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Hurricane Myths About WindowsIf you live in a hurricane prone area, you have likely heard all kinds of advice on how to best protect your home. While some of these survival methods are legitimate, many others are myths that have managed to stay alive while being passed from person to person. Given that windows are often a big part of what stands between your family and a hurricane, it is no surprise that many of these tall tales focus on windows.

We’re here to dispel some of the common hurricane myths surrounding windows and offer a proven way to protect what matters.

Myth: Only Some Windows Need Protection

Particularly prevalent in coastal areas, the idea behind this myth is that the wind comes from the ocean and thus only ocean-facing windows need to be strong enough to withstand a storm. In reality, storms can come from any direction, any angle, and at any time. Worse yet, the wind can shift in an instant. If only a few of your windows are protected, every other part of your home is exposed.

Treat all your windows equally when it comes to hurricane and storm protection.

Myth: Open One (or All) Windows Before a Storm

Believers in this myth say that opening one or all of the windows is a good way to equalize pressure. The idea is that the wind can run through the home equally and avoid a buildup that could cause further damage.

Thinking this action through, however, shows that opening a window during a storm is going to let rain and debris into your home. Even if it is only open a crack, that window gap is an invitation for disaster, especially in an unpredictable storm.

Myth: Tape Your Windows to Avoid Shattering

This is a myth that simply will not quit. If you have been told to tape your windows before a hurricane hits, put down the duct tape and keep reading.

The idea behind this myth is that taped windows will keep small glass shards from entering your home in a major storm. Unfortunately, tape will do nothing to keep big shards from coming through! Impact windows are the ideal way to stop the problem in its tracks, preventing the glass from shattering, let alone entering your home.

In the meantime, it is better to install and use hurricane shutters, or even nail up plywood over the windows before a storm than it is to attempt anything with tape.

Myth: You Should Push Back Against a Bowing Window

If your windows have not been adequately prepared, you may see them bending to the pressure of the wind. It’s tempting to try to push that bowing window back to keep it from shattering, but the truth is that human bodies are no match for regular glass under the intense pressure of a storm.

If you see the window bowing, get yourself to safety. Otherwise, you are simply putting your body at risk, a scary thought when you consider that window shattering into pieces (especially if you taped it and generated large pieces!).

Protecting Your Home with Impact Series Windows

You may be wondering what to do to keep your windows, your home, and your family safe if these approaches are truly just myths. Great Lakes Window has the answer! Our Impact Series windows, part of our HarborLight brand, are designed to protect your home.

Impact Series windows are made of laminated glass, which resists impact through bonding glass to a strong inner layer. Even in the midst of a hurricane, if debris strikes your window the inner layer stays intact. Water resistance, air infiltration resistance, and a strong structural load add to the protection, along with interlocking sashes.

That’s why these windows are approved by the Texas Department of Insurance and meet Florida building code requirements.

Contact a local dealer today to learn more about our Impact Series and how these windows can protect your home, and everyone and everything within it.


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