Fortifying Homes From Hurricane Force Winds – by Rachael Smith Special to the Keys Citizen Jun 1, 2026

Fortifying Homes From Hurricane Force Winds

by Rachael Smith Special to the Keys Citizen Jun 1, 2026

As hurricane season approaches, homeowners across coastal communities are once again thinking about how to protect their homes before the next major storm arrives. From impact windows and hurricane shutters to insurance documentation and claims preparation, experts say the best defense starts long before a storm is on the radar. Michael “MJ” Ed, owner of Florida Keys Windows, says many homeowners underestimate how important it is to protect every opening in a home.

“Modern impact windows are engineered to withstand extremely high wind pressures and flying debris associated with major hurricanes,” Ed said. Most impact-rated products installed in Florida are tested to meet or exceed the requirements for High Velocity Hurricane Zones and are designed to protect against winds well over 157 mph, or Category 5 hurricane strength, when properly installed. But according to Ed, the glass itself is only one piece of the equation. “What many homeowners do not realize is that the glass itself is only part of the system,” he said. “The frame, anchoring method and installation are just as important. A properly installed impact window helps maintain the structural integrity of the home by preventing wind and water intrusion caused by broken openings during a storm.”

While hurricane shutters have traditionally been a staple of storm preparation, Ed says modern impact windows have changed the game for many homeowners. “Impact windows eliminate the need for traditional shutters because they are designed to provide continuous protection 24/7 without any preparation before a storm,” he said. “That convenience is one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose impact products today.”Still, some homeowners continue to use shutters as an added layer of protection, particularly for large openings or seasonal homes left vacant during hurricane season. “But for the average homeowner, quality impact windows and doors provide excellent protection on their own while also delivering energy efficiency, noise reduction, and security benefits year-round,” Ed added.

According to Ed, the most vulnerable areas of a home during a hurricane are often the most overlooked. “The most vulnerable parts of a home are typically the windows, doors, and roof system,” he said. “Once wind enters through a broken opening, the internal pressure inside the home can increase dramatically and lead to major structural damage.” Garage doors are another major concern. “Garage doors are especially overlooked because if they fail, they create a massive opening that can allow wind to enter the home very quickly,” Ed said. “Older roofs, weak roof-to-wall connections, and improperly installed entry doors are also common failure points.” He said it is important to protect what industry professionals call the “building envelope,” meaning every exterior opening of the home.

For homeowners looking to maximize protection without overspending, Ed recommends focusing first on the home’s weakest points. “The best investment usually starts with protecting the openings of the home, impact windows and impact doors,” he said. “Those upgrades provide some of the highest returns in both storm protection and everyday value.”

To prepare ahead of time, Quinoa recommends homeowners keep complete digital records readily available.“Have a full copy of your insurance policy, not just the declaration page, along with photos or videos of your property, receipts for major purchases and any records of upgrades or repairs,” he said. “And keep everything stored digitally. If a storm destroys your home, you don’t want it taking your documentation with it.”After a storm, Quinoa said one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is delaying the claims process.“The biggest mistake is waiting too long to report a claim,” he said. “Some policies have very strict reporting requirements.”He also warns against rushing cleanup efforts before thoroughly documenting damage.“We also see people clean up too quickly and lose valuable evidence, or rely entirely on the insurance company’s estimate, which is often incomplete,” Quinoa said.

For residents hoping to move through the claims process more efficiently, organization is key. “Speed comes from being organized,” he said. “Report the claim immediately, document everything before cleanup, and keep records of all expenses.”Still, Quinoa said disputes over damage estimates often create delays.“The more thorough your documentation is upfront, the smoother the process tends to be,” he said. Ultimately, both experts agree that preparation before hurricane season can save homeowners time, money, and stress later. As Quinoa put it, “Insurance claims aren’t just about what’s damaged, they’re about what you can prove. Homeowners who take time to document properly and understand their coverage ahead of time put themselves in a much stronger position when it matters most.”