Retirement Before the Age of 59: We're Ready for the Next Hurricane! Our Kitchen Windows Are Protected

Jon Built a Hurricane-Resistant

Folding Window Stabilizer Device

These Windows Can Blow Out in a Hurricane!

Hurricane season started early this year. Will our home be ready for the increasing strength of these storms? These accordion-style windows in our condominium are wonderful during pleasant weather. They hang from a track at the top, free at the bottom so we can fold them back to open the kitchen. The downside is that they move in and out when the wind blows and let water in at the bottom when it rains sideways during a storm.

2023 Hurricane Damage In Puerto Vallarta

We are still reeling from Hurricane Lidia, which hit Puerto Vallarta hard in October 2023. Our kitchen windows shook and rattled violently during the ferocious winds, but they didn't blow out because Jon had secured them with an extra hook. Some condo units in our building with these accordion-style folding windows weren't so lucky.

Jon decided to create a device to further protect our kitchen windows. I invite you to watch the videos below to see how he built this system that we'll use during hurricane season.

Jon Started with Two PVC Pipes and Other Parts

He Attached Climbing Rope to One PVC Pipe

To Brace the Inside of the Window Frame

Jon Fed the Rope From the Interior PVC Pipe

Through Backer Rod Insulation Under the Window

And Sophie Didn't Like Him Moving the Window!

Jon Tied a Knot Securing the Exterior PVC Pipe

Jon Tied a Knot to An Eyelet Bolt in Each Square

Tubular Beam Under the Exterior Granite Shelf

Creating these videos gave Jon good speech and problem-solving practice—important exercises as Parkinson's disease advances. He's also practicing his speech by "writing" a book about his life, using the microphone in his Word document app, and is amazed at how quickly it records his story. He hopes his son will enjoy reading it someday. I know I will❤

Interior PVC Pipe Window Stabilizer

Exterior PVC Pipe and Tie-down of Window Stabilizer

We love living in Puerto Vallarta. Condo living is better than we ever imagined. This is just one adjustment we've made to make living in a tropical area more comfortable. I'm so grateful Jon can create safety features for our condo and motorhome. To read more about life as expats in Mexico, see my books, available on Amazon worldwide.