[Drought-Relief Window Stickers] Is 'X' Stickers More Prone to Explosion? Is Dot-Sticking with Adhesive Tape Most Effective? | 4 Ways to Remove Adhesive Tape Stains | Tips for Claiming Home Insurance for Wind Damage

Whenever a typhoon hits, many families will put tape on their windows to prevent them from breaking. But is this effective? How do you remove the remaining traces of tape? If the window is blown out, will your home insurance cover it? Kwiksure will share the best way to apply typhoon-resistant window stickers, four tips for removing adhesive tape stains, and explain whether home insurance will cover property damage caused by typhoons.

Window Patching in Wind｜Which is the best way to prevent wind if you don’t tape it first?

Many people will use tape to cover the glass windows in an 'X' or '米' shape during strong winds to reduce glass vibration and thus reduce the chance of glass breaking. Hong Kong Observatory also calls on the website, saying that before a strong wind arrives, the public is advised to 'stick tape on large glass windows facing the wind to reduce damage in case the glass breaks.'

According to Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior's experiment, it was found that untaped glass windows were more able to withstand wind pressure than taped windows, and taping actually weakened the glass's ability to resist wind; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also believes that window stickers are just a waste of tape and have no practical effect.

Windproof window stickers | '米' shape to prevent glass shattering

Although adhesive tape has a limited ability to withstand wind pressure, strong winds can blow up debris or sand and hit the windows, potentially causing the glass to shatter. At this time, the adhesive tape can come into play, fixing the cracked glass to prevent the crack from expanding and reducing the chance of glass shattering and injuring passers-by or people inside the house.

Glass is most vulnerable at its center. Covering the center of the glass with adhesive tape effectively strengthens the structure and increases its resistance, more effectively than simply taping the edges. '米' pattern provides a larger surface area than an 'X' pattern, providing more support points in the center of the glass. If the glass shatters, the fragments are less likely to scatter, making it more suitable for general household use.

What's the most effective tape for window coverings?

Homeowners can try to choose thicker tape to paste on the windows to obtain greater protection, but different textures of tape have different adhesive strengths and cleaning difficulties. Paper carton tape is not as strong as kraft tape and is also the most difficult to clean. While wrinkle tape may not withstand the same level of force, it is easier to clean.

4 Ways to Clean Window Tape Stains

To avoid leaving adhesive tape stains on glass windows, it's best to remove the tape immediately after the typhoon. Prolonged use combined with sunlight can easily leave adhesive residue and make it difficult to remove. If adhesive tape stains are left, here are four cleaning methods:

1. White gasoline

• Pour white spirit on the rag and wipe off the adhesive tape stains

2. Plastic scraper

• Use a plastic scraper to gently scrape off any remaining adhesive tape. Avoid using a metal scraper to avoid scratching the glass surface.

3. Mix warm water with neutral detergent

• Mix warm water and a mild detergent and apply to the tape stain. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the stain, then gently wipe with a soft cloth or sponge.

4. Glue remover/turpentine

• If the above methods are ineffective, you can use glue remover or turpentine water to wet the compress, and then scrape it off with a blade.

Water leaking from the windshield? 3 tips to prevent leaks

Besides cracked glass, the most frustrating aspect of windy conditions is water seepage around windows caused by heavy rain. Many people use towels to absorb water and prevent leaks, but the absorbent nature of towels can cause mold to form on the walls. To prevent water seepage, after closing the windows securely, place thick strips of newspaper, tape or clip them to the window openings. If newspaper is unavailable, plastic wrap can also be used. Alternatively, you can open the windows, place a plastic bag over the leaking area, and then close them to fill the gaps and reduce the risk of water entering.

Does home insurance cover damage caused by wind and rain?

Under strong winds, there is a chance that glass windows will shatter, power outages or water leaks may occur in your home, causing property damage. If you have home insurance, you can claim compensation from the insurance company in these cases as long as the loss falls within the coverage of your home insurance. For the steps and precautions for claiming compensation, please refer to the relevant information of Kwiksure about the related topics on Typhoon Black Rain claims.

1. Wind-driven blasts of windows/windows falling and injuring passersby

If the glass windows are originally installed upon occupancy, they are generally considered part of the building structure and are covered by fire insurance; If the glass windows have been modified or replaced, they are covered by home insurance, you can claim from your home insurance, which will cover the damage caused by the glass window shattering and the additional costs of cleaning up the scene. If the window falls and injures passers-by, you can claim through the third-party liability legal liability of your home insurance.

2. Power outages caused by strong winds resulted in losses

Some home insurance policies will compensate for losses caused by power outages in the home due to typhoons, such as spoilage of refrigerated food or drinks due to power outages in the refrigerator. Policyholders should read the coverage details of the policy purchased.

3. Damage to property due to water leakage or flooding caused by wind and rain

Not all insurance companies cover damage caused by flooding or water leaks. If your home is located in a flood zone, flooding caused by a typhoon may not be covered. If property damage is caused by a water leak due to typhoons, some insurance companies may only cover losses related to typhoon signal No. 8 or above. Policyholders should pay attention to the coverage details of their insurance plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it most effective to use draught-proof window stickers?

Glass is most vulnerable at its center. Covering the center of the glass with adhesive tape effectively strengthens the structure and increases its resistance, more effectively than just taping the edges. '米' pattern provides a larger surface area than an 'X' pattern, providing more support points in the center of the glass. If the glass shatters, the fragments are less likely to scatter.

Is it best to use edge tape to stick on windows?

Homeowners can try to choose thicker tape for window coverings for greater protection, but different tape textures have different adhesion and cleaning difficulties. Paper sealing tape is not as tough as kraft tape and is also the most difficult to clean. Although wrinkle tape has average strength, it is easier to clean.