Using window film for hurricane protection is like using tanning oil as sunblock
Window film can add a layer of insulation and protection to windows and glass doors.
It is not the same as installing shutters or shatter-proof windows and doors for hurricane protection.
In the state of Florida, it is unlawful to market window film as “hurricane resistant.”
Window film has benefits but doesn’t offer 100% protection of your windows, especially when stormy weather is in the forecast. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, you’ll need more than a simple protective coating over your windows to weather the storm. Let’s look at what hurricane window film does and doesn’t do to protect your home.
Window film is a polyester film created from several layers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It’s available in peel-and-stick form for use on the interior of windows and glass doors.
Though it’s rather easy to apply, it has to be done correctly for the film to work. Be sure to read all instructions before applying window film in your home.
Some window films have been billed as “hurricane window film,” which is a rather dangerous marketing tactic. Yes, film on a window is better than nothing at all, but it will not stop your windows from breaking in the first place, especially when strong storms and winds are approaching.
In Florida, a state that’s no stranger to devastating hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s unlawful for any manufacturer to market window film as hurricane or windstorm-resistant, according to the Florida Senate. When a storm has the ability to blow the roof off of a home, a thin film will not provide much protection against property damage. Check out some alternatives below if you want to use something on your windows to protect your home.
Hurricane film for windows has several benefits, depending on the type of window film you purchase. It can and can’t do the following:
| Can | Can’t |
|---|---|
| Keep out air | Prevent all breakage |
| Block UV rays | Stop debris |
| Increase security | |
| Offer privacy | |
| Prevent shattering |
For better protection against hurricanes, contact a local hurricane shutter installer to purchase shatterproof storm windows or shutters. Of course, the aftermath of Category 5 hurricanes has proven that even the strongest protection is nothing in the face of Mother Nature—and that means window film doesn’t stand a chance. If you live in an area that sees its fair share of action during hurricane season, contact your home insurance provider to determine the best course of action to protect your home.
Keep in mind that window film is useful in certain instances. If you live in a climate with extreme heat or cold, applying it to your windows can likely help conserve energy, which saves you money.
If you live by a baseball field or a golf course, window film can prevent a mess of glass should an errant ball find your property. But it won’t stop your windows from breaking in the first place.
Even if you consider yourself an experienced DIYer, window film installation is one of those projects best left to a professional. An improper installation can lead to damage and additional costs. By choosing a window film expert, you're avoiding these risks and ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting installation. You also avoid limiting the film’s warranty for improper installation.
A few key factors when installing hurricane window film are precise measurements, proper cleaning, and expert technique when applying the film to avoid creases, bubbles, or wrinkles. Incorrect alignment, inadequate coverage, or premature film failure are all potential issues in a DIY gone wrong. Letting a professional handle it ensures proper installation, making the film last longer.
