Protect Your Property from High Winds: Protect Windows and Doors
What You Can Do
Protecting your business from high winds can involve a variety of actions, from
inspecting and maintaining your buildings to installing protective devices.
Most of these actions, especially those that affect the structure of your
buildings or their utility systems, should be carried out by qualified
maintenance staff or professional contractors licensed to work in your state,
county, or city. One example of wind protection is installing shutters or other
types of covers over windows and doors.
Protect Windows and Doors
Protecting windows and doors is one of the most effective actions you can take
to reduce your risk of wind damage. High winds and windborne debris can easily
break unprotected windows and cause doors to fail. Once wind enters a building,
the likelihood of severe structural damage increases, and the contents of the
building will be exposed to the elements. The most reliable method of
protecting windows and doors is installing permanent storm shutters.
Alternatives include using temporary plywood covers, replacing existing glass
with impact-resistant glass, and covering existing glass with a protective
film.
Permanent storm shutters are usually made of aluminum or steel and are attached
to a building in such a way that they can be closed quickly before a storm
arrives. One type is the "rolldown" shutter (
see
figure in the PDF version of this page ), which is contained in a
housing mounted above the window and lowered when necessary. Manually operated
and motor-operated models are available.
Tips
Keep these points in mind when you protect windows and doors:
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If your business is in an area where you will have little warning of high
winds, permanent shutters that can be closed quickly, such as the rolldown
shutter, are better than temporary plywood covers, which must be retrieved from
storage and mounted with bolts or screws.
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If you decide to buy permanent shutters, look for models that meet the wind
load and impact standards established for your area. These standards can be
obtained from your local building official. If you have any questions about the
strength of a specific model, check with the manufacturer.
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If you buy motor-operated shutters, make sure they also can be operated
manually if the power fails.
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Permanent shutters are available in a wide range of sizes, so you can use them
to protect many types of windows and doors, even large areas of glass.
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If you are constructing a new building in an area subject to high winds, avoid
designs that include large areas of glass, windows with multiple panels, and
double entry doors. The widths of individual doors and windows should not
exceed 3 feet.
Estimated Cost
Permanent storm shutters can cost $50 to $60 per square foot of window,
including installation. So a shutter for a 3-foot-wide by 4-foot-high window
could cost about $600 to $720.
Other Sources of Information
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Against the Wind, FEMA 237 (Brochure 2-0003; Video 0-0001), 1993
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Building Performance: Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii -- Observations,
Recommendations, and Technical Guidance, FIA-23, January 29, 1993
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Building Performance: Hurricane Andrew in Florida -- Observations,
Recommendations, and Technical Guidance, FIA-22, December 21, 1992
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Best Build I, Constructing a Sound Coastal Home, FEMA and the NAHB (videotape)