Hurricane windows are designed to protect the feature of your home that is the most vulnerable during a storm: your windows. The high winds of hurricanes hurl objects through the windows. This breaks the window and builds pressure up in the house that can break the rest of the windows and blow the roof off.


To prevent this from happening to your home, you need to take protective measures. Hurricane window protection can offer some of this protection. When choosing hurricane window protection, you need to think about how the product will be installed.


Will you need to hire a contractor, or is this a project that you can do? What is the cost involved in installing hurricane windows? Obviously, you can reduce that cost if you do the installation yourself. If you do not have hurricane windows, what are you going to do to protect your home? Can you quickly get ready for a storm if you have to hang shutters? If your windows are protected, you also have to think about protecting doors, including garage doors. There are different shutters for hurricane window protection. Accordion shutters, which come in one or two pieces, are permanently attached the the house, just outside of the windows. They do not have to be hung if a storm is approaching, you just have to fold them in over the windows.

They are the easiest to use for one person, and can be locked. Bahama Shutters are attached to the house above the window. They also stay in place all the time and are propped open when not needed for protection. They provide shade from the sun when they are in this position. If a storm threatens, they are lowered and secured to the wall beneath the window. This is also an easy, one-man job. Roll Down Shutters are rolled up in a box which is fixed to the wall above the window. When needed, you push a button to lower them, then they are locked in place. This is an expensive solution but offer the most protection of any shutter system.

However, some peope do not like they way look on a house, and you have to make sure the motor is in good working order with a backup battery system. Having the system is useless if you cannot lower the shutters when you most need to, and if electricity is lost, as often happens in a storm, they will not work without batteries. Storm Panels are aluminum or steel panels that are attached to the outside of the window on tracks. These need to be put in place as a storm approaches. The panels slide into place in the tracks, overlapping one another. This a difficult system to operate alone. Windows made of hurrican glass are made of impact resistant glass. This is a new product that is being used more and more in new construction in hurricane zones. The windows are always in place, so no additional work is involved. They can also be installed in existing homes, but they can be expensive.

They must be installed professionally in order to make sure they will protect properly. These kinds of new hurricane windows do meet the proper codes in Florida for hurricane protection.

Wednesday, 24 December 2008

Secure Your Home With Hurricane Shutters

Depending on where you live, you might want to consider purchasing hurricane shutters for your home or business. Originally designed to protect buildings from hurricane damage, these shutters are now used throughout the country. You do not have to live in hurricane zones to use hurricane shutters. Many homeowners and businesses use hurricane shutters as a general security measure.

If you do live in a hurricane zone, you should definitely install hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters protect your home from extreme damaging winds. These winds throw debris against your house at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour. In particular, you want to prevent window breakage. Your goal is to keep the wind outside. If high winds get inside your home or business, it becomes trapped. In reality, the pressure from wind continues to build as it stays in a structure. This can literally cause the winds to blow your house or business apart.

Tornadoes also create high wind environments that cause damage to homes. If you live in states that experience tornadoes or other extreme high-wind weather, invest in hurricane shutters. Protecting your home is worth the investment. If windows are broken during storms, you are likely to have water damage to rooms. This is expensive and time consuming to repair. More importantly, damage to irreplaceable family heirlooms and other invaluable items is not always reparable.


You can protect your home or business from threats other than weather-related ones with clear hurricane shutters. If you live in a high crime area, hurricane shutters add additional security to your home and business. This is particularly true if you have been the victim of a crime. Even if you do not live in a high crime neighborhood, the sense of security is immeasurable. This is particularly true for individuals living alone. Investing in hurricane shutters helps ensure your protection and security.


You can purchase attractive clear hurricane shutters that do not compromise the architectural integrity of your home or business facility. Because they are clear, these hurricane shutters can be used on any structure. They provide the added security measure you need for yourself, your family, and your business.

Bahama Shutters are popular storm shutter that evokes images of exotic locations and cool design. However, beyond this dream image sequence, you will find their design offers one of the best options in hurricane window protection. Here, we take a look at some of its advantages and why it should be a part of your hurricane preparation list.


1. Offer great shade, insulation and hurricane protection.

These gems are great for offering multiple uses. Not only is it good at providing solid hurricane window protection, it also gives excellent window shade and insulation. For those looking for ways to cut down on energy costs, this could be just the answer you are looking for.


2. Present some theft deterrent benefits.

Bahama Shutters also close durably offering an extra layer of protection between your belongings and any would be burglars. This is great peace of mind as one of the problems during hurricane evacuations is the risk of looters. Knowing your home has an additional set of protection can be invaluable.


3. Unique style that provides something extra to the home décor.

There is no question that these shutters make a statement that stands out. Many people have come away impressed with their simple functionality and are attracted to their novel design. Perhaps it is merely the fact that they are a little different that causes them to have such a draw.


4. Newer models are getting better at offering increased light and ventilation.

One of the problems in the past was that these were not the best at offering light and ventilation into the room. To address this issue, newer models have been designed by making sure they get more light in. The result has been a greater interest in these over other folding shutters.

With this many advantages, it is easy to see why Bahama shutters are making a comeback. If you have not considered them for hurricane window protection, we strongly suggest you give them another look.

For more information on the Bahama Shutters. Also, try visiting http://www.storm-shutters.net to get some solid tips on different hurricane shutters and impact windows.

The most vulnerable part of your home during a hurricane are your windows for very obvious reasons. The high winds from these storms project all sorts of debris into the air, which very often can lead to a broken window in your home. When this happens, the next likely thing to happen is a window being blown out on the other side of the house, or worse yet, the entire roof blowing right off your home.

The best way to prevent this from happening is to be sure that you have hurricane window protection. And, fortunately there is a window created just for that, called fittingly a Hurricane Window.

At first it may be a bit daunting and confusing trying to figure out what the best window protection for you is when it comes to hurricane protection, so were going to give it a quick run down for you.

These are some of the things to consider when choosing protection for your home's windows.

First, you'll want to look at how easy it is to install the product. You'll want to ask yourself, can I do it myself or am I going to have to hire someone to do it?

Next is always the cost factor. One thing to remember is that doing it yourself will bring the cost down substantially since you won't be paying for labor.

Now, something to consider is how hard or easy it will be to get your home prepared for the storm. For instance when dealing with shutters, will they be a fixed item to your home, or will you have to hang them when news of a storm hits.

And last, which areas are you going to have to protect? Usually windows, doors, and garage doors are the essential items.

If you're choosing shutters for Hurricane Window Protection here are some of the different types.

Accordion Shutters

This type of shutter comes in one or two pieces depending on the type. These are permanently attached so no off and on business necessary. They unfold, much like an accordion, to cover your window, and lock with a key. This is a low fuss choice for sure.

Bahama Shutters

These will attach above your window and will be propped open when you're not using them. This adds the nice side benefit of giving your home shade from the suns rays. Just lower these shades, and lock them down to the wall when needed. Easy as well.

Roll Down Shutters

These are attached above the windows being fastened to the wall. When not in use, they're stored in a closed box. When you need them, you'll simply push a button and they will lower, and then lock in place. Though a bit more expensive these will provide you with great protection. You'll want to be sure to find a system with a battery pack, so that in case of a power failure they can still be opened.

Storm Panels

These shutters run on tracks that attach to the window. They're made of either steel or aluminum. These will have to be installed when news of the storm hits, and will probably need help sliding them in the tracks and bolting them down.

Nowadays there is special glass made for hurricane protection, which is now super popular for new homes being constructed in hurricane zones. This is nice because no extra work is needed, being that the windows are always there. This type of glass can also be used for sliding glass doors.

The glass on these windows is double paned and contains between the panes a protection slip that will hold up to high winds and debris in the event that the glass is shattered.

This is a job for professional if these windows aren't already installed on your home, since if they aren't put in correctly, your home will still be vulnerable.

Rolling hurricane shutters are the most popular and convenient type of hurricane storm shutter on the market. The reason for its success is mainly do to the fact that they are not noticeable unless you have them closed.

Another benefit of rolling storm shutters is the ability to be installed on just about any building, regardless of the way you want it setup.

To open or close rolling shutters, you can have an electric motor, hand operated crankshaft or a pull tape system.

Roll down hurricane shutters can be closed or opened from inside or outside, whichever you prefer.

If you wanted to get the best use out of the system, your rolling shutters can have a central control system which will open and close them automatically on a schedule, when winds get to high or at the flick of a switch when you want them to.

The way rolling hurricane shutters work, is with a series of slats that roll up into a housing case for compact storage. When opening or closing the slats, they slide on a track at both sides.

The tracks and hood are the only parts that take up space, so usually 3 inches of space is needed for the tracks, and six to twelve inches for the hood at top.

Some Considerations When Buying

If you are still in the building process of a home or business that you need roll down hurricane shutters for, you can have them built in right along with the windows and doors so there will be no large part visible to the naked eye.

You should also consider the impact ability of your windows, because you might be able to just get some impact glass to protect them depending on the severity of storms at the location.

Another important reminder about rolling hurricane shutters is the fact that you can not have any custom shapes likes angles or arches for certain situations.

You need to also consider obstructions like exterior lights or other things that might get in the way of the installation.

Overall, you need to remember that rolling hurricane shutters have the highest initial cost, but provide the best protection available on the market.

Saturday, 6 December 2008

Things to Do for Hurricane Protection

For the millions of people that live along the United States' southern and eastern coast defenses, protecting your home from hurricanes is awfully important. One stalwart storm can disappear your home devastated in a theme of hours. If you live along America's tornado-prone coastlines, home gale protection is one sphere of investment you can't afford to discount. Nevertheless where do you create? The following homeowner's to do catalog covers five steps to take before a storm hits to make solid your home is protected.

1. Secure your windows

The enormous mass of all high coil caused cyclone harm speeds. High winds collect up debris and fling it hasty at incredible speeds. All it takes is one good sized hierarchy turn to hit your interface in just the right pimple, and now your home has been breached. Shattering flute from porthole breaks also poses a genuine danger, particularly if you are inside the home during the storm. Hurricane shutters are one of the best investments you can make to guard your windows. Look for shutters that have usual Dade County Product Approval, which is the utmost flag in the industry for tempest protection yield. For an excluding pricey decision, ponder making your own shutters with 5/8" thick plywood.

2. Secure the garage door

This is particularly important if you have a home with a close garage. The garage door is a weak argument in most homes, and it can be easily blown in by typhoon quickness winds. When the garage door is blown in and the curve stress fills your home, it only take a small time for the windows and doors to puff in, too. In the nastiest instance, the roof follows match. Some garage doors are advertised as tornado-strong, but they can be costly. Securing your garage door doesn't have to be an expensive pitch! Consider boarding your garage door done plywood, or using 2x4's to brace it from the inside.

3. Install cyclone straps

Galvanized metal storm straps are used to secure the roof trusses to block jewelry. If your house a new home, be convinced the builder uses tempest straps, as this is one of the best (and most outlay effectual) ways to make assured the roof doesn't clout off your home during a tempest. Note: It is probable to ensconce tempest straps on an unfilled home, but you may essential to hire a contractor to do the job.

4. Eliminate possible projectiles

When you know a storm entrance, move all around your home and yard, and respect objects that could potentially be selected up by the breeze and crooked into fleeting projectiles. Yard and garden jumble, birdbaths, grills, yard furniture, potted plants, and children's toys are all things to be open or brought within.

5. Trim your foliage

Keeping your foliage in good profile is an important move in making really the limbs won't come down on your house during a gale. First, lower any large branches that sling over your house. Second, delicate the tree's branches out so it won't drawback too much wind in a storm and become uprooted. Finally, ponder removing grass that wiry near a house or authority position, leaves that are ailing, or that have rotted and/or cracked trunks. These trees are a hazard and should be full out by you, so that they're not full out by a storm.

With a little time and forethought, you can decrease, and hopefully preclude, the womanhood of tempest dent to your home.

Hurricane shutters come in a number of different varieties. However, not all of them are the same. Since storm shutters are very important towards insuring your home is safe, we have put together a list of tips you should consider in your purchase and installation:

1. If new to installing hurricane shutters, install them once prior to "need".

This will help reduce the risk of installing them incorrectly and insure your home is protected better. Since hurricane winds can easily reach an excess of 100 mph, it is a good idea to do a test run prior to their actual use. This will ensure that y

2. Shutters should be attached to the actual home rather than frames or windows.

This will give them more stability and make them less likely to come off with strong winds. In addition, it will not weaken the structural strength of the windows, doors, or frames.

3. Any metal screws or anchors should have corrosive resistant elements to them.

This will help them last for the long-haul and make it easier for you take down these shutters in the off-season.

4. If you can, avoid going for plywood shutters.

Plywood shutters are the cheapest, but also offer the least protection against wind and debris. In addition, they are one of the most labor intensive to put up and take down. Since one serious risk of hurricane shutter installation is the increased opportunity of falls from ladders, it is a good idea to go with other types of storm shutters.

5. Storm Shutters should also be placed on garage doors.

This is often an overlooked area of hurricane preparations. However, garage doors should be secured to help ensure that strong winds and debris do not damage this area. This tip can go a long way towards ensuring you have better full home protection.

6. Beyond your purchase of shutters, secure all outside furniture and belongings.

This is important because in hurricane winds these materials can become flying projectiles. By keeping these items secured, you will help reduce the amount of debris your hurricane shutters must deal with.

7. Recognize for many types of shutters you will need to make a trade-off decision.

Many shutter types offer a certain level of protection; however, the main distinction between them is their decorative option and flexibility. Some types like storm panels can be taken down whereas others are designed to be affixed to the home year round. These would include options like Accordion or roll down shutters.

By keeping this information in mind, you should be able to find some quality hurricane shutters and get through the installation process much more easily.

Monday, 1 December 2008

Life Saving Hurricane Shutters

People who live in coastal communities are virtually forever wallop bang in the dictate lane of hurricanes. Residents are essentials to leave immediately and take shelter in advanced ground until the storm passes.

When the weatherman news the course of the typhoon and it's title your way, the only thing any homeowner can do board up the home. This is commonly done with coppice but there is a better way now to shield the house.

The best way to shield your home is by using wind shutters. These are piquant enough to protect the windows and even the doors from gale compel winds that could be hauling soaring garbage.

There are different types of whirlwind shutters existing in the advertise. There are the royally, Bahamas, accordion and turn down versions. These are all made from different types of data such as metal or covert.

The cheapest among all these is the vinyl style. Available in your resident DIY stores, the only drawback with these kinds of shutters is the longevity when compared to other types.

Those who want coppice should try Cedar since it has an inherent oil the termites and other bugs disgust as well as preventing dampness penetration.

Of course, there is forever aluminum that oxidize strong. It doesn't look like much from the external but this will operate its job when the storm rears its horrible control.

The letters of close to be preferred will very depend on the severity of prior hurricanes. The qualities can commerce a representative from one of these companies for an optical inspection and measurements to be made to be able to devise the right one for the home.

Contractors will regularly storm per foot so you should maybe look around, and associate the charge before deciding the one to get.

Hurricane shutters are easy to invest. They're generally screwed onto the top of the edge so the assure can be pulled down. This is much better than boarding up the home because the people who live there can holiday inside when waiting at an order about whether to empty or not.

In truth, those who know some vital carpentry skills can conserve some money by wholesale the supplies and edifice this at home.

It's always a good idea to get some friends or some members of the family to help to put the whirlwind close into status given the substance of this thing once it is copious assembled.

Generally, typhoon shutters are sited further of the home. Some people have even installed a moment one inside that is more decorative adding a slightly strange but nevertheless idiosyncratic upset to the home.

When the storm has accepted, the exterior covering can be detached and stored in the garage. This should be reserved in a secure and harmless place so it can be brought out again to protect the home against the next one, especially since more than 10 of these stitch hurricanes come every year.

Hurricane shutters don't look that nice from the past however this should not deter the being from getting one for the home. It may not protect the home utterly when the storm comes but at slightest this can degrade the outlay of repairs as assurance companies are unwilling to cough up!