Tornadoes are destructive and dangerous events for anything in their path. On average, the US experiences roughly 1200 tornadoes each year. While tornadoes occur more frequently and result in more fatalities compared to hurricanes, tornadoes affect smaller areas. 

Building regulations in disaster-prone areas account for high winds and projectile impact at approximately 100 mph at most. Prime components of the home that fail are weak elements such as the garage door, entry doors, and windows. Standard windows pose a definitive risk for damage. 

Because tornadoes are often sudden and unexpected, there’s no time to pull storm shutters or apply wooden planks. Installing windows capable of enduring extreme winds and high-velocity impacts is the most effective approach to tornado-proofing your home, considering the damage a broken window can lead to.

How to Protect Windows During Destructive Storms 

A house is extremely vulnerable to damage by tornado or hurricane-force winds. Windows are among the weakest parts of the house; when damage occurs, it can lead to interior destruction from wind and debris intrusion. Broken window glass is a common hazard in these events, causing severe injuries and worse. 

Fortunately, window companies strive to inform and educate homeowners in these disaster-prone areas on the best ways to plan and prepare for extreme events such as tornadoes and hurricanes. Visit Preparing for a Tornado – StormAware Tornado Safety – for tips on preparing for a tornado. Consider the following tips as part of your storm precaution plan. 

Applying plywood 

Plywood boasts of being the most effective and affordable DIY protection for windows. The cost efficiency of only a few dollars per square foot makes it a practical choice for homeowners with a limited budget. 

The downside with this method in the event of a tornado is there’s little time to apply the wood since tornadoes are unpredictable and can roll in within a matter of minutes. 

However, when alerts are broadcast or harmful storms are forecast, you can prepare. Boarding up glass in doors and applying planks over windows, you can barricade the glass to keep the window from breaking. 

Plywood should be precut for proper fit, and screw anchors put in place to make installation fast and easy. 

Hurricane film 

A thin layer of clear plastic covers the window glass to complement impact-resistant windows. This protection is most effective in hurricane-force winds. The film keeps the shards of glass together, preventing danger and potential injury from glass flying through the house interior. 

The film doesn’t stop the glass from being shattered; it merely holds the shards together to protect occupants from harm and helps simplify the cleanup following the storm. It can stay on the windows all year, so there’s no rush to apply it as a storm approaches. 

With the extreme force of tornado winds, every effort adds a degree of protection. The film attached to high-quality impact-resistant windows adds that extra layer. 

Storm shutters 

Storm shutters require a higher upfront investment, but they efficiently barricade windows to protect the glass from breaking from the high impact of tornado winds and flying debris. Many have an accordion or roll-up design that allows homeowners to permanently attach them to the home. 

In a tornado, the challenge is having the time to pull these down before the funnel hits. The panels allow light into the house, so you can benefit from the natural illumination. 

High-impact glass 

High-impact glass is an effective and efficient window solution in tornado or hurricane-prone locations. While the initial investment can be high, you can see many returns, including savings in extensive and costly repairs from storm damage. 

These windows are designed with tempered glass panes that sandwich a plastic film layer between them. These have the appearance of a standard window; however, the film and extra glass protect the home’s structural integrity ideally compared to a standard window. 

This glass can endure much more force, whereas standard windows cannot; however, they prove to be low in energy efficiency, meaning utilities might rise when installing this option. With this decision, there’s a tradeoff between incredible protection from devastating storms preventing expensive repairs and higher utility costs. 

• The blinds and curtains 

While many of the solutions for your windows will be applied to the outside to protect from wind pressure and forced impact, another simple and straightforward safety measure is to keep the windows closed – despite circulating myths that you should open them in a tornado. Click here for details on the myth that windows should be opened when destructive storms strike. 

Additionally, close the window coverings, curtains, and blinds. When glass shatters and shards fly, the curtains will block the projectiles and other debris. This prevents potential injuries to those living in the home and will contain the damage, allowing simpler cleanup. 

• The exterior doors 

When taking necessary precautions to protect your house, much of the focus is on the windows, while glass-paned doors are often overlooked. Doors are as vulnerable and can cause as much damage, especially when they consist of glass. Similar solutions used with windows can be applied to doors. 

Get impact windows installed, use window film, or apply plywood. Using plywood over the exterior is the most practical solution for all-glass sliding doors commonly leading to a deck or the garden.

• Don’t apply tape to your windows 

A common myth involves taping an “X” over the exterior of windows to help prevent breaking or shattering glass or to hold broken shards of glass together. In fact, the tape can secure the glass together, as is true with hurricane film; however, a simple “X” formation won’t effectively contain the shards to keep them from flying through the house. 

Taping notes to be more dangerous due to larger glass shards presenting as dangerous projectiles that can lead to serious injuries for homeowners. Tape should be stricken from practical or effective methods to secure windows in the event of a tornado or hurricane. 

Final Thought 

The aftermath of a tornado can be hellacious, and hurricanes leave behind tremendous destruction and devastation. In as much as you’re able to prepare, the weakest components of the home should be the focus, including windows and glass-paned doors. 

Adequate protection from storms is critical, with your safety and wellness being the priority. Shielding windows is the first step in your line of defense.