has many years of experience installing storm windows in Miami for many clients. Impact windows also offer additional benefits, such as reducing outside noise, improving energy efficiency, and giving you extra protection from criminals trying to break-in to your home.
You can also choose from a variety of financing options for purchasing storm windows in Miami. You can learn more about these windows by checking out our guides on impact windows and hurricane safety for FL residents.
Now is the perfect time to contact Alco Windows and Doors to learn more about investing in storm windows!
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