Hurricane Fabric Installation: Your Ticket to a Safer Home During Storms

For standard concrete openings, use a tape measure to get the width and the height. For door measurement, overlap the left side, right side, and top by 4 inches. Use the same process for garage doors, verandas, and sliding glass doors. When it comes to windows, add 4 inches to every side. This process means you’ll add 8 inches to both the width and the height.

If there’s trim or decorative molding around your window or door, measure enough past it to allow 4 inches of fabric against the wall. When it comes to standard wood-framed homes, you’ll need to place your anchors at the center of the 2-by-4 framing. To do so, measure 1 inch past the buck opening on each side. This process will add 2 inches to both the width and the height. 

Keep in mind that you’ll attach the fabric on the two longest sides of your openings, meaning it will go on the tops and bottoms of spaces like garage doors and patio enclosures.

If your hurricane fabric isn’t precut, lay it out on a cutting surface. Using your sharp industrial scissors, trim the fabric to the correct measurements, allowing for the overlap recommended above. You can also use a precision knife to cut your hurricane fabric.

When installing hurricane fabric over a window, first remove the existing screws from the anchors around the first window using a power drill. Identify the screws first, and work with one opening at a time. You’ll want to store the screws for later use.

Check which sides of your opening will need clips. If you need to attach the fabric to the top of the opening, start there. Otherwise, start on the left side. Mark 2 inches from the corner, then mark the other clip positions along that entire side. Repeat these steps for the other sides that need to be attached. 

Space clips apart using the proper clip spacing designated in your region. Most guidelines state that clips should be 12 inches apart. Attach the first clip, then slide the fabric between the pieces until the edge is even with the first notch. Then, reinstall the screws you removed earlier to keep the clips in place.

Attach the top corners of your hurricane fabric first. Attach the screws by hand until all screws are in place, then attach the rest of the screws along every side, and tighten them with the cordless screwdriver. Make sure that you don’t overtighten. 

Center your hurricane fabric over the opening. Using your permanent marker, mark the upper left-hand corner. Drill a hole in that spot using your power drill. Use the driver bit to install the anchor into the hole, then fasten the fabric on that side. Pull the fabric across the opening, then mark the clip placement on the other side. Continue installing and marking all remaining anchors.

Hopefully, you’re getting the hurricane fabric installation done with plenty of time to spare before the next storm is supposed to hit. If so, don’t forget to leave an exit point open so you can easily come and go until it’s time to hunker down or leave the area. Keep an eye on the weather reports and install the fabric on your exit point as the storm gets closer to your location.

Once your hurricane fabric has been installed, mark it with an opening number to remember placement for next time. When it’s time to take it down, remove the fabric and place it in a storage bag. Clean your hurricane fabric, if necessary, with mild soap and water, then let it air dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before placing it in a storage bag.