Hurricane shutters protect your home’s windows and doors from flying debris during extreme hurricane conditions. They also stop the pressure inside your house if one window breaks. The options range from plywood cut to fit each window and door to permanent clam shell, accordion, or Bahama shutters. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best type of storm protection for your home.
Maintenance
Unlike plywood, which can tear and rip a window frame, hurricane shutters are a permanent solution for protecting windows from high winds and flying debris. But just like other home protection products, they require regular maintenance. Roll-down hurricane shutters should be cleaned, inspected and lubricated every year. This procedure should involve a thorough cleaning to get rid of any dirt or debris that could make them stick, as well as lubricating the tracks and screws to make them easier to use in the event of a storm. Other shutter types, such as accordion shutters, Bahama shutters and colonial shutters, can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sprayed with a non-toxic cleaner. They should also be lubricated to prevent sticking and the build-up of salt and insects. Regardless of the type of shutter you choose, putting them up before the National Hurricane Center issues a hurricane watch or warning for your area is best. It allows you to test their functionality and ensure they fit your window frames properly.
Style
Hurricane windows shutters are a must-have for homeowners living in hurricane-prone areas. They protect doors and windows from high winds, rain, and flying debris. They come in various styles and materials to fit any home, budget, and aesthetic. But how do you choose the right hurricane shutters for your home? One option is to buy accordion shutters. This one- or two-piece shutters are housed beside the window and unfold accordion-style to cover and protect windows during a storm. They’re easy to make storm-ready and can be secured with locks, acting as a theft deterrent.
Another option is to purchase impact windows, which look like regular windows but are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris. They’re also easier to install than traditional shutters and can be installed in any home. They can even save you money on your insurance premiums. However, it’s best to get them installed before hurricane season starts.
Cost
While hurricane shutters can protect windows during storms, they aren’t a good option for every home. They are not the best for older homes with poorly made windows. Other options include impact-resistant windows. These have a layer of polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate that can withstand the force of debris without breaking and shattering into your home. These are less expensive than hurricane shutters and may offer better visibility.
Another affordable option is plywood panels. These must be cut to fit the window and should overlap the glass by four inches all the way around. They also must be stored in a dry location to avoid warping from heat and moisture over time. For the most effective protection, homeowners should consider shutters that meet FEMA ICC 500 standards. It will help them receive a discount on their homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Installation
Protecting your windows is critical to preventing serious damage if you live in an area that experiences hurricanes or other high-velocity storms. Hurricane shutters are a first line of defense, and they can help protect the contents of your home and people and pets. The least expensive way to protect your windows is by installing plywood shutters. These should be cut to the window frame, installed before hurricane season, marked for each window they are made for, and stored in a dry place.
There are also accordion shutters, which stack next to the window when not in use and open up accordion-like to provide coverage and protection during a storm. One person can easily assemble them, and they don’t require a housing unit that needs to be stored. They may look bulky and out of place on some homes, though. Another option is impact-resistant windows, which look like ordinary windows and meet International Building Code standards for High-Velocity Hurricane Zones.
