What is the best hurricane shutter for you? If you reside in Florida, hurricane protection is not an option but a necessity.
There are several hurricane warnings, as well as numerous tropical storms and tropical depressions every season.
Yet there are so many options to choose from that it may be confusing to choose the protection that is right for you and your home.
It is vital that you have some form of protection though, because when a hurricane hits you don't want to be caught up searching for anything that you can get at the last minute.
This may limit the amount of time that you have to secure your home and family.
There are several viable hurricane shutter systems available for homeowners today that are both functional and practical.
Let's start with Colonial Shutters which can be easily and permanently installed on the windows of your home.
This type of shutter is very pleasing visually, and will give your home a polished look while still offering serious hurricane protection.
Colonial Shutters can be effortlessly closed and latched by one person, which makes it a great option for any family.
You wouldn't have to worry about leaving an elderly family member struggling to board up windows in preparation for a storm.
This type of shutter though, cannot be used on doors, but it is very common for homes to have several different types of hurricane protection that encompasses the entire house.
Another type of hurricane shutter that you can consider are Roll Up/Roll Down Shutters.
This type of shutter is attached to the home either just above the window, or in an enclosed box that will be above the window.
In the event of a hurricane, you just roll the shutters down over the window opening and latch it, to seal off the window.
This type of shutter can also be made to be motorized, which can lead to higher costs.
Roll Up/Roll Down Shutters are generally the most costly option when it comes to hurricane protection.
Another drawback is that if there is a power outage you will need to have some sort of battery backup if your system is motorized.
This shutter system is also one of the most convenient and the most effective.
It is definitely an option for homeowners that would like the most sophisticated hurricane protection.
Accordion Shutters come in one or two piece styles, and can be affixed on either side of a door, or window.
This shutter system is one that you can use continuously throughout your home if you are concerned with having a unified look around your home.
One possible disadvantage about this type of shutter is that it is not as visually pleasing as some of the other options.
This type of shutter can also come with a lock and key alternative so that it may be used as a crime deterrent in the off season.
This can be especially beneficial to homeowners who are looking for a shutter system that can do double duty, while still being relatively easy to install and manage.
For homeowners looking for the most cost effective option, Storm Panel Shutters would be the best choice.
This type of shutter can come in a lightweight aluminum panel or a heavier steel panel.
Both types of panels are very strong and can be installed before a storm with the help of another person.
Some companies may offer a clear panel made of a tough polycarbonate resin.
Clear panels are a great option because they enable you to see exactly what is going on outside during a storm, while being safely tucked inside your home.
All of these panels can be easily stored inside of a garage or shed because they can be flat stacked on top of each other.
This hurricane protection system also gives you the option to move the panels around as you need to.
Another attractive style of hurricane shutters is the Bahamas Shutters.
This style is aptly named because it has a Caribbean look to it and is crafted to resemble those found in the Bahamas.
These can be propped open over your window giving it a stylish look.
They are one piece louvers that are installed above the window and can be lowered and latched when a hurricane approaches.
Bahamas Shutters also offer a permanent sense of privacy and ample shade.
The major drawback with this type of shutter system though, is that it has not been proven as reliable as the others.
Newer systems have improved, but it may not be your best option.
This type of shutter also cannot be applied to doors, but have a relatively low set up time.
Your last option when it comes to hurricane protection is the old standby, Plywood Sheets.
This method of hurricane protection is the most unreliable because most homeowners generally wait until the last minute to purchase the plywood, at which time suppliers are probably experiencing a shortage.
When you add up the time needed to purchase the plywood, install it, and find someone to assist you with it, it is the least cost effective means of hurricane protection.
It is not as dependable as the other hurricane protection shutters previously described making it a poor choice for your home and family.
No matter which hurricane shutter system appeals to you, you should always choose one that is going to ensure the safety of your property and your family.
There are several hurricane warnings, as well as numerous tropical storms and tropical depressions every season.
Yet there are so many options to choose from that it may be confusing to choose the protection that is right for you and your home.
It is vital that you have some form of protection though, because when a hurricane hits you don't want to be caught up searching for anything that you can get at the last minute.
This may limit the amount of time that you have to secure your home and family.
There are several viable hurricane shutter systems available for homeowners today that are both functional and practical.
Let's start with Colonial Shutters which can be easily and permanently installed on the windows of your home.
This type of shutter is very pleasing visually, and will give your home a polished look while still offering serious hurricane protection.
Colonial Shutters can be effortlessly closed and latched by one person, which makes it a great option for any family.
You wouldn't have to worry about leaving an elderly family member struggling to board up windows in preparation for a storm.
This type of shutter though, cannot be used on doors, but it is very common for homes to have several different types of hurricane protection that encompasses the entire house.
Another type of hurricane shutter that you can consider are Roll Up/Roll Down Shutters.
This type of shutter is attached to the home either just above the window, or in an enclosed box that will be above the window.
In the event of a hurricane, you just roll the shutters down over the window opening and latch it, to seal off the window.
This type of shutter can also be made to be motorized, which can lead to higher costs.
Roll Up/Roll Down Shutters are generally the most costly option when it comes to hurricane protection.
Another drawback is that if there is a power outage you will need to have some sort of battery backup if your system is motorized.
This shutter system is also one of the most convenient and the most effective.
It is definitely an option for homeowners that would like the most sophisticated hurricane protection.
Accordion Shutters come in one or two piece styles, and can be affixed on either side of a door, or window.
This shutter system is one that you can use continuously throughout your home if you are concerned with having a unified look around your home.
One possible disadvantage about this type of shutter is that it is not as visually pleasing as some of the other options.
This type of shutter can also come with a lock and key alternative so that it may be used as a crime deterrent in the off season.
This can be especially beneficial to homeowners who are looking for a shutter system that can do double duty, while still being relatively easy to install and manage.
For homeowners looking for the most cost effective option, Storm Panel Shutters would be the best choice.
This type of shutter can come in a lightweight aluminum panel or a heavier steel panel.
Both types of panels are very strong and can be installed before a storm with the help of another person.
Some companies may offer a clear panel made of a tough polycarbonate resin.
Clear panels are a great option because they enable you to see exactly what is going on outside during a storm, while being safely tucked inside your home.
All of these panels can be easily stored inside of a garage or shed because they can be flat stacked on top of each other.
This hurricane protection system also gives you the option to move the panels around as you need to.
Another attractive style of hurricane shutters is the Bahamas Shutters.
This style is aptly named because it has a Caribbean look to it and is crafted to resemble those found in the Bahamas.
These can be propped open over your window giving it a stylish look.
They are one piece louvers that are installed above the window and can be lowered and latched when a hurricane approaches.
Bahamas Shutters also offer a permanent sense of privacy and ample shade.
The major drawback with this type of shutter system though, is that it has not been proven as reliable as the others.
Newer systems have improved, but it may not be your best option.
This type of shutter also cannot be applied to doors, but have a relatively low set up time.
Your last option when it comes to hurricane protection is the old standby, Plywood Sheets.
This method of hurricane protection is the most unreliable because most homeowners generally wait until the last minute to purchase the plywood, at which time suppliers are probably experiencing a shortage.
When you add up the time needed to purchase the plywood, install it, and find someone to assist you with it, it is the least cost effective means of hurricane protection.
It is not as dependable as the other hurricane protection shutters previously described making it a poor choice for your home and family.
No matter which hurricane shutter system appeals to you, you should always choose one that is going to ensure the safety of your property and your family.
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