Every year, there are millions of people that invest in a new home, make updates to their current residence, and who are looking at incorporating hurricane/storm shutters to their houses. They are a great investment to those families that live in hurricane-prone areas or just want the added safety benefit of having them. They can be the difference of having a safe home to come home to instead of a home that has been obliterated from a catastrophic hurricane. Hurricane shutters are available as: storm panels, accordions, colonials, Bahamas, and roll-downs.
All of our Hurricane Shutters are Miami-Dade Approved Products!
Storm panels are the most popular type out of all of the shutters that are available. For homeowners that choose to install these type of shutters, they will need to also install metal tracks that will hold the sheets of steel, corrugated aluminum, or clear lexan in place along the window. The storm panel type are created in a corrugated style so that the pieces can overlap one another, creating an even stronger resistance to the hurricane-force winds. Since there are different storm panel shutters that are available for installation, it is up to the home owner on which style they would prefer.
One style of the storm panel shutters are inserted to the top tract, while the bottom of the panel is fastened to the bottom tract, which lies underneath the window. It is important to cover the entire window so that there are very little gaps, if any, that the hurricane's winds can get into and blow the shutters off of the windows. There are two other versions of the storm panels as well: the panels that must be installed on tracks that are permanently set into the walls of the home, and the other are shutters that must be aligned with bolts, quite similar to hanging up a shower curtain.
Many people like to purchase the storm panel hurricane shutters because they are the most inexpensive out of all of the shutters. They can also be disassembled once the hurricane has passed, which does not leave the shutters on the house permanently. They are also quite durable, which is what many homeowners are looking for. On the downside, storm panel shutters often have sharp and jagged edges, are cumbersome to maneuver, and some types are too heavy for only one individual to install. Although there may be more cons to pros, the storm panel hurricane shutters are the most popular out of all of the types available on the market.
Another form of hurricane shutters are accordion style. Just as the name would suggest, the accordion style opens and shuts just as an accordion would. They are stored on tracks that are permanently placed into a home, and fold like an accordion on either side of the windows for storage. Many home owners like the accordion hurricane style, as it can offer some of the maximum protection from a hurricane's strong and gusty winds. Also, many home owners like to have the accordion style installed on their homes so that they do not have to worry about trying to apply the other styles when there is a storm that is fast approaching. The cons of having accordion shutters are that the shutters can look aesthetically unappealing on a home, and it is set permanently. Also, accordion shutters run on wheels at the bottom of the tracks. To ensure proper operation during a storm, all shutters should be tested and maintained by a professional on an annual basis.
Colonial shutters are another form of shutter protection that can be placed on a house in the hopes of warding off severe damage to a home. These shutters are created in a horizontal, slat-like fashion, quite similar to the old colonial style of window shadings. There are two pieces that latch together in the middle of the window, thus covering the window as protection against the storm. Although colonial shutters are still in use, they are not as popular as the other shutters. They are fastened to the house permanently, which can be a huge time saver in the event of an emergency and fast preparedness is needed. Many single home owners like this type of shutters, because only one person is needed to operate and install them for use. They also come in various ornamental styles, which can appease the homeowners. However, older, and some newer, versions of the colonial hurricane shutters must be adhered together with a rod that is centrally placed on the window. This can make for a much longer time for readiness for the hurricane - time that can be used for other preparations.
The Bahama shutters are almost exactly like the colonial style, except they come in one piece instead of two. They are installed as permanent fixtures on the home and come in various decorative styles. Some homeowners will not work with the Bahama style, as they feel that they are not effective enough as alternate versions. They are not designed to be as rugged and sturdy as the older models and their counterparts, which worries many homeowners.
Roll-down shutters are perhaps the best liked of the shutter systems, although it is also the most expensive. This style can be engaged for window protection manually, or at the push of a button. These shutter systems are installed at the top of the windows, and there is a permanent metal receptacle that houses the shutters. Once activated, the roll-down shutters will drop from their hoods to cover the windows. This is the best feature of the shutters, as it is easy on those that live on their own, or who may have a difficult time installing shutters by themselves.
Protecting one's home is the most important goal when selecting hurricane/storm protection. It is important to know which ones work well with the homeowner's budget, as well as, if they want to invest in long-term shutters. Above all, selecting shutters that will be for the betterment of one's safety is the best purchase to make.
Tony & Jim (the Weather Channel) at Topsail Island:
Hurricane Preparedness Tips:
Hurricane Checklist:
Hurricane/Storm Preparedness:As we all know, hurricanes and tropical storms can be devastating to our homes, our families and our lives.
Properly preparing for such an event can help to reduce the risks you and your family might face.
For this reason, we are providing some helpful tips, links to important information/videos and other hurricane/tropical storm related topics below:
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