Tons of People Tape Their Windows Before Storms, But Does It Actually Work?

With intensifying storm seasons, prepping our homes for disaster is at the forefront of a lot of our minds. But there’s plenty of faulty advice out there for what actually works, especially when it comes to putting tape over windows.

“The tape myth is everywhere before a storm,” says window specialist Phil Adkins. “You see it on social media and in the background of news footage shot outside hardware stores. And the logic behind it feels intuitive at first glance. It feels proactive. It feels like preparation.”

But in reality, all that tape mostly creates a sticky mess and fosters a false sense of confidence that ultimately detracts from more effective storm-protection measures. Here’s more about why putting tape on windows does and doesn’t work, plus some better solutions.

Why Do People Put Tape Over Their Windows in a Natural Disaster?

In preparation for a storm or other disaster, some home and business owners put tape across their windows in an X or grid pattern. The idea is that if the glass breaks, the tape will hold it together, preventing dangerous shards from flying inward.

The practice dates back to at least World War II, when people in London used tape to reduce injury from the percussive force of bomb blasts. “Pictures from that era show taped windows across entire city blocks,” says Adkins. Then, “when hurricane season coverage started dominating American news years later, the practice got picked up again.”

Does It Work?

No, at least not when it comes to keeping glass from breaking during hurricanes and other high-wind events. “There is absolutely not a lick of credible building science or disaster research that supports the idea,” says window specialist Dax Kirks. “Tape does not change the wind pressure and impact threshold that causes glass to break.”

Conversely, taping windows is likely to do more harm than good, says window specialist Leo Alabovitz, because it increases the chances of the whole window panel being forced out. That larger hole then allows the hurricane’s exterior pressure to penetrate the home, causing greater damage.

Also, while the tape in WWII London probably did help glass withstand percussive forces and flexing, modern windows are designed to shatter into smaller pieces, so in some instances, tape actually creates larger, more dangerous shards.

Plus, removing all that adhesive residue from the windows after the storm is a horrible hassle and can also damage the glass.

The one instance in which Adkins would recommend using tape on windows is when you have a crack in an older single-pane glass panel and want to slow its spread. “But that’s a narrow use case, and it’s not what most people are thinking about when they reach for the roll before a hurricane,” he says.

How to Prevent Your Windows From Shattering in a Natural Disaster

While no solution is guaranteed, there are several ways to minimize the risk of shattered windows.

Impact-Resistant Glass

Hurricane-rated windows are often the best, yet most expensive way to go. They have a laminated construction, similar to car windshields, designed to withstand strong winds and impacts from flying debris. They sometimes also qualify you for an insurance discount, too.

Storm Shutters

Storm shudders are another effective and permanent solution for hurricane-prone areas. They come in accordion, roll-down and panel styles. “The upfront cost is significant, but [modern designs] deploy in minutes and provide real, measurable protection,” says Adkins.

Plywood Panels

Plywood is a more affordable option, which is also genuinely effective when installed correctly, says Adkins. Use exterior-grade plywood that’s at least 5/8-inch thick, and anchor panels to the wall framing rather than the window frame. Pro-tip: “Pre-cut panels to fit each window before storm season and label them so installation is fast under pressure,” says Adkins.

Window Film

Security film (aka safety film) applied to glass is designed to hold shattered pieces together after impact. It’s invisible and the most cost-effective permanent solution.

“It does what tape claims to do, and it does it much better,” says Adkins. “It won’t stop a two-by-four traveling at 100 miles per hour, but for wind-driven debris and minor impacts it provides a meaningful improvement over bare glass.”

Fabric and Screen Systems

Hurricane screens made from high-strength woven fabric are a newer option. They’re rated for wind and debris impact, store compactly and are faster to set up than plywood. “They’re higher cost than plywood, but more practical for frequent use, plus easier on the window trim over time,” says Adkins.

Tape

For those who still feel the need to use tape, at least go with blue painter’s tape rather than packing or duct tape, says Adkins, since it leaves less residue. Apply it in a grid pattern to distribute the force of flying objects more evenly and remove it as soon as possible, before heat causes it to cure onto the glass.

About the Experts

Phil Adkins is president of Adkins & Sons, a southeastern Michigan-based company specializing in replacement windows, doors, siding and carpentry projects.

Leo Alabovitz is founder and CEO of JMI Windows and Doors, a Florida-based company specializing in high-quality impact windows, doors and flood protection solutions.

Dax Kirks is operations manager and co-founder at Best Buy Windows & Siding in Dallas, Texas.

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