From Port Charlotte to Naples, hurricane shutters are your home's first line of defense against wind and rains that can damage your house during a major Southwest Florida storm. But they can't work properly if they're not maintained on a regular basis.
You can extend the life of your hurricane shutters with good maintenance. To see what you'll be working toward, watch our video to see how smoothly your accordion shutters should operate. Here are some tips to keep your hurricane shutters in top working order, and keep your home protected.
All Types of Hurricane Shutters Should Be Inspected Annually
At least once every year, preferably before hurricane season even starts, you should have your hurricane shutters inspected and serviced. That gives you the chance to make sure everything is in excellent working order. It also helps you to be prepared and not left with broken hurricane shutters right when you need them most.
Hiring a Professional Saves Time and Trouble
A professional inspection will find any motors or cranks that don't work and check for dents, along with missing or broken slats. It's possible to do this yourself, but if you don't have the time or knowledge, count on Storm Solutions for a thorough inspection.
Fix Any Problems, Such as Broken Motors or Broken Slats
If you find problems during an inspection, don't put off fixing them. If the motor or crank that powers your roll down shutters is broken, for example, have it replaced right away.
You might also want to take that opportunity to upgrade your motors. You can even include a remote sensor or switch, to make preparing for a storm easier!
Repair May Be Your Best Option
You don't want to make DIY hurricane shutters, and you may not want to try DIY repairs, either. If you have broken, bent, dented, or cracked hurricane shutters, get them fixed before the next storm blows into town. In many cases, a repair is possible, depending on the types of hurricane shutters you have and the kind of damage to them. Repairing, rather than replacing, may save you money, so ask if it's an option.
Sometimes, Replacement is Required
If a shutter is broken beyond repair, don't ignore it! If it's in the off-season, you may be able to wait a bit if your budget is tight. But if hurricane season is right around the corner, it's crucial that you replace any damaged shutters to prevent property damage. Putting it off could mean bigger problems down the line.
Understand the Types of Hurricane Shutters
If your hurricane shutters can't be repaired, choosing new shutters can be the right option. But which ones should you pick? Storm Solutions can help. Consider the benefits of the different hurricane shutters and why you would want to install each one.
Roll Down Shutters
Roll down hurricane shutters are some of the easiest to use. They are available in hand-crank and motorized options. When a storm is coming, you simply roll them down, and they cover your windows and protect your property from flying debris. These are a relatively cost-effective option, especially in a hand-crank model, which makes them a popular choice for homeowners.
Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters fold out from the sides to meet in the middle and protect your windows. Sure, you could put up plywood, but DIY hurricane shutters aren't a good option when you're trying to keep your home safe from harm. These durable, cost-effective shutter options are a good choice for many homeowners who want convenience and security.
Bahama Shutters
Bahama shutters fold down and lock in place when a storm is coming and are generally easy to use. But they can be heavy, and they typically cost more than some other types of hurricane shutters. When not in use, they stay propped open and help take some of the Southwest Florida sun load off your windows, as well.
DIY Hurricane Shutter Maintenance
While it's generally a good idea to have your hurricane shutters professionally inspected and repaired, there are also some maintenance steps you can take on your own. These include:
- Visually inspecting tracks and permanently installed shutters, at least a couple times per year.
- Removing any leaves or debris in the track and from behind the shutters.
- Cleaning the shutters you can safely reach, using warm water and a mild detergent.
- Opening and closing your hurricane shutters at least every six months to make sure everything is working properly. This could alert you to a problem before storm season hits.
- If advisable from the hurricane shutter manufacturer, lightly spraying tracks and hinges with a clear silicone lubricant can also be part of the maintenance of your hurricane shutters.
Don't Wait Until a Storm is on the Horizon
It's important to make sure your hurricane shutters are in tip-top shape before a storm threatens. With regular maintenance and inspections, keeping your hurricane shutters in excellent condition is easy and will give you invaluable peace of mind.
Getting the Right Help Makes All the Difference
If you need an inspection or repair of your hurricane shutters, call Storm Solutions at (239) 288-2807. We proudly serve all of Charlotte, Lee, and Collier counties, from Port Charlotte to Naples. We'll be happy to discuss your repair options or even suggest other types of hurricane shutters or impact windows to better protect your home.
To receive a free estimate for new impact windows or hurricane shutters, fill out our contact form, and we will call you to schedule an in-home consultation. We're here to help keep you safe in your home, during hurricane season, and beyond.
