Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Polycarbonate Hurricane Shutters

An effective option for protecting your windows is to use clear polycarbonate hurricane shutters. Polycarbonate hurricane shutters are a great choice because they allow light in, which is ideal in the event of a power outage. They’re also extremely strong and easier to handle than plywood.

Shop Hurricane Shutters Shop Plywood

Tip

Before you begin installing shutters, always check with local building codes to make sure you’re in compliance. Also, follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Having hurricane shutters installed may lower your insurance rate. For more information, check with your insurance company to see if you qualify.

Hurricane Shutter Installation

A man measuring a polycarbonate panel with a tape measure and a Sharpie.

To begin, measure each window and add 8 inches all the way around to the height and width. If there’s a window sill, accommodate for it by only adding 4 inches to the height. In a later step, you’ll add a mounting bracket on top of the sill to help secure the shutter.

Tip

Once you’ve completed your measurements, a Lowe’s associate can help you determine how much material to buy. Also, depending on how your walls were built, you’ll need to get the appropriate mounting materials. There are different needs for wood, brick or block, and it’s critical to select the correct hardware.

Two men holding a polycarbonate panel with the UV side facing outward.

Now, you’re ready to drill the holes into the panels using a step bit. Before you begin, make sure the UV side, usually identified by a label and protective plastic seal, is on the outside. Center the panel in place over the window. Mark the hole locations from the panel directly onto the house. Set the panel aside and drill the holes. Drive the anchors at these points.

Tip

If you're dealing with a window sill, install the special bracket according to the directions.

A man peeling back the panel's interior protective plastic seal.

Remove the panel’s interior protective plastic seal, and place the panel over the anchors to cover the window. Secure the washers and wing nuts, then remove the exterior protective seal.

Panels can be placed over doors, vents or other vulnerable openings. Large doors or windows can be covered using an H-panel connector, which allows for two panels to be joined together.

Caution

Don’t overtighten the washers and wing nuts as this can damage the panel and your home’s exterior.

Plywood

Another way to protect your windows and doors is by using plywood as do-it-yourself hurricane shutters. It’s economical and widely available. We’ll show you how to install plywood on a wood-framed house.

For best results, use exterior-grade plywood that’s a minimum of 5/8-inch to help protect against strong winds as well as debris.

Caution

The heavier the plywood, the more critical it is to attach it properly.

Plywood Storm Shutter Installation

An image of a white window with width and height measurements marked.

First, measure the inside of your window casings top to bottom then side to side. Add 10 inches to each dimension. Window sills will factor in, so you’d only need to add 5 inches to the height if you’re dealing with sills. Once you have the measurements, make a rough sketch of your window layouts. Take these measurements to Lowe’s where an associate can help you figure out how much plywood you'll need to get the job done.

Mark for holes at the corners of each piece of plywood at 1 1/2 inches in from the edge. Then make marks evenly at every 12 inches around the whole board.

For wood-, aluminum- or vinyl-sided homes, use a stud finder to locate the studs around the exterior window. Use this measurement to align the marks on your plywood so that you can secure the screws to the center of the stud in each window.

If your home’s exterior is stucco, use the stud finder on the inside of the house, and transfer that measurement by then marking the exterior of the house. Use the marks on your home to properly align the plywood over the window.

How to Install Storm Shutters