How to Protect Windows, Roofs & Outdoor Equipment From Hurricane Winds

This guide covers the practical steps to reduce wind damage to your windows, roof, and outdoor equipment before a hurricane strikes. You’ll learn what to secure, what materials to use, and how to do the work safely. Start early—ideally when a storm is still several days out—so you have time to shop for supplies and make careful installations.

What You’ll Need

Plywood (5/8-inch or thicker, exterior grade) for window covers
Deck screws or masonry anchors and a drill/driver
Impact-resistant window film or pre-cut storm shutters (optional but stronger)
Roofing cement or roof sealant
Galvanized metal straps or hurricane clips
Ratchet straps or heavy-duty rope
Anchors, stakes, or sandbags for outdoor items
Tarps and bungee cords
Work gloves, safety glasses, and a ladder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Walk your property and list what needs protection. Check every window, the roof edges, gutters, loose shingles, and anything outside that could become a projectile—patio furniture, grills, trash cans, potted plants, and garden tools. Write them down so you don’t miss anything.
Protect windows first. Measure each window and cut plywood to fit the full opening plus 8 inches on each side for anchoring. Pre-drill holes in the plywood and the wall or window frame. Install the covers from inside the house, screwing into the wall studs or masonry anchors. If you use storm shutters, follow the manufacturer’s mounting instructions. For sliding glass doors, use the same plywood method or install a shutter system rated for windborne debris.
Reinforce the roof edges and shingles. Inspect the roof for loose or missing shingles and nail them down or replace them. Apply roofing cement under lifted edges and around flashing. Pay special attention to the ridge and the corners where wind lifts first. If you have time, install hurricane clips or metal straps connecting rafters to the wall top plate—these are inexpensive and dramatically strengthen the roof-to-wall connection.
Secure gutters and downspouts. Tighten any loose gutter hangers and reattach sagging sections. Clear leaves and debris so water can flow freely. If a gutter is already pulling away, remove it and store it inside rather than letting the wind tear it off.
Bring in or anchor outdoor equipment. Move lightweight items like chairs, tables, planters, and grills into a garage or shed. For heavier items that can’t be moved—propane tanks, air conditioners, generators, playsets—secure them with ratchet straps or heavy-duty rope anchored to a concrete pad or ground stakes. For propane tanks, chain them to a fixed post or bracket and keep the valve closed.
Cover larger equipment with tarps. If you can’t move a grill, generator, or outdoor HVAC unit, wrap it in a tarp and secure the tarp with bungee cords or rope. Make sure the tarp is tight so wind can’t get underneath and act like a sail. Leave ventilation openings for equipment that needs airflow, such as generators.
Do a final sweep. Walk the yard again and look for anything you missed—bicycles, toys, bird feeders, hanging plants, wind chimes. Bring them all inside. Double-check that all window covers are secure and that the roof has no loose material left.

Common Mistakes

Using thin plywood (less than 5/8 inch) that flexes and breaks under pressure.
Anchoring window covers into the window frame only—screws pull out easily. Anchor into wall studs or masonry.
Leaving gaps between plywood sheets or between the sheet and the wall—wind gets in and pushes the cover off.
Forgetting to secure the roof ridge and corners, which are the first places to lift.
Taping windows instead of covering them. Tape does not stop impact damage.
Only weighing down outdoor furniture lightly. A single cinder block won’t hold a patio umbrella in hurricane-force winds.

Tips

Pre-cut plywood covers and label them by window so installation takes minutes, not hours, when the storm is close.
Store screws and anchors with each plywood panel in a labeled bag.
Take photos of your property before the storm for insurance claims.
If you use impact film, apply it to the inside of the glass—it won’t stop debris but will keep shattered glass in one sheet.
Charge all power tools and batteries the day before you expect to need them.
For roof work, do it only in dry, calm conditions. Never go on a roof during high winds or rain.

Troubleshooting

Plywood doesn’t fit the window. Trim it with a circular saw or jigsaw. If it’s too small, add a second layer or use a tarp over the gap—but a tight fit is essential, so measure twice and cut once.
Screws won’t bite into the wall. You may have hit a stud that’s too hard or a metal stud. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw to pre-drill, or switch to masonry anchors if the wall is concrete or brick.
A shutter or cover is already damaged. Replace it rather than trying to patch it. A cracked panel will fail under wind pressure.
You run out of plywood. Prioritize the largest windows and those facing the prevailing wind direction. For remaining windows, close and lock them, and move valuables away from the glass.
Roof cement won’t stick because the surface is wet. Wait for dry weather. If rain is imminent, use a tarp secured with nails or staples as a temporary patch.
An anchor stake pulls out of soft ground. Drive it deeper or use a concrete block or sandbag as extra weight. For critical items like propane tanks, chain them to a fixed structure instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plywood or storm shutters better for windows? Storm shutters are stronger and faster to deploy, but they’re more expensive. Plywood works well if it’s 5/8-inch or thicker and anchored into studs, not just the window frame.
Can I use duct tape on windows to prevent shattering? No. Tape does nothing to stop impact damage. It only helps keep glass shards together after a break, and even then, it’s not reliable.
Do I need to protect every window? Ideally yes, but if resources are limited, prioritize large windows, sliding glass doors, and windows facing the direction the wind is expected to come from first.
How do I secure a propane tank? Chain it to a fixed post, bracket, or concrete anchor using a heavy-duty chain and lock. Keep the valve closed and the cap on when not in use.
What should I do with a generator I can’t move? Anchor it to a concrete pad with bolts or heavy straps, then cover it with a tarp that allows ventilation. Never run it indoors or in an enclosed space.
How far in advance should I start preparing? Start at least 48–72 hours before the storm is expected to arrive. That gives you time to buy supplies, make cuts, and install covers without rushing.

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