If you've lived in Southwest Florida during hurricane season, you know how important it is to protect your home during a storm.
In order to be fully prepared for hurricane season, you need to protect your home with a solution that meets the current Florida Building and Dade County codes. Hurricane shutters are the most common type of hurricane protection due to their versatility, strength, and affordability.
Even with that knowledge, you may still have questions about which hurricane protection is best for your home.
Here are the four most common types of hurricane shutters to help you find the right fit:
1. Roll Down Shutters
Roll down shutters are permanently installed and can be used throughout the year for hurricane protection, added security, shade, and noise reduction. They offer numerous benefits that go beyond standard protection from debris that the wind could toss against your windows during a hurricane. These shutters can be rolled into any position you want, and they provide great ventilation when they're not closed all the way.
Roll down shutters can be put on windows, doors, and patio/lanai openings, as well, so they're more versatile than some other options. They can be controlled from the inside or outside of your home, using a hand crank or an electric motor.
2. Accordion Shutters
Much like roll down shutters, accordion hurricane shutters are also permanently installed to your home. Accordion shutters roll across a track, making them simple and convenient to use when a storm is coming.
To protect your home from a hurricane, all you need to do is pull the two sides of your accordion hurricane shutters together, snap them into place, and then lock the shutters — making it one of the fastest and least stressful ways to protect your home in a matter of minutes.
When not in use, accordion shutters can fold back to the sides of the window, where they'll be ready for the next storm.
3. Storm Panels
Unlike roll down shutters and accordion hurricane shutters, storm panels are not permanently installed; they must be manually put up before a storm. Storm panel hurricane shutters are available in steel, aluminum, or clear options. The steel panel is the least expensive hurricane shutter that meets both Florida Building and Dade County codes. The clear storm panels are the most popular panel because they allow you to see outside during a storm.
Storm panel hurricane shutters can also be arched to match your window's structure, meaning your entire window will be protected from wind, rain, and debris during a hurricane. Many people take down the panels after a storm and put them in storage until they need them again. They're one of the more labor-intensive types of hurricane shutters, but they're a great option for people who don't want their hurricane protection solution attached to their house all the time.
4. Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters are permanently mounted above each window opening, at a 45-degree angle. Bahama hurricane shutters enhance your home's design while allowing you to see through the slats. They offer permanent protection from the sun, as well as storm protection. Bahama shutters are typically manufactured from heavy, extruded aluminum.
This is a durable solution, but they're also generally the most costly when it comes to types of hurricane shutters. People often choose these hurricane shutters, because they add an attractive, decorative look to the home, in addition to providing good hurricane protection.
Impact Glass vs. Hurricane Shutters
When it comes to the different types of hurricane shutters, choosing the right one for your needs can be difficult. You have a number of other options for hurricane protection, as well, such as impact glass.
When it comes to choosing between the two, you should consider each of these options and choose the best one for your home and budget. A number of people choose a type of hurricane shutter because it's a significantly lower investment.
While you may see a better return on investment with impact glass when it comes to the value of your home, the upfront cost will be much higher. Hurricane shutters of all types are a very viable way to have affordable, quality hurricane protection, before the next storm hits.
Installation Matters, With Any Hurricane Shutters
The right hurricane protection solution for you depends largely on what you're looking for and your budget.
Regardless of which type of hurricane shutter you choose, it's important that you have them properly installed by a professional. Each manufacturer has its own specifications and methods, so it’s important to have your hurricane protection installed by a professional who has the necessary tools and experience to install your hurricane shutters the right way.
Still unsure which is the best type of hurricane shutters for your needs? Contact Storm Solutions today and get a free estimate!
