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Hurricane fabric is a temporary form of hurricane protection that offers an alternative to boarding up windows or installing traditional storm panels. Unlike hurricane screens, which are permanently attached to your home, hurricane fabric is installed over your windows and other openings before a storm.

In terms of effectiveness, hurricane fabric is tested and proven to protect homes from Category 5 hurricanes, which can have winds over 157 miles per hour. When installed properly, it is designed to block the majority of wind and rain and protect against water, debris, and projectile damage.

While the fabric is exceptionally durable, windows can still break if hit directly by flying debris at high velocity. However, it is a good protective measure against an impending storm. For comparison, hurricane fabric is more protective and durable than hurricane window film. While boarding up windows is easier than installing the fabric, it is more labor-intensive and requires storing heavy plywood.

To further increase the chances of your windows surviving a hurricane, you can take additional steps like securing outdoor items, elevating HVAC units, and fortifying your home's foundation.

A covered deck can be a good investment that increases your home value—especially if you live in a hot region with a lot of sun. A covering over the deck means you can get more use out of it, even on the hottest summer days. With a permanent deck covering, you can even add ceiling fans to help cool down your deck for added comfort.

On average, awning costs range from $1,400 to $4,400. The low end of the cost range can be around $100 up to $7,500 on the high end. Cost factors include the type of awning, size, and location. Portable awnings are the most affordable and DIY-friendly to install, costing $100 to $400. Larger, motorized awnings tend to be more solidly built, ranging in price from $2,000 to $3,500.

The average cost to build a pergola ranges from $2,200 to $6,400, whereas the average cost of an awning ranges from $1,400 to $4,400, meaning that an awning tends to be less expensive to build or install than a pergola. Ultimately, the less expensive option depends on a few factors, including size, quality of materials used, and location.