Living in a hurricane-prone area means you have to take steps to protect your home. Choosing the right hurricane shutters is one of those steps.
1. Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are folded up vertically just like an accordion. When they aren't in use, they fold into a tight strip that is stowed in a box along each side of the window frame. The shutter material is typically metal or sturdy polycarbonate, both materials that can withstand high winds and blowing debris. Installation is simple and cost effective, and the shutters can be deployed quickly if a storm approaches. The main drawback of accordion shutters is that the storage boxes may not look nice on every style of home.
2. Roll Down Shutters
Roll down shutters are made of metal or polycarbonate slats that roll down, similar to a rolling overhead garage door. These shutters are also permanently installed and stored in a box when not in use, but the box is above the window, so you may be able to hide it with an awning or overhanging eave design. One major benefit of roll down shutters is that there are automatic types on the market. These can be deployed by the push of a button or even a phone app, which means you can secure your home even if you are out of town.
3. Hinged Shutters
There are two main types of hinged shutters. The first is hinged along the top. There are pneumatic arms on the bottom that allow you to swing the shutter up and open to allow air and some light into the house. The shutters also have louvered slats that can be tilted open for more light, but the main drawback is they do obstruct the window somewhat and reduce light. The other type looks more like traditional shutters with hinges along the side. They can be swung open completely so that the windows are unobstructed, and many are designed to look decorative when they aren't in use.
4. Panel Shutters
Panel style shutters are the least expensive option, but they have the fewest features. They are made of the same sturdy materials as the other types of shutters, but they aren't permanently affixed to the home. This means you have to manually put them up ahead of a storm and take them down afterward. Plus, you will need a place to store them when the shutters aren't in use.
Contact a hurricane shutter dealer or installation service to learn which options will work best for your home and climate.
Share29 December 2020
My sweet spouse and I are building a new master bedroom onto our small home. I’m so excited about this fun, renovation project. I’ve already started shopping for beautiful furniture to fill this bedroom with. Are you currently searching for the perfect pieces of furniture to put in a new bedroom? If your bedroom contains a large closet, you might not need to buy a dresser. Instead, you may want to invest in a large bed complete with a decorative headboard and a footboard. You may also wish to look for a gorgeous chaise lounge to relax in while you read books at nighttime. On this blog, I hope you will discover valuable tips to help you buy pieces of furniture you’ll cherish for many years to come. Enjoy!
