Get matched with top window pros in Melba, ID

While plywood will keep winds and debris from shattering your windows from the outside, window film can help protect your windows from the inside. Window film can keep a window from shattering. If your windows break, the film can hold the shards of glass in place, reducing the risk of cuts.

While you may sometimes see window film marketed as "hurricane window film," note that it doesn't provide sufficient hurricane protection on its own. It's no substitute for plywood, storm windows, or hurricane shutters.

A garden window is about 16 inches to 24 inches deep. This extra space makes room for small potted plants, which is how the garden window, also called a greenhouse window, got its name. Because garden windows jut outward from the house, they need to be installed in a place where they won’t obstruct walkways.

Egress windows are typically required for basements with habitable space or living quarters. Not all basements or lower levels require egress windows. However, egress windows are required in homes with living spaces such as bedrooms and living rooms in a basement. The International Residential Code and International Building Code require sleeping rooms to have a specific size egress window. Check your local building codes to confirm the requirements in your area.

Typically, a bay window is, at minimum, 42 inches wide. That said, you can always design a custom bay window that is smaller—box bay windows are usually less than three feet in width and are ideal for smaller spaces.