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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.

Sometimes, you can buy windows directly from the manufacturer, and it may be cheaper than buying through a third party or wholesaler. Manufacturers may also offer more options, including custom shapes and features, or better warranties if you purchase through them directly. 

However, some companies limit the ability to buy from them, especially if you need standard pre-fabricated sizes, so don’t expect this service from every manufacturer.

Yes, it is generally better and more cost-effective to replace all your windows at once. Contractors often lower the per-window labor and material costs for larger projects, saving you money in the long run. Installers may also quote a flat rate for overhead, making multiple small jobs more expensive than one large one.

Replacing all windows simultaneously offers other advantages:

• Aesthetics and Home Value: It creates a cohesive style and uniform energy efficiency, which is appealing to potential home buyers.

• Efficiency: The entire replacement process, which can take several weeks, is completed in a single, more efficient project.

However, replacing all windows requires a significant upfront investment. While you can replace just a few windows, experts recommend replacing at least five to eight at a time to avoid high overhead costs. An exception is when a single window is damaged; in that case, it can be replaced on its own.

Yes, every window needs a lintel. The lintel is necessary for redistributing the load above the window to the walls around the window. Windows aren’t meant to support a load, so lintels are an important part of a window installation. If you go to replace your windows and discover there are no lintels, you may need a window company or structural engineer to install lintels for your new windows.