NJ Storm Prep for Windows
8-item pre-storm checklist + 5-step post-storm response for NJ homeowners. What to inspect, secure, document, and call before and after a nor'easter, hurricane, or major thunderstorm.
NJ averages 4–7 named nor'easters per year plus 1–3 tropical system remnants and dozens of severe thunderstorm events. Broken window glass is one of the most common storm-damage repairs we make. Most of it is preventable with 60–90 minutes of pre-storm preparation — and faster post-storm response keeps interior damage minimal.
We respond 24/7 to broken window calls across Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Union, Middlesex, and Morris counties (statewide for major events). Call (201) 275-9185 for emergency board-up.
8-item pre-storm checklist
- 1
Inspect windows from interior + exterior
Walk every elevation. Look for: cracked or chipped glass, sashes that don't fully close or lock, weatherstripping pulled away, frames with visible rot or water staining, broken or missing exterior trim/capping. Pre-storm visible issues become post-storm broken glass.
- 2
Confirm every window locks
Wind-driven rain forces water past unlocked sashes. Test every sash latch and lock. If a lock is broken or won't engage, that window is at higher risk in the storm — consider plywood-shutter coverage for the most exposed elevations.
- 3
Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles
Patio furniture, planters, grills, decorative items, garden tools. Anything that can become wind-driven debris in 50+ mph wind needs to be inside or secured. Window glass + flying debris is the #1 wind-related window failure in NJ storms.
- 4
Trim branches that overhang windows
If you have time before the storm, trim branches close to windows. Branch-strike is one of our top three emergency-call categories. If trim work isn't possible, at least identify which trees pose risk so you know where damage is most likely.
- 5
Consider plywood shutters for exposed windows
Pre-cut 5/8" plywood shutters held in place with manufactured anchors or 3-inch screws can protect exposed large windows from impact damage during severe storms. Worth doing for: large picture windows facing prevailing wind, ground-floor windows in trees, and historic-district windows you cannot easily replace. Pre-storm install + post-storm removal.
- 6
Photograph everything
Walk the perimeter and take 30+ photos: every window from inside and outside, frame condition, glass condition, hardware, weatherstripping. Save with date metadata. If storm damage triggers an insurance claim, before-photos prove what was new damage vs. pre-existing.
- 7
Locate your homeowners policy + know the deductible
Know your standard deductible AND any separate wind/hail deductible (many NJ coastal policies have these). Know your carrier's claim phone number and online portal. Glass damage is typically covered as a peril; review the policy to confirm.
- 8
Save our emergency number
(201) 275-9185 — save in your phone now. We dispatch 24/7 for broken window board-up. Same-day response in Bergen/Passaic/Essex/Hudson; 2–4 hour overnight. Don't be Googling for window contractors at 2am with rain pouring through a broken pane.
5-step post-storm response
1. Stay back from any broken window
Fragments can fall hours after initial breakage as wind and vibration continue. Keep pets and kids out of the room until the opening is secured.
2. Photograph before any cleanup
Walk the perimeter, photograph every elevation and every broken window — close-up and wide. If debris is scattered, photograph it in place before cleanup. Photos timestamp the damage event for your insurance claim.
3. Contain water intrusion if possible
Place towels or buckets to contain water entering through broken windows. Cover affected interior furniture with plastic or sheets. Don't try to tarp the exterior yourself — that's work for a contractor in safe conditions.
4. Call us at (201) 275-9185 for emergency board-up
Same-day response during business hours, 2–4 hour overnight. We arrive with pre-cut plywood and weather-resistant sheathing tape; secure the opening; document for insurance; schedule permanent replacement. Most NJ insurance covers emergency board-up as mitigation.
5. File the claim through your carrier
File yourself or with your insurance agent. Avoid contractors who offer to "file the claim for you" or push AOB (assignment of benefits) paperwork — that hands over your settlement rights. We don't take AOB or public-adjuster fees; the claim check comes to you, you pay us on completion.
NJ storm + window insurance questions
How much warning do I get before a major storm?
Named storms (hurricanes, tropical systems) typically have 3–7 days of forecast warning. Nor'easters have 24–72 hours. Severe summer thunderstorms have 1–6 hours. Use longer windows to complete the full checklist; use shorter windows for the urgent items (secure projectiles, photograph property, charge phones).
Should I tape my windows in an X pattern?
No — taping windows in an X pattern is a widely-circulated myth that does nothing to prevent glass breakage. It may actually make broken glass MORE dangerous by creating larger shards that hold together longer before falling. Effective protection: pre-cut plywood shutters secured with anchors or 3-inch screws into the exterior framing. If you can't shutter, accept that exposed windows may break and focus on minimizing what can hit them (secure projectiles).
What's the difference between hurricane impact glass and standard glass for insurance?
Impact glass (laminated with a PVB or SGP interlayer) is designed to absorb projectile impact without breaking through. Standard double-pane breaks through on impact. NJ coastal insurance carriers (Monmouth, Ocean, Cape May, Atlantic counties) often offer discounts for homes with impact-rated glass on exposed elevations. Worth asking your agent if a future window upgrade could reduce your premium.
Will insurance cover replacing windows that broke in the storm?
Yes generally — broken glass from a covered event (wind, hail, falling debris, tree strike) is covered. Your out-of-pocket is typically just your deductible. Some NJ coastal policies have separate wind/hail deductibles that are higher than your standard deductible — check your policy. We document scope to support whatever recovery makes sense.
What if the frame is damaged, not just the glass?
Frame damage from impact typically means full-window replacement, not just glass replacement. We document frame condition for your claim — most carriers approve full-window replacement when frame integrity is compromised. If only one or two windows are damaged in an event, replacement units typically match existing if your existing windows are still in production; if not, the carrier may owe a matching allowance.
How long after a storm do I have to file a claim?
Most NJ homeowners policies require notification within "a reasonable time" — typically 60–90 days. Some are stricter (30 days). File as soon as you have documented evidence, even if you're not ready to commit to a contractor. Filing late risks the carrier disputing that the damage came from the specific storm.
Save our number before you need it
24/7 emergency board-up + glass response across NJ. Insurance documentation included free.