What makes a safe window?

People often tape their windows to protect them. Taping windows does not increase the strength of the glass and it will not protect your home from flying debris.

Even shatter-resistant windows can fail when the entire window frame is under enough pressure from wind and debris. Similarly, window films alone are not a complete protective measure. The best way to protect your windows is to install shutters.

How do I choose the right shutters?

Each homeowner should install shutters that best meet their individual needs. Factors such as cost, ease of installation, and degree of protection are important considerations.

Shutters provide protection from flying (wind-borne) debris impacts and/or wind pressure for windows, French doors, sliding glass doors, and other openings. No matter what type of shutter you choose, proper installation is important to ensure best performance.

Issues to Consider

If maximum protection is your goal, select products approved by the thorough Miami-Dade County standards (see product search link below). But simply installing shutters is not enough. It is important to use proper construction techniques to maintain your shutter strength and reduce the potential for missile debris. These issues include the following:

• Securing loose outdoor items including patio furniture, garbage cans/recycling bins, plant pots, etc.

• Attaching shutters to your home's structural framing, not window or door frames.

• Using corrosion-resistant materials for all exposed parts of the shutter system, including shutter panels, fasteners, etc.

Other Resources

Miami-Dade County: Permitting, Environment and Regulatory Affairs—Product Control Search: https://www.miamidade.gov/building/pc-search_app.asp

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Hurricane Research Division: Flyers. Instructions for building plywood hurricane shutters: https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/flyers/BuildingWoodenShutters.pdf

What shutter options are available?

Automatic Rolldown

Price $$$$$

These shutters roll down tracks from a box above each protected opening. They are generally made of metal and lock at the bottom.

Pros: Preinstalled, easy to use, can be motorized

Cons: Very expensive

Accordion

Price $$$

These shutters pull together from the side of each protected opening. They are generally made of metal and lock together or to a middle divider.

Pros: Preinstalled, easy to use

Cons: Somewhat expensive, architecturally less appealing

Awning

Price $$$

These shutters drop down and lock in place. They are made of metal or fiberglass and provide full window shade when not in use.

Pros: Preinstalled, easy to use

Cons: Somewhat expensive, architecturally less appealing

Bahama Awning and Colonial Shutter

Price $$$

These louvered panel shutters are either Awning (which provide partial shade when not in use) or Colonial style.

Pros: Preinstalled, easy to use, architecturally appealing

Cons: Somewhat expensive, strength varies greatly by design

Hurricane Screen

Price $$–$$$

These shutters are made from a partially porous reinforced fabric that reduces wind pressure and debris impact damage.

Pros: Fairly inexpensive, allow light through, easy to store

Cons: Debris impacts can break windows in contact with screen, best for large non-glazed openings

Storm Panel

Price $$

These shutters must be stored and installed temporarily for a storm. They are made of steel or aluminum panels that are locked into a preinstalled steel channel above/below the protected opening, or they can be anchored or bolted directly to the house.

Pros: Inexpensive, strong

Cons: Often heavy, difficult to install and store

Plywood

Price $

For more information, see the publication Protect with Plywood (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae412).