Opening protection

Opening protection covers every hole in the building envelope: windows, entry doors, sliding doors, skylights and the garage door. In a hurricane, debris breaks a window, wind pressure enters the house, and the roof can be pushed off from inside. Protecting the openings keeps the envelope sealed, which is why insurers pay attention to it.

There are two main approaches. Impact-rated windows and doors have laminated glass that holds together when struck. Shutters, whether roll-down, accordion or panels, cover standard glass and must be tested and rated to qualify. Florida's wind mitigation form grades the protection in levels, with tested products earning the most credit, basic code-compliant coverings less, and unprotected openings none. Ordinary plywood that is not pre-cut, labeled and mounted to the code detail may not count at all.

A trap many owners miss: the credit usually depends on every opening being protected, garage door included. One weak opening can lower the whole grade. Permanent protection also pays off in other ways, such as security and noise, but the premium credit alone rarely covers the cost, so ask your agent for the actual figure first. Read hurricane shutters and impact windows: protection and savings for costs and savings, see how the item is scored in a wind mitigation inspection, and note that FORTIFIED Home Silver on the hurricane track requires it.