Hurricane Season Myths: Protect Your Home Effectively

Hurricane season can create anxiety for homeowners, especially those living in areas prone to storm activity. Misinformation can lead to inadequate preparations, putting your home and family at risk. Understanding the truth behind common myths can empower you to take the right safety measures. Let’s explore these myths and clarify what you need to ensure you're ready for severe weather.

Myth 1: “My house faces east or west, so I only need shutters on those sides.”

Many believe that only certain sides of their house require protection based on the direction it faces. However, hurricanes are rotating cyclones. Once they make landfall, they can spin and shift direction, or even maintain the same intensity for long distances, exposing all sides of your property to high winds and debris. Protection should cover every non-impact opening—not just one side or one big opening of the house.

To safeguard your entire home, install shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors on all sides. This comprehensive approach protects against flying debris and severe weather conditions, regardless of wind flow direction.

"Hurricane Irma - the path of destruction", by Sky News, is a short documentary depicting the path traveled by Hurricane Irma.

Myth 2: “I live in Central Florida for Several Years and haven’t had damage before — I’ll be fine.”

Assuming safety based on past self experiences can be misleading. Each storm has its own unique path and intensity. According to NOAA, over 60 hurricanes have been recorded in Florida since 1851, affecting homes even in previously "safe" regions. Take the paths of Mathew and Michel, both Category 5 Hurricanes, which approached land but fortunately never made direct hits. That it did not reach before, it does not mean it can't. Even indirect hits are devastating.

Consistency is key. Regularly review your home insurance policy and ensure it still covers hurricane damage. Develop a robust evacuation plan and identify safe locations to secure your property when storms approach.

Understanding the Risks

Every storm behaves differently, and predicting their paths can be difficult. Being inland may reduce storm surge risk, but it does not eliminate dangers from wind, flying debris, or embedded tornadoes. Relying on luck is not a strategy. Remember, one storm can change everything.

Myth 3: “My windows are safe because they’re inside the lanai section.”

While a lanai provides some shelter, it does not guarantee safety from hurricanes. Violent winds can still shatter windows located within these areas. For example, during Hurricane Irma in 2017, homes in sheltered areas suffered significant damage, even with non-impact glass windows, due to high winds.

Safe Choices for Windows

To improve safety, consider installing impact windows or certified shutters. Don't rely solely on your lanai or location; comprehensive protection is vital. A lanai structure may offer minimal shielding, but it is still an open area not rated to withstand hurricane-force winds. Wind can easily tear through screens or lift parts of the structure, exposing your glass to debris and high pressures depending on wind rotation and direction at that moment.

Myth 4: “The homes beside mine will block the wind.”

Neighboring homes don’t act as shields. In fact, wind can funnel through smaller spaces, creating turbulence that increases pressure on your home. If anything, it can worsen damage in narrow spaces rather than stopping wind. Assuming nearby homes provide adequate protection is of high risk. Wind flow can and will change direction or intensity dramatically during storms as it advances.

Protecting Entry Points

Ensure every entry point is protected. Use proper window and door coverings to minimize vulnerability to strong winds that could bypass nearby obstructions.

Myth 5: “I’ll just protect the glass and leave the doors uncovered.”

Unsecured doors are just as vulnerable as windows during hurricanes. High winds can force doors inward or damage them with flying debris.

Door Vulnerability

Entry doors—especially double doors, French doors, or older units—are highly at risk. A failed entry can cause catastrophic internal pressure, leading to roof failure or structural damage. Every opening must be secured—windows and doors alike, no matter the size or type of open/egress system.

Invest in strong storm doors or hurricane door braces to safeguard your entryways. Your doors require the same level of attention as your windows when preparing for hurricanes.

Myth 6: “My door opens outward, so I don’t need protection.”

While outward-opening doors are structurally stronger, they are not impact-rated unless specifically tested and approved. Windborne debris can still crack, breach, or warp them, compromising your home’s envelope.

Added Protection Is Essential

The type of door you have does not eliminate the need for protection. Outward-opening doors can actually be more susceptible to damage from strong winds.

Always invest in protective measures, such as hurricane-rated doors or additional supports, to secure every entry point effectively. Wind safety experts recommend reinforcing all non-impact doors with braces, regardless of the door's opening style.

Myth 7: “Shutters look awkward.”

While concerns about appearance are understandable due to scams, unexperienced companies, and disguised experts, the safety of your family should always come first and checking for pros is the first step to have into account. Additionally, you should always work with the pros to get the best aesthetic and installation results. Don't let you get convinced for external bias or bad third party experiences people had in the past for a non-professional company or non-experienced installers.

Modern Solutions for Shutter Design

Modern hurricane shutters are designed with both function and aesthetics in mind. Retractable shutters can be color-matched to blend with your home’s trim and architectural features. They often become nearly invisible when not in use. Modern accordion shutters may be noticeable until you approach. Roll-down shutters, on the other hand, provide a sleek, minimalist profile when retracted.

Hurricane Accordion Shutters Installed by Experienced Professionals (HPS & Blinds, 2019). Color Ivory, matching house accent and maintaining aesthetic and overall view of the community. Second floor units are deployed from the house interior, avoiding long ladders and keeping safety at all times, and avoiding sharp heavy panels and last resort plywood setups. A solution for life.

What many don’t realize is that accordion and roll-down shutters can outperform impact windows. These systems are engineered to withstand winds up to 150 mph. Not only are they protective, but they are often the most cost-effective and resilient option, especially for homes with multiple openings.

Bottom line: Don’t let aesthetics jeopardize your safety. Today’s shutter systems are built to both blend in and last through severe weather.

Enhancing Exterior Appeal

Explore ways to enhance your home’s exterior while keeping it storm-safe. Professional installation can ensure that your protective measures complement your home’s appearance.

Myth 8: “I’ll just choose one product for the whole house.”

Homeowner Saving Money, Time, and Procuring Safety, Installing Hurricane Accordion Shutters on the second floor and Corrugated Panels on the First Floor.

Choosing a single type of hurricane protection might seem easier, but it is not always the most cost-effective approach. Combining systems can save you hundreds of dollars while improving overall safety and ease of deployment. Overall, if you don't have the economy for a full automated roller shutter house or a fast and effortless accordion shutter full setup.

Smart Strategies for Hurricane Protection

Think Smart — Mix Strategically:

• Use panels on small windows or rarely used areas that are easy to carry and install.

• Consider accordion shutters for wide openings, long patios, and two-story houses or higher.

• Deploy electric roll-down shutters for hard-to-reach areas from the exterior, such as two-story picture windows lacking an opening system, unreachable from the interior of the property.

  
  

By combining different protection systems, you can safeguard your entire home while optimizing your budget. This ensures safety without unnecessary expenses.

Myth 9: “My windows are rated for hurricane category winds, I don't need protection”

While these windows can handle certain debris level and high wind pressures, they are not impact resistant. Impact resistant windows are windows capable of staying in one piece even if cracked, while non-layered windows will shatter if they are not layered with polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a resin commonly used as an interlayer in laminated safety glass, including impact windows. It provides several key functions: adhesion to glass, penetration resistance, and impact resistance, used for applications requiring shatterproof and safety features. Take Action to Protect Your Home Now

Hurricanes are a reality for all of us, but they don’t have to lead to a bigger disaster. By confronting these common myths and preparing effectively, you can safeguard your property and loved ones.

Remember to secure all aspects of your home, choose appropriate protective measures, and never underestimate the potential impact of storms based on past experiences and misleading information, awaiting good luck is not an option. Staying informed and well-prepared can significantly lower your risks during hurricane season. Check for DBPR products approval for securing product effectiveness against hurricane winds and checking for impact resistance before any purchase. Prioritize safety over bias, stay vigilant, work only with the pros, and keep your home secure!