When working with glass windows that have no hurricane protection, I understand it is advisable to tape windows to prevent them from blowing into too many pieces.
What are the best practices for doing this, assuming no other options exist?
Do you tape them on the inside or the outside (I would assume the inside to prevent removal from elements, but also dependent on the durability of the tape)?
What's a good pattern to tape (I again assume an 'X' layout)?
What's a good tape to use (I'd guess packing tape or duct tape; masking/painter's tape only on the inside)?
Best Answer
If you can't cover them with shutters, then just leave them as is. It's just a waste of time and money to tape. Tape will NOT prevent them from breaking and if they do blow out, many smaller pieces cause less damage than fewer larger pieces.
CBS News article
NOAA Hurricane Center FAQ
Snopes (see the bullet points a ways down)
Palm Beach Post article