This is so awesome! I really like that you can put them on, leave and not worry if you can make back home if you’re traveling! I had the same issue with the cost of hurricane windows. You’re either an engineer or just incredibly smart! I’m doing this. Thanks for a great video!😊
YOur video is veryi helpful, after watching it, I started researching on buying the storm buster panels and other stuff. If we use local shutter company's polycarbonate shutters, our house needs the shutters that cost $3600 to $4000! But doing this diy way, it took me two weeks researching what to buy and where to buy the material and only hire a handyman to cut panels, it only cost us $1500 total, thank you so much for your video, we will save over $2000 by doing a diy project as you did here! My husband was shocked how much money I can save by copying your idea in this video!
Beautiful work. Your reasoning for putting them against the window is sound. The purpose is to keep the wind out. Glass is easily replaceable. Your video was very helpful to me. Thank you.
I found and bought the aluminum H channel from Lowes, but I found out our storm buster panels are at 16mm (0.63 inch thick), I tried at Lowes, the panel will not fit, but I saw yours fit, the H channel I bought looks exactly like the one you used for your sliding door, it is too wide for the 1/4" thick storm buster panel and too narrow for the 0.63" panel, I had to return that H channel and bought thermoclear h channel that fits 16 mm panel. what kind of screws should I use for panel at 0.63 inch thickness? I bought the plastic U channel as moulding for our sliding door. We are not handy as you, hiring handyman to do the drilling cost a lot of money, so I decided to let handyman cut 1/4" short on each side of the panel, and use tension clips to board up our windows with storm buster panels, they are thicker than yours at 0.63 inch thickness.
My 76 year old Florida house had those original ja-lousy windows my first year living in it. I wondered the how it survived all the storms (and cold fronts)through the years. My Lowes has these panels now and will get these.
Very nice presentation Charles. As our windows are not recessed and actually protrude a bit out from the trim, this would unfortunately not work for us. But I did enjoy your well done video. Thank you.
We are going to copy your method! Really liked how you did this, do you mind sending us the link where to buy the metal connector for the sliding door? Thanks.
Congrats on the great video and instructions! Could you advise why did you decided to mount the panels to the windows and not the house concrete? I would think that keeping a distance in between the panel and the window might help in case of any flying object hits the panel directly. Thanks again for the great video 👍🏼
My husband and I plan on using your method, but before we start it, can you tell us if the self tapping screws easy to remove when you try to take the panels down? We are worried if we can easily remove these type of screws later.
The first aluminum piece you put in looks different from the H channel, what is it called? Or it is also the H channel you use on both left and right side of the sliding door? I found the metal H channel from Lowe's now, but I don't know if you used the same H channel for the support of both side of the sliding door?
You mentioned using this metal connector to connect the two panels for the sliding door, what is the connector called and where can we buy them? Can you tell me the name of the saw you used here?
@@BinZiegler Storm-Busters 3-in x 96-in White Aluminum Panels Item #216458 | Model #SB H-PANEL CONNECTOR Storm-Busters 3-in x 96-in White Aluminum Panels in the Hurricane Shutter Panels & Hardware department at Lowes.com
Why did you screw it in your window frame when it rains the water will get in from the moisture and rotten the window. You should of cut it 2 inches less from right to left and screw it to your concrete block way better. Otherwise awesome video.!!!!!
yea same question here. Its very custom what he is doing, idk if its what is ASTM E rated and all the other rating systems these panels are tested for. I'll admit tho, for my home, it takes a hell a lot longer to do things by the instructions (i.e., tapcon screws ever 12 inches) compared to the few screws that seem like more than a foot apart here... so...
The goal of my installation was not necessarily to stop glass breakage but to prevent debris & wind penetration into the house that ultimately does most of the damage by lifting off your roof!
How did they work during a hurricane? Just experienced Ian at 100mph. Had the aluminum shutters but for our age, it was a horrible job to put up and then take down and store. Considering this but can't find enough testing done and am not sure of the security it will give us.
I was with you in Punta Gorda and Hurricane Ian going right over my house! Lost all the shingles from my roof, lost all my soffits, pool cage got destroyed, however all windows survived perfectly with these panels in place! This was a HUGE success!!!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video! I was just at lowes the other day looking at the same panels as you have but I didn't understand how to install it. As I'm watching your video, the only thing I'm not understanding is what are you screwing the screws to? On the stucco or the windows? You can come over and do mine anytime!😁
A very informative clip, Mr. Coushaine giving individuals inspiration and confidence to maintain their homes. You remind me of my husband who recently died, high quality craftsmanship, always. I stumbled on your video while searching for shutter options other than heavy corrugated metal, in an attempt to make my home more manageable for me. Do you think Storm-buster polycarbonate shutters would utilize the existing hardware that is in the concrete window frame?
Is this the kind of H channel you used for your sliding door? Outwater Aluminum H Channel Fits Material 3/32-in Thick Clear Anodized (Satin) Finish Aluminum Divider Moulding 48-in Length (Pack of 3) Item #3611898 | Model #3P1.27.01369 I am exhuasted searching for the kind of H channel at Lowes website, please help me and tell me what is the exact H channel name at Lowes I can buy.
I really think it looks much better than hardware in the bricks but unless you are leaving these up 12 months a year doesn't it wreck your windows? Or do you place something in the holes when you take it down.
The video is very informative. I tried to follow the Amazon link to order. Can you please provide the manufacturer information I will order directly from them if I’m not able to order on Amazon. I like the permanent look and the UV protection. Thanks for sharing.
Yes. The actual window frame on my house is aluminum and quite robust so it accepted the screws perfectly. However, if you want you can extend the length of the panels and screw into the house. I chose the window frame because it kept the pieces quite a bit smaller, and allowed me to leave a few of them up all year long on windows we don't open and the panels are not even noticeable from the street!
@@charlescoushaine thank you for replying!!! I’m going to get them. Question: as you’ve installed yours right up against the windows , are you concerned that if something hits them at 150mph it may flex the storm shield enough to break the touching window it’s protecting?
@@stevesantagati7265 Although I would prefer an impact to not break the window, my main goal here is to stop impacts from breaking thru and the resulting wind blowing thru and doing extensive harm to my house, like blowing the roof off! I can always fix a broken window easily after the storm, but stopping the impact from breaking thru is my main goal with these panels!
It does not appear you have a detailed explanation of how you screw them in. There are many ways that can be accomplished with varying results. Please show this in detail with close-up imagery to explain how they are secured on the regular windows.
Every installation will vary slightly depending on your windows. Mine were older 1985 vintage with complete aluminum frames. I used stainless steel screw right into the aluminum frames and this has held up great for years! If I was screwing into wood or brick I would use an alternative attachment method appropriate to the material screwing into.
Great video and glad you brought to mind hearing and eye protection, but for your own sake keep your fingers away from the saw blade, especially since it was with battery and it looked like your finger was on the trigger. Eeeek!
Bad idea to put it against your glass as the panel will bow in with a strike or hard winds. That would break your glass instantly. Would leave at least approx. 5" pillow of air between panel and glass.
As you saw in the video some windows based on their design do not allow for a 5" gap as you recommend. However, the goal is to stop the hurricane winds from getting in and doing serious damage - broken glass is easy to fix!
@@chrisloboda7331tensile strength however is probably measured in pull strength, much like tape. Flex strength is entirely different. Very little effort to poke a hole into it but you could hang several pounds from it.
Thanks for sharing this video!! I saw these panels for the first time today (Lowe's website). I live in South Florida and face similar issues as you, except our house was built in the 60s. I had made removable plywood panels to fit inside the window frames like you did, but they're heavy and ugly. Any reason (besides ease and aesthetics) that you chose to screw the panels to the window frames rather than the concrete area around each window (as recommended by mfg)? I realize your method looks better and avoids all the drilling into concrete block, but I'm concerned about winds causing the panels to flex during heavy winds and breaking the windows. Again, I think your video and these panels are TERRIFIC.
Hello Rene! I chose to attach the panels to the actual window frame for multiple reasons. First, as you guessed, I did not want to drill into the cement and leave studs sticking out when the panels are removed (ascetics), and also several of my windows were not recessed, and I couldn't attach anywhere except the frame! My goal was to make the most ascetic looking protection such that I could have them up, and from the street, you could not notice them so that people would know we were away up North! I do not believe that flexing from wind would ever break the windows, however, an impact from something could flex it and break the window but the surrounding frame should adequately support the panel such that it does not breach and compromise the inside of my house! No matter what, I feel that my house is much more protected then ever before, and we plan on leaving several of these panels up year round (on non-opening windows) since they are so 'invisible' from both the inside and outside!
@@charlescoushaine I'm leaning on using your system of attaching the panels to the window frames. Having all those bolts sticking out around the windows does not appeal to me, and you're not really sacrificing safety by using the window frame. We have several windows that we never open, and so the panels would probably stay on there year 'round. Thanks again!
Rene Borroto ohh! Thank you, I did but whit the aluminum shutters. I can’t figured out how to do it like this, I’m a single mother, so I do all this projects by my self 😂🤣😂🤣😂 but thank you, you are very nice .
$85,000 for impact windows? Do you have close to 85 windows or something? Thought they were on average $1,000 each window. Maybe a speako (spoken typo) for $8,500?
Nope, it was a quote for $85,000 to which they gave some discounts...but not nearly enough! And, they we quite mad that I didn't know it would be that much!!
The hot sun we have in Florida will destroy it in a few years,i don't think they were made to leave up permanently...I bought compressed board and had the Hardware store cut it to fit my windows for free,i use pylon that you just attach to the board and push in,no drilling or screws...I would use it for my large front windows for light,but that's all....
Here we go again......exterior stucco or wood frame or brick construction. Most new homes are vinyl sided and also may have vinyl-framed windows..... don't seem to see many ( any ! ) DIY for that type of construction...... there doesn't seem to be a good "place" to mount...especially since a lot of these homes also have "decorative" shutters....
Thanks for the suggestion however although it works great on ridged plywood I don't believe it would work on these much more flexible polycarbonate panels.
This is so awesome! I really like that you can put them on, leave and not worry if you can make back home if you’re traveling! I had the same issue with the cost of hurricane windows. You’re either an engineer or just incredibly smart! I’m doing this. Thanks for a great video!😊
YOur video is veryi helpful, after watching it, I started researching on buying the storm buster panels and other stuff. If we use local shutter company's polycarbonate shutters, our house needs the shutters that cost $3600 to $4000! But doing this diy way, it took me two weeks researching what to buy and where to buy the material and only hire a handyman to cut panels, it only cost us $1500 total, thank you so much for your video, we will save over $2000 by doing a diy project as you did here! My husband was shocked how much money I can save by copying your idea in this video!
Beautiful work. Your reasoning for putting them against the window is sound. The purpose is to keep the wind out. Glass is easily replaceable. Your video was very helpful to me. Thank you.
I found and bought the aluminum H channel from Lowes, but I found out our storm buster panels are at 16mm (0.63 inch thick), I tried at Lowes, the panel will not fit, but I saw yours fit, the H channel I bought looks exactly like the one you used for your sliding door, it is too wide for the 1/4" thick storm buster panel and too narrow for the 0.63" panel, I had to return that H channel and bought thermoclear h channel that fits 16 mm panel. what kind of screws should I use for panel at 0.63 inch thickness? I bought the plastic U channel as moulding for our sliding door. We are not handy as you, hiring handyman to do the drilling cost a lot of money, so I decided to let handyman cut 1/4" short on each side of the panel, and use tension clips to board up our windows with storm buster panels, they are thicker than yours at 0.63 inch thickness.
Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing 👍
My 76 year old Florida house had those original ja-lousy windows my first year living in it. I wondered the how it survived all the storms (and cold fronts)through the years. My Lowes has these panels now and will get these.
Very nice presentation Charles. As our windows are not recessed and actually protrude a bit out from the trim, this would unfortunately not work for us. But I did enjoy your well done video. Thank you.
This is better than the how to video by the company that sells these.
We are going to copy your method! Really liked how you did this, do you mind sending us the link where to buy the metal connector for the sliding door? Thanks.
Thank you for sharing that in details! 😃
Congrats on the great video and instructions! Could you advise why did you decided to mount the panels to the windows and not the house concrete? I would think that keeping a distance in between the panel and the window might help in case of any flying object hits the panel directly. Thanks again for the great video 👍🏼
Great video. I really like this method. Do you know if there has been any projectile impact testing done?
My husband and I plan on using your method, but before we start it, can you tell us if the self tapping screws easy to remove when you try to take the panels down? We are worried if we can easily remove these type of screws later.
It will be very helpful if you can send me link of the specific metal H channel from Lowes, I searched all over and don't know the exact product name.
The first aluminum piece you put in looks different from the H channel, what is it called? Or it is also the H channel you use on both left and right side of the sliding door? I found the metal H channel from Lowe's now, but I don't know if you used the same H channel for the support of both side of the sliding door?
You mentioned using this metal connector to connect the two panels for the sliding door, what is the connector called and where can we buy them? Can you tell me the name of the saw you used here?
The metal H channels were sold by Lowes designed to fit the plexiglass panels perfectly. I then carefully cut the to exactly fit each slider
@@charlescoushaine Can you send me the link of this product from Lowe's? I can't find the kind you used here, thanks a lot.
@@BinZiegler
Storm-Busters 3-in x 96-in White Aluminum Panels
Item #216458 |
Model #SB H-PANEL CONNECTOR
Storm-Busters 3-in x 96-in White Aluminum Panels in the Hurricane Shutter Panels & Hardware department at Lowes.com
I wonder is it easy to unscrew after the hurricane is over? I heard self tapping screws are hard to unscrew, is it right?
I have never had a problem removing the screws
@@charlescoushaine what kind of self tapping screws you used here and washers?
@@BinZiegler
Extra-Wide Rounded Head Screws for Sheet Metal, Super-Corrosion-Resistant 316 Stainless Steel, Number 8 Size, 1" Long | McMaster-Carr
316 Stainless Steel Washer, Oversized, Number 8 Screw Size, 0.188" ID, 1" OD | McMaster-Carr
Why did you screw it in your window frame when it rains the water will get in from the moisture and rotten the window. You should of cut it 2 inches less from right to left and screw it to your concrete block way better. Otherwise awesome video.!!!!!
He screwed into aluminum.
HI, what is the force of impact they can withstand?
I don't usually comment on UA-cam---but You're awesome! Thanks!
The instructions state to mount on the outside of the window, overlapping 4". Was this to save material mounting inside of the frame?
yea same question here. Its very custom what he is doing, idk if its what is ASTM E rated and all the other rating systems these panels are tested for. I'll admit tho, for my home, it takes a hell a lot longer to do things by the instructions (i.e., tapcon screws ever 12 inches) compared to the few screws that seem like more than a foot apart here... so...
hi; i think 'they' want a 2 to 3 inch clearance in between the window and the Poly, less chance of the glass breaking if struck.
The goal of my installation was not necessarily to stop glass breakage but to prevent debris & wind penetration into the house that ultimately does most of the damage by lifting off your roof!
How did they work during a hurricane? Just experienced Ian at 100mph. Had the aluminum shutters but for our age, it was a horrible job to put up and then take down and store. Considering this but can't find enough testing done and am not sure of the security it will give us.
I was with you in Punta Gorda and Hurricane Ian going right over my house! Lost all the shingles from my roof, lost all my soffits, pool cage got destroyed, however all windows survived perfectly with these panels in place! This was a HUGE success!!!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video! I was just at lowes the other day looking at the same panels as you have but I didn't understand how to install it. As I'm watching your video, the only thing I'm not understanding is what are you screwing the screws to? On the stucco or the windows? You can come over and do mine anytime!😁
Tamara D Campbell it appears the window frame, maybe the outside edge where it meets the stucco.
Hi, how much thickness is it, please.
A very informative clip, Mr. Coushaine giving individuals inspiration and confidence to maintain their homes. You remind me of my husband who recently died, high quality craftsmanship, always. I stumbled on your video while searching for shutter options other than heavy corrugated metal, in an attempt to make my home more manageable for me. Do you think Storm-buster polycarbonate shutters would utilize the existing hardware that is in the concrete window frame?
Is this the kind of H channel you used for your sliding door? Outwater Aluminum H Channel Fits Material 3/32-in Thick Clear Anodized (Satin) Finish Aluminum Divider Moulding 48-in Length (Pack of 3)
Item #3611898 |
Model #3P1.27.01369 I am exhuasted searching for the kind of H channel at Lowes website, please help me and tell me what is the exact H channel name at Lowes I can buy.
Where I can buy those panels, the Amazon link don’t work, Home Depot have those panels or any local store or online. Please help. Thanks
I believe that I purchased the panels from Lowe's
Which screws did you use? We can put them on the crank windows we never open.
Great video. I’m going to try this. Thanks.
I really think it looks much better than hardware in the bricks but unless you are leaving these up 12 months a year doesn't it wreck your windows? Or do you place something in the holes when you take it down.
The video is very informative. I tried to follow the Amazon link to order. Can you please provide the manufacturer information I will order directly from them if I’m not able to order on Amazon. I like the permanent look and the UV protection. Thanks for sharing.
The hurricane panels were purchased from Lowes!
Where did you pick up the H channels (Aluminum ) ? Thx
Lowes sells them with the hurricane panels!
@@charlescoushaine OK, will check again . they must have been out at my Lowes.
@@charlescoushaine GREAT video by the way .. ***** 5 star
What did you screw into? The actual window frame?
Yes. The actual window frame on my house is aluminum and quite robust so it accepted the screws perfectly. However, if you want you can extend the length of the panels and screw into the house. I chose the window frame because it kept the pieces quite a bit smaller, and allowed me to leave a few of them up all year long on windows we don't open and the panels are not even noticeable from the street!
And where did you buy the panels and how much are they?
I purchased the panels from Lowes.
@@charlescoushaine thank you for replying!!! I’m going to get them. Question: as you’ve installed yours right up against the windows , are you concerned that if something hits them at 150mph it may flex the storm shield enough to break the touching window it’s protecting?
@@stevesantagati7265 Although I would prefer an impact to not break the window, my main goal here is to stop impacts from breaking thru and the resulting wind blowing thru and doing extensive harm to my house, like blowing the roof off! I can always fix a broken window easily after the storm, but stopping the impact from breaking thru is my main goal with these panels!
It does not appear you have a detailed explanation of how you screw them in. There are many ways that can be accomplished with varying results. Please show this in detail with close-up imagery to explain how they are secured on the regular windows.
Every installation will vary slightly depending on your windows. Mine were older 1985 vintage with complete aluminum frames. I used stainless steel screw right into the aluminum frames and this has held up great for years! If I was screwing into wood or brick I would use an alternative attachment method appropriate to the material screwing into.
that's not the recommended way to mount the polycarbonate
Good stuff
Great video and glad you brought to mind hearing and eye protection, but for your own sake keep your fingers away from the saw blade, especially since it was with battery and it looked like your finger was on the trigger. Eeeek!
Bad idea to put it against your glass as the panel will bow in with a strike or hard winds. That would break your glass instantly. Would leave at least approx. 5" pillow of air between panel and glass.
As you saw in the video some windows based on their design do not allow for a 5" gap as you recommend. However, the goal is to stop the hurricane winds from getting in and doing serious damage - broken glass is easy to fix!
@@chrisloboda7331tensile strength however is probably measured in pull strength, much like tape. Flex strength is entirely different. Very little effort to poke a hole into it but you could hang several pounds from it.
Very Nice. How much did you spend on buying the panels? Where did you buy the panels from? Thanks
The 4" x 8" panels and aluminum H-connectors came from Lowe's. The panels were about $90 apiece.
Thanks for sharing this video!! I saw these panels for the first time today (Lowe's website). I live in South Florida and face similar issues as you, except our house was built in the 60s. I had made removable plywood panels to fit inside the window frames like you did, but they're heavy and ugly. Any reason (besides ease and aesthetics) that you chose to screw the panels to the window frames rather than the concrete area around each window (as recommended by mfg)? I realize your method looks better and avoids all the drilling into concrete block, but I'm concerned about winds causing the panels to flex during heavy winds and breaking the windows. Again, I think your video and these panels are TERRIFIC.
Hello Rene! I chose to attach the panels to the actual window frame for multiple reasons. First, as you guessed, I did not want to drill into the cement and leave studs sticking out when the panels are removed (ascetics), and also several of my windows were not recessed, and I couldn't attach anywhere except the frame! My goal was to make the most ascetic looking protection such that I could have them up, and from the street, you could not notice them so that people would know we were away up North! I do not believe that flexing from wind would ever break the windows, however, an impact from something could flex it and break the window but the surrounding frame should adequately support the panel such that it does not breach and compromise the inside of my house! No matter what, I feel that my house is much more protected then ever before, and we plan on leaving several of these panels up year round (on non-opening windows) since they are so 'invisible' from both the inside and outside!
@@charlescoushaine I'm leaning on using your system of attaching the panels to the window frames. Having all those bolts sticking out around the windows does not appeal to me, and you're not really sacrificing safety by using the window frame. We have several windows that we never open, and so the panels would probably stay on there year 'round. Thanks again!
I currently use plywood and secure them using plylox clips, would be nice if they made a clip for these sheets.
You are amazing, I will do this in my house 👍I which you did this in Spanish 😂🤣😂🤣😂
Sorry to ask but how much you pay for everything? 🤗
You can go to the Lowes website and they have the info you need.
Rene Borroto ohh! Thank you, I did but whit the aluminum shutters. I can’t figured out how to do it like this, I’m a single mother, so I do all this projects by my self 😂🤣😂🤣😂 but thank you, you are very nice .
lili lili you’re very welcome!
where did you buy it?
They sell them at Lowes
Lowes
Thanks
Where did you buy the Panel?
I saw these at lowes yesterday
$85,000 for impact windows? Do you have close to 85 windows or something? Thought they were on average $1,000 each window. Maybe a speako (spoken typo) for $8,500?
Nope, it was a quote for $85,000 to which they gave some discounts...but not nearly enough! And, they we quite mad that I didn't know it would be that much!!
@@BrettB246 yea man, they are mad because you didn't go their way. Can't believe they tried to sell you that high amount for windows... ridiculous.
The hot sun we have in Florida will destroy it in a few years,i don't think they were made to leave up permanently...I bought compressed board and had the Hardware store cut it to fit my windows for free,i use pylon that you just attach to the board and push in,no drilling or screws...I would use it for my large front windows for light,but that's all....
Panels have been up for 4 years, survived 2 hurricanes and still look like new!
Here we go again......exterior stucco or wood frame or brick construction. Most new homes are vinyl sided and also may have vinyl-framed windows..... don't seem to see many ( any ! ) DIY for that type of construction...... there doesn't seem to be a good "place" to mount...especially since a lot of these homes also have "decorative" shutters....
$85,000🤔
You could use these clamps instead of drilling holes to the frames (your windows will corrode very quick)
ua-cam.com/video/HNnvaAp7Bww/v-deo.html
Thanks for the suggestion however although it works great on ridged plywood I don't believe it would work on these much more flexible polycarbonate panels.
Not Shutters. Panels DA!