I'm new to Houston and have never had to worry about hurricanes - now there's a remote possibility we've got one headed this way. Odds are that it will make land southwest of here but I guess I need to 'prepare' for the inevitable bad weather.

The problem is that I recently had vinyl siding and double-pane, vinyl framed windows installed. So, how can I install window coverings without destroying my siding/window frames? Also, I know that damage is often done due to pressure differentials; how many windows need to be left open? How far (open)? How do you protect those windows and still allow pressure equalization - should you stand off the plywood from the open windows and by how much?

Obviously some holes are going to be required, how do I handle those after the coverings come down?

Thanks,
Paul

 

are your windows hurricane rated ?

they could be check with who you bought them from

urban myth

http://www.snopes.com/science/hurricane.asp

no windows should be left open , all should be protected the wind comes from all directions and is a window is open (or broken ) thats when the problems start

what is the construction under the vinyl ?

 

If you are worried about the windows, you are obviously thinking about projectiles, that will also do a real job on vinyl. We have no hurricanes, but even good wind storms (not tornadoes) make a mess and send everyone outside after to collect siding and look to see if they can find some other that matches for repairs.

Do NOT (NEVER!!!!) leave any windows open and worry more about your roof and garage door with high winds.

For windows, they should be hurricane resistant, so you do not have any place for the wind to get in. - Otherwise shutters if you are concerned).

What happens with any openings or a typical roof, the wind gets inside by peeling shingles and removes the roof, which eliminates the support for the wood stick walls and then everything goes. The winds actually come in all directions since there usually is a back side of a hurricane if it is reasonably close.

If you are really concerned build a "safe cell", either inside as a large closet or detatched (above or below ground). See FEMA bullitin 320 at the FEMA site (fema.org or fema.gov - I think).

Dick

 

Thanks, that's good information and solves one problem.




Wood Frame on a slab.

 

True. It's less likely to make a major mess inside than a busted window however.




Thanks; I got that from the earlier post.




I'm not concerned with wind but I am concerned with impact. If something pokes a hole in the siding, you've got a hole - probably plugged with whatever made the hole. If something pokes a hole in a window, you've got a window sized gap for wind and rain to enter.





Nope, not my concern. I a hurrincane heads this way, I'll get the hell out of Dodge in my motorhome both to protect me and the motorhome. Besides, it's a great excuse for a road trip <g>.

 

prsmith -

You might also want to check with the local insurance agents. There is a program existing where there are tremendous rates discounts (40-75%) if your home meets the requirements.

This is common in Florida and getting more so along the gulf. The new rates have jumped to an unbeleivable amount (if you can get insurance). On a new house, the extra cost will be recovered in a couple of years and a little longer for a used home. There are also some guarantees about rates and renewals. This has noting to do with building codes, but is voluntary for those that want to be protected from and insurance cost standpoint. This program is for both wind pressure AND projectiles. The criteria is a 2x4 projectile in a 100-150 mph wind.

The requirements are slightly different depending on the location relative to the coast and elevation. The discounts are bigger in the more risky areas. Houston is not a critical place because of the location inland, but hurricane Rita gave my self and a lot of others a lot of work verifying damage, although the Katrina flooding got more press because of the flooding and the separate storm surge.

There are many homes being built north of you in northern Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas with safe cells because of the tornadoes, which are much more destructive than a puny hurricane if you are in the path. Your hurricanes usually are not to strong by the time they get to Houston, but both Rita and Katrina spawned a lot of destructive tornados ahead of them. I spent about a week near Jackson, MS (100+ miles inland and north of Biloxi/Gulfport) looking at the tornadoes that hit mainly before Katrina.

About 5 miles north of me (Minnesota), we had several deaths from tornado that sucked people out of the basement after the stick home disapeared. One boy was drowned and a girl is till in a hospital (serious condition) after months. A safe cell would probably have prevented the the deaths.

Dick

 

Thanks, I'll check with my home insurance agent.

I agree and that's precisely why I choose to leave the area. If the house gets trashed, there's not much I can do about it and I like my creature comforts. Two or three days in Houston in a leaky house without lights or air conditioning (or TV <g>) is not my idea of fun.

I'm just looking for a way to put some 3/4" plywood over those vinyl-framed windows without doing more damage than the hurricane might and to deal with the resultant holes after the fact.

Paul