Living in Southwest Florida is living in paradise. Sandy beaches and sunshine can’t be beat. However, we can’t forget about the hurricane season. From June 1 to Nov. 30, Floridians and part-time residents must be prepared for a hurricane. Having proper protection is a necessity, including home and business storm shutters.
If you have never had storm shutters before, there are some things you should know, including these five tips.
1. Plywood is Not an Acceptable Substitute
If you drive around neighborhoods in Florida during hurricane season, you will see plywood covering their windows. Plywood is acceptable if you’re in a pinch and do not have the time to install storm panels, but they should not be a long-term solution. Unlike storm shutters, plywood is not designed to withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris. High winds could pull the plywood right out of bolts and nails, then it could fly away and cause damage to your home or neighbors. The plywood could add to other hurricane debris and cause serious destruction.
2. There are Many Options to Choose From
There are no rules that say you must go with the standard aluminum panel hurricane shutters. There is a variety to choose from based on needs and wants. If aesthetically pleasing storm panels are important to you, there are options such as Bahama shutters, which will give your home a tropical style while providing the protection you need. When it comes to home protection, there’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some different hurricane shutters available:
- Roll Down Shutters
- Accordion Shutters
- Lexan Storm Panels
- Aluminum Storm Panels
- Steel Storm Panels
- Colonial Shutters
- Bahama Shutters
3. They Need to be Cleaned and Maintained Regularly
If hurricane shutters are not properly maintained, they will not provide you with the protection you are expecting. In the event of an upcoming storm, you will want to be prepared and make sure everything is working properly. Shutters239 offers a yearly maintenance plan. Regular maintenance on your shutters is important, and shutters should be inspected annually, to make sure there aren’t any issues come hurricane season.
4. A Permitted Professional Should Do the Installation
Installing hurricane shutters is not a DIY project. Hiring a professional for the installation will ensure that the shutters are installed correctly to provide optimal protection to your home. A licensed professional like those at Shutters239 will guarantee that all necessary permits and clearances have been filed and that you are set for hurricane season.
5. Shutters Protect Your Home
This one might be the most obvious, but understanding the importance of hurricane shutters needs to be emphasized. Your home’s entry points — windows and doors — are the most vulnerable during a hurricane. Hurricane shutters are designed to protect those entry points from high winds and hurricane debris. Shutters will prevent you from having extensive post-hurricane damage.
If you are thinking about installing hurricane shutters for your home, call Shutters239 today at 239-851-2511. Shutters239 will take care of the design, installation, and maintenance to make sure you have high-quality protection for your home.
