Should You Tape Your Windows During A Hurricane
Hurricane season is here, and coastal residents are bracing for potential impact. A common question resurfaces: Should you tape your windows to protect them from shattering during a hurricane?
The practice of taping windows as a hurricane preparedness measure has been widely debunked by experts. While seemingly intuitive, taping windows offers little to no protection against flying debris and can create larger, more dangerous shards of glass if the window does break.
The Myth of Window Taping
For years, people believed that taping windows with masking tape, duct tape, or even packing tape would prevent shattering or at least hold the glass together during a storm.
This belief was fueled by anecdotal evidence and a general desire to do something to protect one's home.
However, scientific testing and real-world observations have consistently shown that taping windows is largely ineffective.
Why Taping Doesn't Work
The primary reason taping fails is that the force of hurricane-force winds and flying debris is simply too great for the tape to withstand.
According to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), taped windows are not significantly more resistant to breakage than untaped windows.
When a window breaks, the tape may hold some of the shards together, but the resulting pieces are often larger and heavier, posing a greater risk of injury.
The Danger of Larger Shards
Instead of creating small, relatively harmless fragments, taped windows can produce large, jagged pieces of glass.
These larger shards can travel further and cause more severe injuries than the smaller fragments that would result from an untaped window breaking.
The National Weather Service (NWS) explicitly advises against taping windows, citing this increased risk of larger, more dangerous shards.
Effective Alternatives for Window Protection
Fortunately, there are several proven methods for protecting windows during a hurricane.
These alternatives offer significantly better protection than taping and are worth the investment for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas.
Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters are considered the gold standard for window protection.
These shutters are designed to withstand high winds and impact from flying debris, preventing windows from breaking in the first place.
There are several types of hurricane shutters, including accordion shutters, roll-down shutters, and removable storm panels.
Storm Panels
Storm panels are a more affordable alternative to hurricane shutters.
Made of steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate, storm panels are attached to the window frame using screws or clips.
While they require some installation effort, storm panels provide excellent protection against wind and debris.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact-resistant windows, also known as hurricane windows, are designed to withstand the force of hurricane-force winds and flying debris.
These windows are made with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or SentryGlas® interlayer sandwiched between two layers of glass.
Even if the glass breaks, the interlayer holds the shards together, preventing them from entering the home.
Plywood
In a pinch, plywood can provide some protection for windows.
Cut the plywood to fit snugly over the window and secure it with screws or nails.
While not as effective as hurricane shutters or storm panels, plywood is a better option than taping.
Expert Recommendations
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) do not recommend taping windows as a hurricane preparedness measure.
Instead, they advise homeowners to invest in hurricane shutters, storm panels, or impact-resistant windows.
These measures provide significantly better protection and can help prevent serious injury and property damage.
According to Bryan Koon, former director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, "Taping windows is a waste of time and resources. It gives people a false sense of security and doesn't actually protect them from the storm."
Preparing for the Next Hurricane
With hurricane season underway, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your home and family.
Assess your window protection options and invest in hurricane shutters, storm panels, or impact-resistant windows.
Consult with a qualified contractor to ensure proper installation and compliance with local building codes.
Remember, taping windows is not an effective hurricane preparedness measure and can actually increase the risk of injury. Focus on proven methods for protecting your home and staying safe during the storm.
