A hurricane can cause tremendous damage to a home. This damage is caused by strong winds, flying debris, and even objects that hit your windows and doors which can cause opening for gusts to enter. Once inside, the wind looks for any area to escape. Since the entry point will continue to have wind coming in, the roof is often the area that gives first, and can in some cases be blown off your home. By covering the windows and doors, these openings are blocked from allowing the wind to enter your home.
Fortunately, there are several types of storm protection solutions, and choosing the right product for your home or business can be extremely overwhelming. Below, you can find tips of how to choose the best storm protection product for you and your home. The main thing to remember is that you can never be too prepared when it comes to hurricane protection.
Storm-Rated Colonial Shutters
This style of storm protection beautifies as well as protects your home. Colonial shutters attach to the window’s sidewalls and can quickly and easily be closed and secured.
Pros: Colonial shutters are an attractive solution that adds to the aesthetic of your home. They are offered in a wide array of custom colors and designs. Lastly, they can be easily closed in just a few seconds by just one person.
Cons: They do not allow light to come into your home when in use and can be a more expensive option.
Accordion Shutters
Housed on the sides of doors or windows when not in use, these retractable shutters unfold like an accordion to protect your home’s openings during a storm.
Pros: Accordion shutters are quickly and easily deployed in the event of a storm. They are permanently fixed to the house and do not require storage.
Cons: On the downside, they add some bulk to your window or door jam.
Roll-Down Shutters
With the push of a button or the crank of a handle, these louvered panels roll up or down. They are permanently housed above nearly any span and can be deployed in mere moments.
Pros: Roll-down shutters are extremely easy to raise and lower. They also can be used to secure a home when away.
Cons: Automatic rolling shutters are more convenient to operate but can be slightly more expensive.
Fabric Panels
These innovative lightweight fabric panels add trampoline-like cushion to windows and doors to repel flying debris. Panels are anchored to the edges of windows and doorways to a pre-installed fastening system, making them easy to deploy.
Pros: Lightweight fabric panels are easy to be installed and removed, then rolled up and stored in a compact space.
Cons: They will need to be attached to anchors manually.
Storm Panels
Storm Panels are made of corrugated steel or aluminum. They are stored away until needed and are attached to window exteriors with a system of tracks and bolts.
Pros: One of the more economical shutter systems, storm panels are strong and protects from most flying debris.
Cons: Panels require a larger space for storage. They can be bulky to handle, depending on the size of windows and the number of stories on your home.
Plywood Boards
Covering your windows and doors with plywood should only be a last resort alternative to actual storm shutters. They are heavy and difficult to deploy. They can also cause damage to your home as you have to screw or nail them directly into the structure.
Pros: Protects from flying debris and easy for DIY’ers. You can find the materials at any home improvement store.
Cons: Extremely time-consuming to install, heavy, and require a helping hand. The installation creates weak-point damaging holes in siding and bricks, and they are not storm-rated.
When it comes to choosing storm protection, it’s important that you do your research. Choose an option that you feel confident in, one that will keep you and your family safe in the case of a hurricane or tropical storm. Because storms can pop up with little to no warning, it’s important that you are prepared ahead of time.
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