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.