About Hurricane Shutter

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Plantation shutters have been around since ancient Greece. They serve a dual purpose as they can help in both weather protection as well as style for your home. Since they are located ion the inside of your home they can be used as a shade and can actually be functional as opposed to the shutters that many of us are accustomed to that simply attach next to windows on a home and do not move. These were the precursor to glass in windows and actually kept out the elements and were opened to allow the flow of air. Shutters were a way of regulating the environment of the home as opposed to simply relying on a door and no other means of air flow.

Much of the architecture of the Southern US is drawn from the works of the ancient Greeks. This is evident not only in the use of shutters but in the use of columns in the structure and design of many of the homes. Much of this is a dual purpose service though. These columns are simply covers for supports throughout the home and the shutters are used for various protections and services. Some of these shutters that are used are known as hurricane shutters and with good reason. Their primary purpose is to protect windows from being blown out during a heavy storm or hurricane. Once again these are based on Greek architecture for both functionality and beauty.

Make sure that when you are selecting shutters for a home repair or improvement project that you consult with someone before doing so. You want to make sure that the shutters that you are going to install will not only meet your needs, but will match, fit and perform as needed. If you are simply purchasing your shutters to make your home more attractive then you will not have as much to worry about, however if you are looking for both performance and function then it will take more consideration and research to find what is the best fit for you and your home. You do not want to get something that is not very strong or sturdy if it is to be hurricane protection. You also do not want to get a shutter that will not look right when installed on or in your home as well. So be wise and consult with someone to make sure you are getting what is best for both you and your home.

Hurricanes are becoming more and more prevalent and powerful, and with all the destruction that has taken place in the past, insurance companies are starting to refuse insurance to people who live in the areas that most need that insurance.

The only solution is to protect your home as best you can yourself.


Hurricane-Proof Windows

If you live in an area that is frequently hit by hurricanes or windstorms, it is probably the law that you have hurricane-proof windows. However, even these (windows with plastic panes, shatter-proof glass or glass with protective membranes) can use all the help they can get. In a hurricane the strength of your windows is the difference between your house surviving with minimum damage, or with a missing roof. If a window breaks because of battering by strong winds, those winds rush into the house like a freight train, air pressure inside the building increases, and that's what helps cause the roof to be ripped off.


So don't be stingy. Get the best hurricane shutters you can.

As with any other household item on the market, there are quite a lot of choices to choose from. You can purchase removable shutters - but shutters are heavy and you will have to have the strength to remove them and a safe place to store them. Other shutters are affixed permanently to the house. Even though these shutters are a necessity, there is no reason why they cannot also look attractive until they have to be put to use.

Save time and money by surfing around the internet and comparing prices and features. Then visit your local home improvement and home decor stores and discussing your needs with the people there, so you can make an informed decision.

Hurricane Depot carries hurricane storm panels for your windows, but also braces for your garage door. Don't neglect that important part of your home, by the way!

Storm Shutters is another online company that carries hurricane shutters, as well as other kinds of storm shutters for those of you who live in areas subject to tornadoes or violent windstorms.

Aluminum or steel too heavy? A company called Wayne Dalton provides Fabric-Shield storm panels! There are PVC coated woven fabric panels - tested to block rain, wind, and storm-driven projectiles.


1. Hurricane Storm Panels

These panels are the most inexpensive system you can purchase. The panels are made of aluminum or steel, and are removable for easy storage. (If you are going to store them, however, make sure that you are strong enough to put them back on their tracks should you need to. And make sure that all the hardware you need to replace the panels, stays with them.)


2. Roll Down Hurricane Shutter

Roll down shutters are attached to the top of your window, and are lowered through the use of an electric motor. Should your power go out, they can also be lowered by the use of a hand crank. These shutters will protect you not only from a hurricanes, but from home intruders as well. However, because they are automatic, they are expensive.


3. Accordion-Type Hurricane Shutter

Accordion shutters, which as the name implies fold and unfold like an accordion, are also relatively inexpensive, but there are maintenance issues you need to be aware of. It is very important that the glide wheels on which they roll be well-maintained, and the last thing you want to do is find out that you can't shut them when you really, really need to.

These types of shutters are used to enclose your entire porch or veranda, and would not be used for single windows.


4. Bahama-style Hurricane Shutter

The Bahama-style shutter is actually an awning. It's a single-piece shutter attached above the window. It only opens a little way, which allows in the air but not a lot of sunlight. (Which can be a good thing if you want to protect your furniture and paintings from fading.). During a storm you lower the shutter completely and lock it down.


5. Colonial Hurricane Shutter

Colonial hurricane shutters always come in pairs. These are the most decorative of shutters, made of aluminum or steel. (Don't buy any that use styrofoam filler or sheet metal parts. These would be too weak to stand up to a real storm..

Every part of the world has its share of natural disasters. Flooding, earthquakes, monsoons and tornadoes -- most every region occasionally suffers some unpleasant or dangerous weather. Living near the Gulf of Mexico, hurricanes are the most common threat. As others have summer, winter, spring, and fall, the Gulf has an additional season: hurricane season. Though residents get a bit used to the near-constant warnings about tropical storms and tropical depressions nearing hurricane strength, a laissez faire attitude is dangerous.


Even a well-built brick home is vulnerable in the face of a strong hurricane. While the structure might be able to withstand high winds, the windows are more vulnerable. Certain precautions need to be taken.


Some people simply tape up their windows. This is not very effective and can actually be more dangerous. In the event that the hurricane does break the windows, you now have large sections of sharp glass taped together and flying through the air. Other people use plywood to board up their windows. This is much more effective than tape and it is relatively inexpensive. The problem with plywood covers is that they must be installed before each occurrence and taken down after the threat has passed. This method becomes cumbersome and time-consuming. There is also the threat of the plywood being ripped off the windows in the face of high winds.


The preferred method, if finances allow, is the use of hurricane shutters. These shutters are installed on the outside of your home, next to the windows. They are hinged, so they can be closed when needed. When the danger of hurricanes or hurricane-strength winds is present, simply close the shutters. Though no shutter is guaranteed against all damages, it should be greatly reduced.


Hurricane shutters are available in a variety of styles with a variety of price ranges. The easiest and most expensive are those with an automatic closing device. For a less expensive, but still effective shutter, consider a metal, steel or aluminum shutter.


Shutters are always beautiful. That beauty is enhanced, however, when they can actually offer protection and safety. That combination is found in hurricane shutters.

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.