Hurricane window protection (2026)
When a hurricane is coming, covering your windows helps keep flying debris out. Permanent impact-rated shutters are best; for homes without them, plywood panels held by clips or screws are the emergency option. This page compares the clips, a polycarbonate panel system and safety film, and says plainly what each can't do. Every spec is from the maker's page, read on the date in each card's notes; we haven't used these ourselves.
By Tom Calder · Updated November 9, 2026 · 6 products, 4 of 6 price-tracked
Our picks
Photo: AmazonHURR-PRO Z-clips
5/8-inch plywood in brick casings
as of Nov 9, 2026, 11:40 AM ET · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Palram STORMLITE
Clear panels that stay up or store flat
Photo: AmazonBDF S8MC film
Holding broken glass, not storm defense
as of Nov 9, 2026, 11:40 AM ET · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.All 6 compared
| Product | Type | Fits | Pack | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. HURR-PRO Universal Stainless Steel Hurricane Z-Clips for Plywood, 24 Pack Best hurricane plywood clips Plywood clips · 1/2 to 3/4 in plywood · 24 clips (6 windows) · Stainless steel, 0.030 in 5/8-inch plywood in brick casings | Plywood clips | 1/2 to 3/4 in plywood | 24 clips (6 windows) | Stainless steel, 0.030 in | $18.88 at Amazon as of Nov 9, 2026, 11:40 AM ET · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.In stockCheck price → |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched Stainless clips that take 1/2, 5/8 or 3/4-inch plywood, so you can use the 5/8-inch sheet FLASH recommends. Sold as 24 clips, enough for six windows by the maker's count. Best for 5/8-inch plywood in brick casings Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your window surrounds are not recessed masonry. | |||||
Polycarbonate panels · Per Palram installation guide · 16 mm triple-wall polycarbonate Clear panels that stay up or store flat | Polycarbonate panels | Per Palram installation guide | — | 16 mm triple-wall polycarbonate | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched Clear 16 mm triple-wall polycarbonate panels that Palram says are Miami-Dade Product Control approved. Follow Palram's installation guide and your local code. Best for Clear panels that stay up or store flat Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a clip-on panel you can fit in an afternoon without reading an installation guide. | |||||
Plywood clips · 19/32 in plywood (5/8 in clip) · Pack sizes vary · Carbon or stainless steel 5/8-inch plywood in brick or stucco casings | Plywood clips | 19/32 in plywood (5/8 in clip) | Pack sizes vary | Carbon or stainless steel | |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched The PLYLOX size for the 5/8-inch exterior plywood FLASH recommends for emergency window panels. Like all clips, it only works where the window sits back in a masonry casing. Best for 5/8-inch plywood in brick or stucco casings Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your windows sit flush with the siding: screw-mounted panels or shutters are the answer there. | |||||
 Plywood clips · 15/32 in plywood (1/2 in clip) · 20 clips · Carbon steel Brick or stucco casings with a deep inset | Plywood clips | 15/32 in plywood (1/2 in clip) | 20 clips | Carbon steel | $18.99 at Amazon as of Nov 9, 2026, 11:40 AM ET · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.In stockCheck price → |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched Clips that hold plywood in a recessed window casing without drilling. The 1/2-inch clip fits 15/32-inch sheathing, thinner than the 5/8-inch exterior plywood FLASH recommends, so PLYLOX's 5/8-inch clip is the closer match to FLASH. Best for Brick or stucco casings with a deep inset Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your windows sit flush with vinyl or Hardie siding, or the inset is under 2 1/2 inches. | |||||
 Plywood clips · 1/2 in plywood · 20 clips · Stamped steel, unfinished Recessed brick or stucco casings | Plywood clips | 1/2 in plywood | 20 clips | Stamped steel, unfinished | $16.87 at Amazon as of Nov 9, 2026, 11:40 AM ET · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.In stockCheck price → |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched Stamped-steel clips for 1/2-inch plywood with a maker wind chart for clip count. Like other clip systems it needs a recessed casing with square edges, and 1/2-inch plywood is thinner than FLASH's 5/8-inch advice. Best for Recessed brick or stucco casings Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if your windows are flush with the wall or you plan to use 5/8-inch plywood. | |||||
6. BDF S8MC Security and Safety Clear 8 Mil Window Film, 30 in x 24 ft Safety film (not debris protection) Safety film · Applied to existing glass · 30 in x 24 ft roll · 8 mil clear polyester Holding broken glass, not storm defense | Safety film | Applied to existing glass | 30 in x 24 ft roll | 8 mil clear polyester | $92.99 at Amazon as of Nov 9, 2026, 11:40 AM ET · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.In stockCheck price → |
Our verdictOur verdictResearched A clear 8 mil film that helps hold broken glass in place. It does not stop windborne debris or replace shutters or plywood; BDF itself says it is not storm proof. Best for Holding broken glass, not storm defense Good
Worth knowing
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you are looking for hurricane protection for your windows. | |||||
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Before you buy
Permanent shutters first: NWS says permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows.
If you're staying in a hurricane area long term, price tested, impact-rated shutters or windows before buying temporary kit.
Plywood: NWS says 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit and ready to install.
FLASH says to buy exterior grade (CDX) plywood 5/8 inch or thicker rather than OSB, and that emergency plywood panels carry no testing or approval.
Cut and label panels before the season.
FLASH's board-up method adds 8 inches to the height and width for a 4-inch overlap, and bolts or screws every 12 inches; on a frame house with siding, that's the method, not clips.
Clips only work in recessed masonry openings.
PLYLOX says its clips need at least a 2 1/2 inch inset and that most siding doesn't leave one; Prime-Line says its clips are for surroundings that project out at 90-degree right angles.
Match the clip to the plywood.
PLYLOX's 1/2-inch clip fits 15/32-inch plywood, thinner than the 5/8 inch NWS and FLASH advise; its 5/8-inch clip fits 19/32-inch plywood. HURR-PRO's stainless Z-clips are sold as fitting 1/2 to 3/4 inch plywood.
Carbon steel clips rust if stored wet (PLYLOX); stainless costs more and doesn't.
Polycarbonate panels such as Palram's STORMLITE let light in and store flat; Palram says they're Miami-Dade Product Control approved.
FLASH notes that even tested shutters can't help if the window or door behind them is weak or poorly anchored.
We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labeled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test. When two products are close, commission can decide which one we pick. A clearly better product always wins. Read our full methodology →
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Common questions
Does hurricane window film stop debris?
No. Safety film holds broken glass together; it doesn't stop windborne debris. FLASH says impact-rated shutters are what protect windows from debris, and the film maker listed here says its film shouldn't be considered impact or storm proof.
Should I tape my windows before a hurricane?
No. NOAA says taping windows provides absolutely no protection and wastes time that should go into putting up shutters or plywood.
What thickness of plywood do I need for hurricane windows?
NWS says 5/8 inch exterior grade or marine plywood, built to fit and ready to install. FLASH says 5/8 inch or thicker exterior grade (CDX) plywood, not OSB.
Do hurricane clips work on vinyl siding?
Usually not. PLYLOX says its clips need at least a 2 1/2 inch inset and most siding products don't leave one. On frame houses, FLASH's method screws or bolts the plywood around the opening.
Are plywood panels as good as hurricane shutters?
No. NWS says permanent storm shutters offer the best protection, and FLASH says emergency plywood panels carry no testing or approval, though properly cut and mounted 5/8 inch plywood can give adequate protection in an emergency.
Sources (6)
- NWS: Hurricane safety, actions (permanent shutters; 5/8 inch exterior or marine plywood)
- FLASH: Protect your windowsimpact-rated shutters; 5/8 inch CDX plywood; no testing for emergency panels
- FLASH: How to board up your house
- NOAA JetStream: Tropical cyclone safety (taping windows provides no protection)
- PLYLOX: FAQs (inset, plywood thickness, rust)
- BDF: S8MC security and safety film