Types of Hurricane Shutters
- Hurricane shutters provide important protection for homeowners in storm-prone areas. There are many different types of hurricane shutter systems available, and things to consider in choosing one include effectiveness, cost, the time and effort required to make them storm-ready, their appearance and the additional benefits they provide.
- Storm-panel shutters are corrugated shutters made of steel or aluminum. They attach to the walls around windows or doors on bolts or tracks. The overlapped pieces make them strong. Storm panels are the least-expensive permanent shutter system. They are also removable, so they do not affect the appearance of the house when not in use. However, they are difficult to handle and they may require more than one person to put up, according to the "South Florida Sun-Sentinel." They also do not offer the year-round energy conservation, security and privacy advantages of the other permanent shutter systems.
- Accordion hurricane shutters are one- or two-piece shutters that are unfolded accordion-style during a storm. Otherwise, they are housed beside the window or door. Accordion shutters do not have to be stored, and one person can set them up. They can, however, look unappealing on some houses and may break more easily than some other storm shutter systems, notes the "Sun Sentinel."
- Colonial hurricane shutters are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside the window and fold together for protection. Like accordion shutters, they stay beside the window and can be set up by one person. Unlike accordion shutters, they are also decorative. However, they can only be used for window protection, and some types need to be installed with a storm bar or center rod, which makes for lengthier installation, notes the "Sun Sentinel."
- Bahama hurricane shutters are one-piece louvered shutters that attach above the window. They prop open to provide shade and are lowered and secured to the wall for storm protection. They can be made storm-ready by a single person, but the permanent shade they provide can be considered an advantage or disadvantage. Like the colonial shutters, they can only protect windows. In the past, they have been weaker than other storm shutter systems, but the newest models afford good protection, according to the "Sun-Sentinel."
- Roll-down hurricane shutters attach above the window. They are lowered by a hand crank or push button and lock in place. They store in a box at the top of the exterior window when not in use and can be operated by one person. They are one of the best systems for protection, according to the "Sun-Sentinel," and also function as a theft deterrent. However, they are also the most expensive of the shutter systems, and the push-button type needs a battery back-up system in case of power outage.
- Plywood shutters are a cheap, do-it-yourself option for hurricane window protection, but they do not meet many state building codes. Plywood sheets should be at least five-eighths of an inch thick to protect against projectiles. Avoid last-minute purchase and preparation since installation is labor-intensive and materials get snatched up as storm season approaches.
Storm Panel
Accordion
Colonial
Bahama
Roll-Down
Plywood
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