About Hurricane Shutter

Hurricanes come every year. Though not all of these are severe like Andrews or Katrina, these can still do some damage if there is no protection for the home. This is the reason that hurricane shutters have been developed since the most vulnerable sections of the house are the windows that may carry debris when something hits it hard.

There are many types of hurricane shutters to choose from. Those who don’t want the inexpensive version and want one that is ideal for the budget should try the Accordion hurricane shutter.

The Accordion hurricane shutter is available in one or two-piece models. It folds and unfolds just like the musical instrument from where it got the name. This type of shutter is fixed onto the window. It is possible to get one that has a lock and key similar to those used by some stores.

There is a lot of praise for the Accordion hurricane shutter. This is mainly because it gives the homeowner the protection it needs when the storm comes.

Its only drawback perhaps is that this looks bulky from the outside and requires a lot of maintenance. Oil has to be placed on the glide wheels regularly for this to open and close properly.

Can the Accordion hurricane shutter do well for any home? The answer is no. This is due to the size of the thing, which will make the house look odd if the windows are quite small.

Since each house is different, those who want to have this for the home should call on a contractor to get the proper measurements for the windows. Most will charge from $16 to $20 per square foot that doesn’t include the labor costs.

After getting the price quote from several specialists, your chosen company can begin to construct the shutters for you. It will probably take two weeks or more to have this prepared and then delivered to the home.

It is advisable to have the hurricane shutters ready before the hurricane season sets in. The prices for these models go up during the peak months because of the demand. It is obviously better then to get this at the lower price than having to shell out more for the same thing.

The homeowner should be aware that even if the hurricane shutters in the house are made of wood, vinyl or aluminum, these will not provide 100% protection for the home. A category five hurricane for example can lift a car or uproot a tree that can cause severe damage to the window and the surrounding walls when it hits hard. This is even if that hurricane shutter costs $10,000.

If the price of the accordion hurricane shutter is not in the homeowner’s budget, it's maybe time to select from the other choices. There's the Storm Panel, Bahamas, Roll Down and the hurricane glass.

Some people use another type of hurricane shutter and have this installed inside the home. This serves as a second line of defense at the same time making the room feel relaxed.

Hurricane shutters are not perfect but until a new line of home protection is invented it's advisable to smother your home in them if you're in one of the aforementioned "climates". At least, the numbers of people who choose to board up have learned the lessons in the past are now using something better to reduce the costs for the repairs.

In places where storms are frequent, hurricane shutters are essential. These devices work to protect your homes. Hurricane shutters are usually placed on windows, especially in a house that is not built with hurricane proof glass.

To help you decide which hurricane shutter is best for your house, let's discuss the different hurricane shutters available on the market. These are:

1. Storm Panel Hurricane Shutter. These are shutters usually made of aluminum or steel. The storm panel shutter type is attached to the walls and doors. It is placed around it and is bolted in. Usually, they come in corrugated style, with each piece overlapping the other for optimum strength.

Usually storm panel shutters come with the houses that are up for sale. And if they do, check every piece properly so you can do the proper adjustment to it. If you find out too late that the panels are too heavy to mount by yourself or there are several pieces missing, the results will not be pleasant.

This is also the cheapest type of hurricane shutters for sale. It is strong enough to provide the proper protection for windows and doors. But since it is removable, it needs a storage area. It may also have sharp edges making it hard to install.

2. Roll Down Hurricane Shutter. This type of shutter is attached just above the window. When in use, you roll it down. Else, you can put it up. It acts just like a metal horizontal blind, only better. It can be installed either with automatic or manual operation.

Roll down shutters will not only protect your house from hurricanes, but from burglary and theft as well. But unfortunately, these are the most expensive type of hurricane shutter, especially if you wanted the automatic one. This type needs backup batteries so they can function even if the power is out.

3. Accordion-Type Hurricane Shutter. This type of shutter can come either in a two-piece or a one-piece deal. It folds and unfolds just like an accordion. Like the roll down, it is fixed in the window. Some models provide the ability to be locked with a key.

Although these shutters are highly functional, it may look hulking outside and does not go well with some of the houses. And because its function relies greatly on the glide wheels, without proper maintenance, it can be stuck and break easily than the other types.

4. Bahama-style Hurricane Shutter. This is a single-piece shutter attached above the windows. It is lowered during the storm and is raised after. Aside from protection, it adds privacy and shade to your homes.

But because of their slanting position, it can block some light from entering the house. Low-end Bahama hurricane shutters are light and weak. If left opened during a storm, it will surely be broken by the strong wind.

5. Colonial Hurricane Shutter. Unlike the other types, this one always comes in pairs. It is attached vertically on the sides of the window and is folded together to protect it. These types can be highly decorative. It can add accent to your windows, especially if you have a colonial type of house.

Although it looks good on a window, it cannot be used on a door. Finding a match for it for your door maybe a hard task. It may also require a storm bar or a center rod so that it can be locked in place.

These are the most common types of hurricane shutters. Choose one style today and protect your homes and your families from uncontrollable natural disasters like storms, hurricanes, and typhoons.