Thursday 29 January 2009

Hurricane Shutters May Save Your Life

People who live in coastal communities are nearly always slap bang in the direct path of hurricanes. Residents are required to evacuate immediately and seek shelter in higher ground until the storm passes.

When the weatherman reports the direction of the hurricane and it's heading your way, the only thing any homeowner can do is board up the home. This is usually done using wood but there is a better way now to protect the house.

The best way to protect your home is by using hurricane shutters. These are strong enough to protect the windows and even the doors from gale force winds that could be carrying flying debris.

There are different types of hurricane shutters available in the market. There are the colonial, Bahamas, accordion and roll down versions. These are all made from different types of material such as metal or wood.

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

Those who want wood should try Cedar since it has a natural oil that termites and other bugs hate as well as preventing moisture penetration.

Of course, there is always aluminum that is rust resistant. It doesn't look like much from the outside but this will perform its job when the storm rears its ugly head.

The type of shutter to be chosen will really depend on the severity of previous hurricanes. The person can contact a representative from one of these companies for an ocular inspection and measurements to be made to be able to design the right one for the home.

Contractors will usually charge per foot so you should probably look around and compare the rates before deciding on the one to get.

Hurricane shutters are easy to install. They're usually screwed onto the top of the wall so the shutter can be pulled down. This is much better than boarding up the home because the people who live there can stay inside when waiting for an order about whether to evacuate or not.

In fact, those who know some basic carpentry skills can save some money by buying the materials and building this at home.

It's always a good idea to get some friends or some members of the family to help to put the hurricane shutter into position given the weight of this thing once it is fully assembled.

Generally, hurricane shutters are placed outside of the home. Some people have even installed a second one inside that is more decorative adding a slightly bizarre but nevertheless idiosyncratic touch to the home.

When the hurricane has passed, the exterior covering can be removed and stored in the garage. This should be kept in a secure and safe place so it can be brought out again to protect the home against the next one, especially since more than 10 of these darn hurricanes come every year.

Hurricane shutters don't look that nice from the outside however this should not deter the person from getting one for the home. It may not protect the home entirely when the storm comes but at least this can reduce the cost of repairs as insurance companies are unwilling to cough up!

Lately Mother Nature has been pummeling the earth with some devastating hurricanes? If you happen to live in one of the cities that are prone to these hurricanes, then you’ll want to look for ways to protect your home.

Here’s where hurricane shutters come into play. Adding hurricane shutters is a very simple do it yourself job that nearly anyone can tackle. You may not feel that you’re the person to do this job if you’re not confident in your home building handiness, but if you’ll keep reading you may be more committed to protecting your windows for your homes safety.

To begin with, hurricane shutters actually protect the glass in your windows from damage caused by flying debris.

Because of their vulnerability, your doors and windows are the most likely to get damaged during a hurricane. The reason for this is that they’re manufactured in a way that offers zero protection against this flying debris.

The huge gusts of winds from a hurricane can easily destroy your windows and doors. As well, just imagine a piece of debris flying though the window or door – for instance a piece of scrap metal or tree – this can cause a barrage of problems.

When this occurs, as the glass breaks, your home then becomes pressurized from the wind that is now blowing in. The problem has now created a new danger. The internal pressure of your home now starts to rise. The wind outside is now going to rush over the top of your home because of this internal pressure.

Now the pressure inside of your home will begin to rise, and the outside wind will mix together and create suction. This immense suction rips the roof off of your home. Because of the damage to the roof, the house becomes very susceptible to new structural damage.

If this doesn’t ignite a fuel in your soul to go out and get storm windows, I really don’t know what will? With proper protection, you’ll
increase the chance of your home surviving a hurricane.

Protecting your windows with storm windows – or hurricane shutters – ensures you and your families safety from hurricanes. Hopefully, you’ll use this new knowledge and include them in your current and future home building projects.

Linden Walhard's news can be encountered on a large number of web sites linked to storm windows. Recording his experience in detailed publications, the writer proofed his knowledge on news relating to hurricane shutters and storm windows.

If you live in an area which suffers from hurricanes every now and again, life can be pretty eventful and damage to your home is always a risk. However, there are ways in which you can hurricane proof your home and one of those ways includes purchasing and installing hurricane vinyl shutters.

What Are Hurricane Vinyl Shutters and How Can They Help?

Hurricane vinyl shutters are an excellent way of adding a little extra protection to your home. Vinyl shutters are actually cheaper than wooden shutters and they also last a lot longer too. The fact that they are stronger than wooden shutters means that they are definitely more suited to hurricane proof the home than wooden shutters are.

They help by protecting the wall around them and by mainly protecting the glass in your windows. So, when a hurricane does hit you will not have to worry about any damage to the windows and you can feel a lot safer in your home.

One of the great things about hurricane vinyl shutters is that they come in a variety of different styles in order to suit your individual taste and the style of your home. You can find them online and generally online is one of the best places to look for hurricane shutters as there will be literally hundreds of designs to choose from. Of course you can also find them local to you too but there may not be quite as much choice to choose from.

To find the perfect ones to suit your home, you need to first take in the theme of the home from the outside. Does it have a modern look or does it have a more contemporary one? Of course the main thing that you need to think about is that the shutters are designed to protect your home so generally it does not matter what they look like, just as long as they work.

The best thing about hurricane vinyl shutters is that they are not overly expensive. So, you can protect your home in an affordable way and they will also last for years. What more could you want for you and your home?

Overall it is better to measure the shutters before you purchase them otherwise you will be wasting money. So, measure all of the windows and write down the measurements then you will not have a problem when it comes to purchasing them. Shop around as much as possible to ensure that you get the cheapest prices for you and also ensure that you get them fitted properly too, that way they will be as secure as they can be.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on this subject for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com A website with tips on vinyl shutters, amongst many related topics.

Wednesday 14 January 2009

Hurricane Windows Are A Great Investment

Hurricane windows offer your family protection from a potentially dangerous situation if a high-grade hurricane ever comes to your town. They were developed after the 1992 Hurricane Andrew, which devastated South Florida. You can protect your home from debris and winds with hurricane windows. If you want the best in storm protection then you should upgrade to hurricane proof windows.

Reasons To Buy Hurricane Windows

Protecting your house from water damage or wind damage during a major storm is one of the best reasons to upgrade to hurricane windows, but there are other reasons as well. Broken windows cause major damage in and of themselves and when flying debris breaks a window, which can cause high-pressure air to come inside your house. This high-pressure air can then blow out more windows or even lift off your rooftop.

Many times people try to protect their homes with shutters or use plywood to board up their windows each and every year. You expend a lot of time and money by boarding up your home every time a storm approaches. You don’t need to waste time and money over and over when you install hurricane windows to protect you. You will be ready all the time and if you need to evacuate you can leave your home and focus on your personal safety.

You are also given extra protection from potential burglary when you use this kind of window. They are very difficult to break into because of the durability as well as their construction and attachment to your house. Many times you can even get a break on homeowner’s insurance if you have these kinds of windows. Ring your agent to see if you would be eligible for this type of discount.

You can also protect your family and property from UV rays with these windows. UV rays will fade your drapes and furniture. You will also experience less noise pollution as a result of these windows.

Durability of Hurricane Windows

Two layers of laminated glass are put together with a piece of plastic film that is in between the glass to create a hurricane window. Even if the glass shatters this plastic will stay there and keep rain and window from coming inside your house.

To make sure your hurricane windows are effective they go through impact tests to make sure they can withstand both a small or large impact. These are akin to debris hitting your window during a storm.

Your hurricane windows can hold out against winds of 130 mph, as well as any debris which may be traveling this fast. You can also buy a hurricane window for your skylights or your patio doors to make sure your entire house is made safe.

Professional installation is key for your protection with this product so make sure to hire the right hands!

Peter J. Mason regularly edits short articles on information like interior design and decorating. His comments on hurricane windows are found on http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/hurricane-windows.html

Saturday 10 January 2009

Storm Windows and Hurricane Shutters

Have you wondered why there are so many more hurricanes now than there were when we were kids? This seems to be a massive change in the weather conditions, and this change has dictated a need for storm windows and hurricane shutters to help protect your home from winds and weather. If you happen to live in a hurricane prone area, then you are sure to know the importance of adding hurricane shutters and storm windows in your home building plan. This can help to protect your investment from hurricanes and other severe weather. To learn more about hurricane shutters and storm windows for your home, read on.

You first need to completely understand how these hurricane shutters can work for you. These shutters help to protect the glass in your home, so that your home will not be opened up due to flying debris. Installing hurricane shutters can help to protect the inside of your home from wind, rain, and debris. Installation is simple and they simply close over your windows to help keep them secure from wind, rain, and debris that may be flying around due to the high winds and severe weather.

When a hurricane occurs, the doors and windows of your home are the areas that are most likely to open up your home to damage. These openings to the home are not strong enough to protect your home during a hurricane or severe weather. These openings into your home are very susceptible to severe wind and flying debris during a hurricane, which is why it is important to protect these areas in order to keep your home safe. The glass in windows and the design of doors makes it difficult to keep the home secure during severe weather without storm windows and hurricane shutters.

When glass breaks in your home due to things flying around, the house quickly becomes pressurized. This causes an increase in pressure and this pressure and the wind outside begins to create a suction, which rips off the roof of your home and causes further damage. If your roof is ripped off, then your home is more likely to suffer tremendous damage. In most cases, the structure will collapse, causing the home to be completely destroyed.

After learning about all of this, you are probably considering getting hurricane shutters, especially if you live in a hurricane prone area. If you can protect the vulnerable areas of your doors and window, you can help to protect your home from severe weather. This can help to protect a substantial investment that you have made in your home. Your home depends upon the installation of your hurricane shutters and your life may depend upon it as well. Purchasing these hurricane shutters before you are faced with bad weather can give you the additional protection that your home needs to withstand the storm, which will be well worth the investment in them. Home building with protection in mind can help protect this very big investment-your home.

Being particularly passionate about kitchen valance, Clinton Maxwell was writing many news on the topic. You might see his writings on kitchen window curtains over at http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/kitchen-curtains.html and other sources for kitchen window curtains tips.

After an extremely busy Hurricane Season 2005, and all the devastation that resulted, protecting your home from hurricanes has never been more paramount. Over the years, hurricane shutters have advanced tremendously in their design and practicality. The cost for shutters has remained fairly consistent despite the rising cost of aluminum in the world markets. After Katrina, Wilma, and Rita roared through the Gulf region, the demand for hurricane protection products has skyrocketed. There are basically five different forms of hurricane protection products: Storm Panels, Accordion Shutters, Roll-Down Shutters, Hurricane Tint Window Film, and Impact-Resistant Glass.

Removable Storm Panels provide the most cost-effective protection against the violent ravages of Hurricanes and Tropical Storms. Their rock-solid durability and easy set-up makes Storm Panels an absolute necessity anywhere storms and hurricanes threaten the safety of your property. .050" and .063" aluminum storm panels, as well as our 20-gauge galvanized steel panels, have been engineered to meet the most stringent wind codes in the country and have been reviewed and accepted by the Miami-Dade County product control division. These panels are designed to slip into an upper header track and fasten to a lower track with washer-based wing nuts. The tracks are available in a white or bronze finish. The panels can be removed from the tracks and can be easily stored in your garage or shed. Panels can also be attached directly to the wall without tracks by concrete anchor and stainless steel screws.

If you looking for the best combination of affordability, protection, and easy-of-use, Accordion Shutters are the right solution for your home or business. They offer durable life-time protection and are proven to increase the market value of your home or business. Whether you needs are residential or commercial, custom-designed and professionally installed shutter systems will keep you protected for years to come. Accordion Shutters are not only perfect for windows and doors, but also for securing patios, balconies, terraces, and storefronts, which have large expanses. They are attractive and easy to operate, and can be installed in any length because they do not require reinforcement with vertical braces or supports. Accordions feature specially engineered, heavy-duty nylon wheels, which enable our shutters to open and close with ease. Accordion Shutters are constructed of heavy-gauge, extruded aluminum panels. They lock securely for maximum protection against storms, high-winds, and forcible entry. Accordion shutters have been engineered to meet the most stringent wind codes in the country and have been reviewed and accepted by the Miami-Dade County product control division.

Roll Down shutters provide the ultimate in security and storm protection for your home or business. Roll-down shutter systems come with a smooth, manual crank or can be upgraded to the fully synchronized electric motor drive for maintenance-free operation. Roll-down shutters offer an elegant design solution with minimal visual impact. Rolling shutters are constructed of the finest grade of aluminum for maximum impact resistance and durability. Specially designed roll-down shutters provide maximum strength and insulation from sun, storm, heat, noise, and weather extremes. The reinforced track system provides strength and maximum shutter width. They are specially designed and engineered to blend with and compliment your home or business. Our roll-down shutters add substantial value to your home or business and pay for themselves through more efficient heating and cooling of your rooms. Roll-down shutters have been engineered to meet the most stringent wind codes in the country and have been reviewed and accepted by the Miami-Dade County product control division.

If you are evaluating replacement windows for your home or business or in the design stage of a new construction project, impact windows are your perfect solution to provide effortless hurricane protection. They come in a wide-variety of options in fame colors, glazing, and tint. You can customize your windows to compliment your existing architecture. These windows combine heavy-duty aluminum frames with impact resistant glass. A special silicone glazing process keeps the glass from shattering. Although the glass may crack on impact the inner-layer keeps the glass intact preventing debris from entering your home or business. Windows and doors with aluminum frames have Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance, qualifying them for use in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. This remarkable product also provides protection to your draperies, rugs, and furniture from the sun's damaging UV rays. Impact resistance glass reduces outside sound and traffic noise enhancing the serenity of your home. The same impact resistant glass and heavy-duty construction that keeps flying objects out of your home during a hurricane, also provides deterrence to thieves and vandals.

Whether your are opt for storm panels, accordions, impact glass, roll-downs or hurricane film, you are sure to make your home a more safe and secure dwelling with hurricane shutters. They will protect your home for years to come and will add value to your home.

To learn more about hurricane protection or hurricane preparedness, see: http://www.HurricaneShuttersFlorida.com

When we talk about window shutters, it can often be confusing because you can actually have them on the inside, such as plantation shutters, as well as the outside of your home. We are here to take all the confusion out of the various types of shutters including hurricane shutters along with wood and vinyl ones. If you live in a part of the world that is subject to tropical storms, we highly recommend installing good hurricane shutters to protect both the inside and outside of your home. A storm can do serious damage to your home’s interior structure if the windows blow out. The best time to have them installed is when you are building your home so that your contractor can tie them into the exterior décor. Great interior decorating window treatments are plantation shutters.

Custom made plantation shutters can add style, warmth and beauty to any room in your home. Louver sizes often range from 2 1/2” to 4 1/28” depending on the size and shape of your windows and the room. They come in a variety of colors as well as wood and faux wood. Faux wood is a synthetic material that will not fade, warp or chip over time. If you live in a humid climate, these may be the perfect choice for you. Real wood shutters also come in a variety of finishes so that you can match them to the room’s trim color if you like. Hurricane shutters also come in a variety of finishes and are most often custom made to ensure a perfect fit.

Many people wonder about the difference in shutter styles. The main difference with plantation shutters is that they tend to be thicker and the louvers are often wider. They provide a distinguishing look and feel to the room and are often used with traditional décors versus contemporary settings. That doesn’t mean you can’t use them in a modern home because you can. You can choose whatever window coverings you like that suit your needs and your style.

Amy-Jo Strutt is a successful home decorator writer and regular contributor to window-blinds-shades-shutters.com, an online resource to help you find the very best window treatments and coverings. http://www.window-blinds-shades-shutters.com/shutters.html