What type of tape do you use when taping windows for hurricane protection?
By sedel1027
@sedel1027 (17846)
Cupertino, California
4 responses
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
27 Aug 08
I don't mean any disrespect here,but if my home was in the projected path of a Hurricane,it seems to me that any residual tape marks left behind from the wrong type of tape on your windows would be the least worrying of your concerns! Me,I think I'd be thankful if the HOUSE survived,never mind the windows! I've never had to do this myself,Ireland being (so far,fingers crossed) Hurricane free...Personally,on the subject of tape,I'd think on something with some waterproofing built in,but as you said,the stuff more likely to stay there doing the job might be more sticky....You have way more experience in this than I do!..(or simply boarding them up)..do You have a Hurricane on the way now or soon? would you usually sit it out at home or get away until it's over? possibly something solvent based would take off the marks?
1 person likes this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
27 Aug 08
We live in an apartment so there is only so much we can do. We are on the 2nd floor and this area survive hurricane Katrina fairly well. The complex is asking us to tape up our windows.
Yes, we are sort of in the way - possibly - of a hurricane. Gustav is supposedly going ot make land fall between Louisiana and Mississippi on Monday. By tomorrow that all could change though. I need to go buy the tape JIC though.
If we leave we take everything that has sentimental value, the rest is replaceable and covered by insurance. After loosing just about everything from my childhood and my son's childhood in Katrina, this building being okay is the least of my worries.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
27 Aug 08
They do have responsiobiltiy for the building itself, but not any items for the people renting. This is their policy - for residents to tape up their windows. I will gladly comply 
even if it doesn't do any good.
even if it doesn't do any good.@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
27 Aug 08
I was assuming you were a homeowner when talking about the building-of course it's different when you're not..We get some winter storms here,but nothing on the scale of a full fledged Hurricane! we might lose power or find a road blocked by a fallen tree,but that would be about all..doesn't the complex owners/landlord have any responsibility for thr buildings?
1 person likes this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
27 Aug 08
Duct tape? The silver stuff? Wasn't that really hard to get of? Or do you mean the painters tape made by duct tape?
@LHenson (26)
• United States
27 Aug 08
Yes the silver stuff. The sticky stuff they leave behind after you take the tape off is really easy to get off. Get some windex and a scrub brush and it should come off just fine and you get your windows clean. So its kinda like a 2 for 1 deal LOL
1 person likes this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
27 Aug 08
If this was my house, I would be going to home depot and buying boards. Since it isn't and the complex wants use to use tape. I will tape my windows.
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
30 Aug 08
I double checked with my Dad and he said to use masking tape if we were going to do it. All it does it help the glass from shattering everywhere.
The apartment complex suggested covering things in plastic tarps....What good is it to do that? if the floor gets wet and everything will get mold anyway. Isn't that why I have insurance?
1 person likes this
@moonlitmagikchild (22181)
• United States
30 Aug 08
it really comes down to one of those things where even if its worthless it still at least makes the person doing it feel like they are accomplishing and having a little control over the situation when they in fact are wasting their time and totally helpless 
@Houstonian (1)
• United States
12 Sep 08
Neither. At least 5/8 inch plywood or (better yet) hurricane shutters. Tape (of any type) does nothing but keep you busy and make you THINK your protecting your house.
