Everything You Need to Know About Hurricane Shutters
Posted: June 28th, 2022
Don’t Overlook the Importance of Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane season comes around from June 1 through November 30 each year. While this season that lasts almost half the year is observed throughout the rest of the country, it’s of particular importance to Florida residents and people who live along the East and Gulf Coasts. Our region is among the most frequently affected by tropical storms and hurricanes each year and as many of us have learned over time, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Recently, NOAA predicted that this year will have above-average hurricane activity over the Atlantic ocean, and we already witnessed the formation of Tropical Storm Alex near South Florida. While Central Florida has been mostly spared from the worst of the storms for the last few years, there’s no guarantee that the trend will continue, and hurricane damage can come from even minor stores. Basically, we recommend taking hurricane season seriously!
One of the components of hurricane preparedness that homeowners seem to debate about the most are hurricane shutters. Are they worth it? When do you need to put them up? What materials can you use for your shutters? We’re here today to help educate you on everything you need to know about hurricane shutters.
Are Hurricane Shutters Worth It?
Complete hurricane shutter systems can come with a hefty price tag depending on the style of shutters you choose and how many doors and windows you need to protect. Many homeowners decline getting shutters to help save a little money in the short term. However, neglecting to install adequate shutter systems on your home can leave you vulnerable to debris that turns into projectiles in storm-force winds. Additionally, should we be in the path of a major hurricane in upcoming years, the sheer force of high wind speeds can shatter windows without the presence of projectiles.
A good hurricane shutter system is a great investment for any home in Central Florida for a number of reasons. First of all, at the peak of hurricane season, several hurricanes can form, change direction, and change intensity all at once. Having a system you can rely on at a moment’s notice and through several different storms is crucial for your safety, your family’s safety, and the integrity of your home.
Additionally, many homeowners insurance companies offer great discounts for hurricane shutters and other approved hurricane mitigation structures. Experts note that a whole home hurricane shutter system can take 8% to 10% off your home insurance premium on average, making that initial investment highly worth it.
Bottom line: hurricane shutters are worth it for every home in Central Florida.
What Styles and Materials Should I Look For?
We want to make one point clear: plywood does not count as approved storm shutters. Plywood simply cannot stand up to storm-force winds the way approved materials and shutter styles can. If plywood is stored for a long time or gets repeated exposure to moisture, it is likely to rot and weaken to the point where it can become a projectile itself. Furthermore, if you use screws or nails to attach plywood to your window frames, you’re further damaging the integrity of the panels. The good news is that professional hurricane shutter companies (like the ones on our preferred vendors list) will set you up with something much better.
There are several different styles of shutters you can choose from, some of which can even enhance the appearance of your home. Some are permanently present on your home and look like traditional shutters; to protect your home in a storm, simply roll them down or slide them across the track. For shutters like these, you don’t need to worry about taking them down and storing them and they’ll be ready for deployment at a moment’s notice.
Other shutters that you can remove and store until you need them are often more affordable options. Panels are typically made of aluminum or clear thermoplastic Lexan shutters that allow light in your home. Your choice depends on your budget and your appearance preferences.
When Should I Put Up My Hurricane Shutters?
If you’ve been through hurricanes before, you know that the storm watch comes before the storm warning. According to the State of Florida, a hurricane watch indicates that tropical storm-force winds will be present in the area within 48 hours, whereas a hurricane warning means that storm winds will arrive in about 36 hours. The National Hurricane Center recommends putting up your shutters when a hurricane watch is issued for your area. Trying to put up your shutters when winds are arriving in your area presents a great safety risk for the installer. Putting your shutters up during a hurricane watch will give you enough time to double check that they’re secure and to make sure you and your family are as protected as possible.
Finding the Right Hurricane Shutter Company
When it comes to items like storm shutters that can help protect you and your family during a hurricane, you want the best quality product and installation available. Before you choose your shutter manufacturing and installation company, take a look at their online reviews and seek out reviews from your friends, family, and neighbors. Our Preferred Vendors list is a great place to start when you’re ready to purchase them. To learn more about hurricane preparedness and your home, browse our blog or give us a call at 321-750-7050 today.