What debris does
In a hurricane, wind picks up anything loose: roof gravel, branches, patio furniture, pieces of damaged buildings. These objects strike windows and doors with serious force.
A broken opening lets wind and water in, and the pressure inside the building can then damage the roof and walls.
Your protection options
The most common options are impact-rated windows and doors, which protect all the time, and approved shutters or panels, which protect when they are installed. Garage doors need wind- and impact-rated models.
Each option must carry an approval for the jurisdiction and be installed as approved.
What must be protected
In a wind-borne debris region, all exterior glazed openings are generally covered, including windows, glass doors, skylights and garage doors. Some exceptions exist, so check the code and your building official.
Skipping one opening leaves the whole building at risk.
Installation matters
An approved product works only if it is installed as tested: the right anchors, the right spacing, the right substrate. Check the installation instructions in the approval and ask the installer to follow them.
Flashing and sealing around the product complete the system.
