How to Install Hurricane Panels on Bay Windows

Hold the hurricane panel up to the bay windows so that it reaches the exterior wall on all four sides. Select a hurricane panel that is large enough that it can bend outward slightly if necessary to cover windows that jut out from the house.

Have an assistant hold the panel in place and mark the location of the screw-hole attachments on the wall on the top, bottom and both sides of the hurricane panel. Remove the hurricane panel and use a drill to make 2-inch holes in each of the markings.

Squeeze a bead of caulking onto a 2-inch plastic anchor and set it in each of the holes. Use a hammer to knock it into the wall so that it is snug but still sticks out just slightly from the surface of the wall, to protect water from coming into the hole. Wipe off any excess caulking.

Pass a 2-inch galvanized wood screw through a galvanized washer and then into the plastic anchor. Tighten the screw halfway and then repeat to install all the screws around the hurricane panel. Make any adjustments necessary to spacing to allow all the screws to be installed halfway. Tighten the screws all the way and check to make sure there are no problems with installation or gaps in the panel. Adjust the installation further if necessary, using foam tape and duct tape on the panel to block up any gaps.

Remove the hurricane panels and paint each plastic anchor with the exterior house paint. Allow paint to dry for two hours and apply a second coat. Continue until the dried color matches.