🚫 Hurricane Prep Myth: Why You Should NEVER Tape Your Windows
You've likely seen it – windows crisscrossed with duct tape, a seemingly common ritual during hurricane season here in Florida and all along the coasts. Maybe your neighbors doing it. Maybe your grandma swears by it. But let's be clear: taping your windows for a hurricane is not only ineffective, it can actually increase the danger.
Let's debunk this dangerous hurricane prep myth once and for all.
Hurricane Window Tape Myth vs. Reality: It Doesn't Prevent Shattering
❌ Myth: Tape will stop hurricane windows from breaking. ✅ Reality: Tape does absolutely nothing to prevent your window glass from shattering under the immense pressure and impact of hurricane-force winds and flying debris.
🧨 Taping Can Make Broken Glass More Dangerous
When a taped window breaks, it doesn't magically hold together in neat pieces. What usually happens is the tape actually causes the glass to break into larger, heavier, and significantly sharper shards. These larger pieces are heavier and retain more energy, making them far more dangerous as flying projectiles – and increasing your risk of serious injury during a hurricane. Shards taped together can act like jagged blades, propelled by the very winds you're trying to protect against. It’s the exact opposite of the safety you desire during high winds.
🌬️ How Tape Hinders Natural Window Flex and Increases Breakage Risk
Your windows aren’t completely rigid. In fact, glass is designed to flex slightly under pressure – it helps absorb some of the hurricane wind force. This is why if you ride it out, you’ll see your windows flex. (Stay Away from them) Applying tape to a window can interfere with that natural flexing. This rigidity increases the stress on the glass during high wind conditions, potentially leading to cracks or complete window failure, even if it wasn't directly struck by debris.
😬 The Danger of False Security: Why Taping Windows Leads to Inadequate Hurricane Prep
People often tape up their windows thinking it’s “better than nothing” for hurricane protection. But here's the critical problem: taping windows doesn’t protect against flying debris, strong wind pressure, or water intrusion.
It just creates a false sense of security. And when you think you’re protected, you’re less likely to take the right steps for hurricane preparedness, potentially putting your home and family at greater risk.
🛠️ Effective Hurricane Window Protection: Alternatives to Taping
Disclosure: Cat5Prep.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
If a storm is approaching Florida, or along the coast, protect your windows the right way:
🪟 Install hurricane shutters: These permanent or removable barriers offer robust protection against wind and debris.
🪵 Use 5/8” plywood: Securely fasten plywood coverings to your window frames for reliable impact resistance.
🏠 Move furniture away from windows: This simple step can minimize damage inside your home if glass does break.
🚪 Close all interior doors: This helps to compartmentalize your home and reduce internal wind pressure during a hurricane.
💨 Relieve internal pressure: Seal up gaps around doors and windows to prevent wind from entering and increasing internal pressure.
🛡️ Consider impact-resistant windows: If you live in a high-risk hurricane zone like coastal Florida, these specialized windows offer built-in protection.
🚫 Taping Windows = Hurricane Prep Myth
Taping windows is an outdated and dangerous idea that just won’t die. But science, safety professionals, and emergency management agencies all agree:
Skip the tape. Save the glass (and yourself from more dangerous shards). Protect your home the right way during a hurricane.
✅ 5 Real Ways to Protect Your Windows During a Hurricane
Install hurricane shutters
This will help with plywood!
Upgrade to impact-resistant windows ($$$ Worth It!)
Close all interior doors during a storm
Don't fall for this hurricane prep myth. Share this article to help your neighbors in Florida and beyond understand the ineffective and harmful nature of taping windows. Learn more about effective hurricane window protection methods today!
