We told you in June to handle hurricane glass issues early. Now it’s late July. If you haven’t gotten to it yet, this is the post for you.
Peak hurricane season runs August through October, with the heaviest activity typically in late August and September. Here’s what’s still doable, what’s getting tight, and what you should absolutely not put off any longer.
What Peak Season Actually Means
Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30. But the statistical peak — the time when the most storms form and the most landfalls happen — is the six weeks from late August through early October.
For New Orleans specifically, the highest-risk window historically falls in late August and September. This isn’t speculation — it’s what the National Hurricane Center data shows year after year.
What that means practically: any glass work you want done before things get serious needs to be scheduled now.
What’s Still Easy to Schedule (For Now)
As of late July, most standard glass repairs and replacements can still be scheduled within the normal 1-2 week timeline — same lead time whether you’re in Metairie, Bywater, or out on the Westbank.
Fogged window replacement (single IGU swaps).
Cracked or chipped glass replacement.
Commercial storefront repairs.
New shower glass installs.
Custom mirror and shelving orders.
Auto glass replacement.
Text photos to (504) 368-8826 and we can get on the schedule.
Where the Lead Times Are Getting Tight
Some categories are already starting to extend.
Large or custom commercial glass orders. If you’ve got a storefront replacement project that requires custom-fabricated glass, expect 2-3 weeks minimum at this point. Start now.
Impact glass upgrades. Hurricane impact glass orders are spiking. Lead times on impact-rated IGUs are pushing 3-4 weeks.
Multiple-window replacements. If you’ve got 5+ windows that need IGU replacement, sequence them now — we can do them in batches, but it takes longer than a single window.
Matching specialty glass. If you’ve got a unique pattern, tint, or specialty glass type that needs to match existing glass, allow extra time. Specialty glass suppliers slow down approaching peak season.
Got something you’ve been putting off? Text photos to (504) 368-8826 today. Not next week — today.
The Plywood Conversation
Some homeowners reach July without addressing glass issues, then plan to just board up if a storm comes. Plywood works, but a few things to consider.
It’s a last resort, not a plan. By the time you’re boarding up, you’re 24-72 hours from a landfall. Lumber yards run out. Helpers are hard to find. Everyone’s panicked.
It doesn’t address the underlying problem. A cracked window that you board up is still cracked after the storm. You’re delaying the repair, not avoiding it.
It damages the trim and siding. Repeatedly screwing plywood into the same locations gradually destroys the surrounding finish.
If you’re going to plywood, fine — but plan. Pre-cut the boards for each window so you’re not measuring during the rush. Store them somewhere accessible. Have the hardware ready.
After-the-Storm Reality
Here’s what happens after a storm hits the metro: every glass company in the region is overwhelmed within hours. Phones ring nonstop. Existing customers have priority. Standard repair lead times go from 1-2 weeks to 4-8 weeks.
If your home or business has damaged glass after the storm, you’re not getting it fixed for weeks. In the meantime, you’ve got plywood up, you’re losing energy efficiency, and if it’s commercial, you may be losing business.
Pre-storm repairs aren’t just about preventing damage — they’re about staying off the post-storm waiting list.
Don’t Wait for a Cone
Every year, the same pattern: we don’t hear from a customer all summer, then a storm enters the Gulf, and they call us in a panic on Friday night. By Sunday, the storm is offshore. By Monday, everyone in the metro has been turned away.
The customers who get taken care of are the ones who handled their glass in June or July, on a calm sunny day, with no stress and standard pricing. Be that customer.
Ready to Get Started?
Star Glass Inc. serves Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and the greater New Orleans metro. Reach us any way that works best for you:
Call or text: (504) 368-8826 Email: glass@starglass.com
Visit us: 1000 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053