There are many good ways to protect your windows from storms like hurricanes and tornadoes.  However, the disadvantages to these systems often deter homeowners from making any preparations at all.  These are:

• Most are expensive
• They require extensive preparation (ordering and professional installation) that can take months
• They involve bulky panels for storage
• While installed, light coming from outside is limited/completely blocked
• Mounting hardware can be permanent AND unsightly
• Mounting hardware compromises the watertight integrity of your home’s exterior
• Some mounting hardware can become misplaced
• Self-installation is laborious or very time-consuming

Well, ready or not, the storms keep coming, so it’s best to do some research for your home, “bite the bullet”, and protect those expensive windows!  After all, if you do nothing and one or more windows are broken in a storm, first you have the water damage in walls and furniture.  Then, fighting with insurance only gets you so far–maybe not even enough money to restore what you have.  We’ve compiled a list of protection systems that are recommended by experts.  If you want to go the traditional route, here are the best options, and their installation often positively affects your home insurance premium:

1. Roll-down shutters: these are most often professionally measured and installed, but once they are installed, are simple to roll down and even lock as added theft protection in the aftermath of a major hurricane.  In addition, they can be used for heat protection by blocking sunlight during the hottest months of the year. 
2. Colonial Shutters: These shutters look like traditional shutters because they hang on the vertical sides of the windows and fold in to protect the windows, with some type of locking system to keep them folded.  These can be made from wood, aluminum or plastic. 
3. Bermuda Shutters:  Bermuda shutters are hinged at the top of the window, where they may be opened or completely shut to cover the window.  They also may be made of wood, aluminum or plastic, and also serve the dual purpose of being a sun shade on the building’s sunny side. 
4. Fabric Storm Panels are made of UV-resistant, strong fabric similar to trampoline fabric (it’s not stretchy though).  Permanent mounting hardware in the form of threaded bolts are drilled and inserted into the window frames, and the panels can be (fairly easily) installed during storm preparation.  This system is one of the most DIY friendly, because homeowners can buy, measure, cut and install the panels, and storing them is easy because they can be rolled up and take up very little space.  However, they are not rated for hurricane protection in some of the most hurricane-prone areas of the country, such as Miami/Dade County.  
5. Polypropylene or Polycarbonate Panels are lightweight and translucent, allowing light to come through if you choose to stay at home during a storm.  They require mounting hardware, but the average DIY homeowner should be able to install the hardware and panels with a minimum of tools.   StormStopper.com is a complete system, and Justpolycarbonate.com has several different types of panel and several types of installation hardware: studs, mounting clips or U-channels. Here is a video on installing with studs or mounting clips. 
6. Accordion style shutters are permanently mounted on the long side of windows or doors, and are manually extended and locked into place when needed.  They offer good protection for larger openings. 

Of course, there is still plywood, which despite having the innovation of plylox clips, is very heavy to move and bulky to store.  Another option is impact-resistant window films, such as BDF impact-resistant films.  Although these do not have the strength of other systems; they will keep the pieces of glass from shattering all over the floor and minimize water intrusion, but do not stop flying debris from breaking a window.

Considering all of this information: 

• The fastest, minimal system to install (if you had nothing and see a storm coming in a few days) might be impact-resistant window film, as it only requires cleaning the window and installing the film.  
• The fastest, maximal system to install (if you had nothing and see a storm coming in a few days) is the traditional route of installing plywood with plylox-type clips.  It is quite labor-intensive, however, because ½” plywood sheets are heavy.  These HurriClips require at least a 2.5 inch inset to grip properly; they work on wood, block, and stucco insets, and 4 clips are required per opening or piece of wood.  They may also damage the exterior as they slide in and out of the opening. 
• If you plan ahead of time, for wind protection and the option to keep out sun and intruders, Colonial and Bermuda Shutters are a great permanent option.  
• A lightweight, fast, temporary panel system is StormStoppers, which uses 3M Dual Lock strips to adhere the panels to the window frames.  The 3M hardware is the least damaging of any hardware to the fascia of your home, and can be hidden by their product CAPS (cover and protect strips) for a professional, clean look.  The StormStopper panels are 10 mil (⅜”) polypropylene, which has been missile tested (survived a 2x4 impact, unlike plywood), and also survived a 143mph “wall of wind” test to simulate hurricane conditions.  They are a cloudy white, which obscures your interior to deter theft, but also lets light in if you are staying at home during a storm.. 
• For a temporary option that also allows sunlight to filter in, polycarbonate panels offer clear, bronze or translucent views with UV protection, and they are lightweight for storing.  The 16mm thickness is approved even in hurricane-prone areas such as Miami/Dade County, but must be properly installed according to local codes in order to be recognized by your insurance company.   Eplast.com had the best price on this product but Duralightplastics.com had more options available. Polycarbonate is not as flexible as polypropylene, however, so in our opinion the previous StormStopper panels are a better choice. 

Since hurricanes happen every year in the southeast of the US and seem to be increasing in intensity, it makes sense to plan ahead and protect the expensive investment of your windows and home.  Do your own research and move ahead with the window protection that fits your home’s style, budget, and your own ability to activate (install) the systems.  It’s just like putting on a raincoat or coveralls when you know things are going to get messy! 

Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash