Hurricane Shutters | Hurricane Panels | Hurricane Curtains
There are several types of products that qualify as hurricane “shutter” protection for your home. You can view photos of examples of installed products throughout our Hurricane Shutter section.
Insurance companies want you to protect your home from wind storms. Citizens Insurance has set new criteria for opening protection for some homes. You might be able to save money on your homeowners’ insurance policy just by providing your agent with a Wind Mitigation Report. Complete this questionnaire to obtain a complimentary consultation on wind mitigation for your home.
You can protect your structure with any combination of hurricane protection approved by the Florida Building Code and the Miami Dade Building Code. The options shown below are all approved for use in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) for protection from wind-borne debris. Contact an expert to see if you’re in that zone.
Each option meets current Florida Building Code standards, and will also satisfy insurance requirements. They fall into one of the following categories:
Insurance companies want you to protect your home from wind storms. Citizens Insurance has set new criteria for opening protection for some homes. You might be able to save money on your homeowners’ insurance policy just by providing your agent with a Wind Mitigation Report. Complete this questionnaire to obtain a complimentary consultation on wind mitigation for your home.
You can protect your structure with any combination of hurricane protection approved by the Florida Building Code and the Miami Dade Building Code. The options shown below are all approved for use in the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) for protection from wind-borne debris. Contact an expert to see if you’re in that zone.
Each option meets current Florida Building Code standards, and will also satisfy insurance requirements. They fall into one of the following categories:
• Manually Installed Galvanized or Aluminum Hurricane Panels
• Manually Installed Clear Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels • Accordion Hurricane Shutters • Bahama Hurricane Shutters • Colonial Hurricane Shutters • Motorized Aluminum Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters • Manual and Motorized Hurricane Screens • Hurricane Fabric • Impact Resistant Hurricane Windows and Doors |
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Consult an expert to see what choice or combination best suits your lifestyle and budget. You will find there is an inverse relationship between the cost of an option and the convenience using it. Click here to contact a professional licensed building contractor to determine how each option works best.
The Florida Building Code includes very specific installation requirements for each hurricane protection product. When you look at the product choices, think about how important the installation is for the best possible protection of your home against hurricanes and other wind damage.
The Florida Building Code includes very specific installation requirements for each hurricane protection product. When you look at the product choices, think about how important the installation is for the best possible protection of your home against hurricanes and other wind damage.
Manually Installed Galvanized or Aluminum Hurricane Panels
The most common hurricane shutters, galvanized or aluminum hurricane panels are made from light-weight corrugated metal that is very strong and can be installed vertically or horizontally over an opening. These panels are usually put up when there is threat of a storm, and taken down after. Some homeowners choose to leave them up for the entire hurricane season.
Various attachment systems are available. The window will be completely covered when installed, and you can’t see out of the window once they are in place.
This is generally the least expensive type of shutter protection. The panels are designed to be easy to carry, but can be awkward when installing over large openings. You can install them yourself, or hire a professional for the hard part. You will need a place to store the panels when they are not in use. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Various attachment systems are available. The window will be completely covered when installed, and you can’t see out of the window once they are in place.
This is generally the least expensive type of shutter protection. The panels are designed to be easy to carry, but can be awkward when installing over large openings. You can install them yourself, or hire a professional for the hard part. You will need a place to store the panels when they are not in use. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Manually Installed Clear Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels
This style is similar to galvanized or aluminum hurricane panels, but the corrugated panel is a clear polycarbonate. Some people refer to them as Lexan shutters. The main benefit of the polycarbonate shutters is that light can get through the opening, and you can see the conditions outside. They can be installed vertically or horizontally over an opening. These panels are usually put up when there is threat of a storm, and taken down after. Some homeowners choose to leave them up for the entire hurricane season.
Various attachment systems are available. The window will be completely covered when installed, but you will still get light through the window once they are in place.
Clear polycarbonate shutters are more expensive than the galvanized or aluminum shutters. The panels are surprisingly lightweight, but can be awkward when installing over large openings. They are not designed for spans as large as the metal shutter panels. You can install them yourself, or hire a professional for the hard part. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Various attachment systems are available. The window will be completely covered when installed, but you will still get light through the window once they are in place.
Clear polycarbonate shutters are more expensive than the galvanized or aluminum shutters. The panels are surprisingly lightweight, but can be awkward when installing over large openings. They are not designed for spans as large as the metal shutter panels. You can install them yourself, or hire a professional for the hard part. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
Accordion hurricane shutters will protect windows, sliding glass doors or enclose entire balconies or lanais. They are also a good option for opening that may be hard to secure, such as a rounded window, aquarium type window or corner-meet non-impact sliding glass doors.
They are made from a lightweight aluminum and installed into tracks on the top and bottom that guide the movement of the shutters and keep them securely in place. Accordion hurricane shutters are manually operated.
Accordion hurricane shutters are easy to open and close. Once the interconnected aluminum panels are closed and locked, your protection is in place. You will not be able to see out of the opening, and light will not pass through. Some homeowners choose the option of clear sections that allow limited light and viewing.
Accordion hurricane shutters need to be professionally maintained at least once a year. They are self-storing by retracting to the sides when not in use. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
They are made from a lightweight aluminum and installed into tracks on the top and bottom that guide the movement of the shutters and keep them securely in place. Accordion hurricane shutters are manually operated.
Accordion hurricane shutters are easy to open and close. Once the interconnected aluminum panels are closed and locked, your protection is in place. You will not be able to see out of the opening, and light will not pass through. Some homeowners choose the option of clear sections that allow limited light and viewing.
Accordion hurricane shutters need to be professionally maintained at least once a year. They are self-storing by retracting to the sides when not in use. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Bahama Hurricane Shutters
Bahama hurricane shutters are designed to look like decorative shutters for a tropical home, but they are made of material strong enough to withstand hurricane force winds. When installed and deployed according to the Florida Building Code, they will protect your home as well as any other shutter system.
Bahama hurricane shutters are always in place once they are installed, and can be lowered and latched easily if a storm is approaching. They can also serve as shade for any opening.
The Bahama hurricane shutter style is not well-suited for every architectural style, and they do not work for most doors. There are also some size limitations. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts.
Bahama hurricane shutters are always in place once they are installed, and can be lowered and latched easily if a storm is approaching. They can also serve as shade for any opening.
The Bahama hurricane shutter style is not well-suited for every architectural style, and they do not work for most doors. There are also some size limitations. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts.
Colonial Hurricane Shutters
Colonial hurricane shutters are also permanently installed. They are decorative like Bahama hurricane shutters, and they are made of material strong enough to withstand hurricane force winds. When installed and deployed according to the Florida Building Code, they will protect your home as well as any other shutter system. Colonial hurricane shutters are always in place once they are installed, and can be closed and latched easily if a storm is approaching.
Like Bahama hurricane shutters, Colonial hurricane shutters are not well-suited for every architectural style. There are also some size limitations. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts.
Like Bahama hurricane shutters, Colonial hurricane shutters are not well-suited for every architectural style. There are also some size limitations. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts.
Motorized Aluminum Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters
Electric or motorized roll-down hurricane shutters with aluminum slats are convenient and easy to use. Just flip a switch and your protection is in place. Small roll-down aluminum shutters can be manually operated if there is a loss of power.
Electric or motorized roll-down shutters are a popular solution for lanai area of a home. They can be installed to easily enclose the entire lanai. Some people like the ability to leave patio furniture in place during a storm, which is easy to do with this shutter option. They also come in handy for everyday use by adding noise reduction, security and privacy when they are down.
Electric or motorized roll-down shutters are always in place. They store at the top of the opening contained in a small box. This may not suit for every architectural style, especially on the front of the home, because the housing is visible. Some home designs create limitations for electric or motorized roll-down shutters. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Electric or motorized roll-down shutters are a popular solution for lanai area of a home. They can be installed to easily enclose the entire lanai. Some people like the ability to leave patio furniture in place during a storm, which is easy to do with this shutter option. They also come in handy for everyday use by adding noise reduction, security and privacy when they are down.
Electric or motorized roll-down shutters are always in place. They store at the top of the opening contained in a small box. This may not suit for every architectural style, especially on the front of the home, because the housing is visible. Some home designs create limitations for electric or motorized roll-down shutters. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Manual and Motorized Hurricane Screens
Manual and electric roll-down hurricane screens are very similar to the aluminum roll-down hurricane shutters, but with some advantages and disadvantages.
Just flip a switch and your protection is in place. Most roll-down hurricane screens can be manually operated if there is a loss of power. The screen hurricane fabric a very dense, tightly woven polypropylene that withstands the force of hurricane winds and repels water.
You can see through the hurricane screen from the inside out, so you don’t have the feeling of being enclosed as with electric or motorized roll-down shutters. Roll-down hurricane screens can be used to protect an entire lanai area. Some home owners like to leave patio furniture inside the shuttered area in the event of a storm, or even for the entire hurricane season. Roll-down hurricane screens also come in handy for everyday use by adding shade and privacy when they are down.
Roll-down hurricane screens are always in place. They store at the top of the opening contained in a small box. This may not suit for every architectural style, especially on the front of the home, because the housing is visible. Some home designs create limitations for roll-down hurricane screens. They must be installed by a certified professional installation company. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Just flip a switch and your protection is in place. Most roll-down hurricane screens can be manually operated if there is a loss of power. The screen hurricane fabric a very dense, tightly woven polypropylene that withstands the force of hurricane winds and repels water.
You can see through the hurricane screen from the inside out, so you don’t have the feeling of being enclosed as with electric or motorized roll-down shutters. Roll-down hurricane screens can be used to protect an entire lanai area. Some home owners like to leave patio furniture inside the shuttered area in the event of a storm, or even for the entire hurricane season. Roll-down hurricane screens also come in handy for everyday use by adding shade and privacy when they are down.
Roll-down hurricane screens are always in place. They store at the top of the opening contained in a small box. This may not suit for every architectural style, especially on the front of the home, because the housing is visible. Some home designs create limitations for roll-down hurricane screens. They must be installed by a certified professional installation company. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Hurricane Fabric Manually Deployed Screens
Hurricane fabric is also called hurricane netting, hurricane curtains, or hurricane screens. Hurricane fabric is a woven polypropylene fabric panel that has been independently tested and approved to block wind, rain and flying debris. You can see through the fabric from the inside, and it is also a great solution for protection in large or unusually configured areas.
Hurricane fabric comes in a variety of colors. It can be designed to fit around a column without damaging it, or around a corner window that is difficult to fit with other hurricane shutter options. They must be installed by a certified professional installation company. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Hurricane fabric comes in a variety of colors. It can be designed to fit around a column without damaging it, or around a corner window that is difficult to fit with other hurricane shutter options. They must be installed by a certified professional installation company. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Impact Resistant Hurricane Windows and Doors
Impact resistant hurricane windows and doors can be installed instead of hurricane shutters. As an alternative to hurricane shutters, they offer full-time protection against the elements, intruders, UV sun damage, and noise. Impact resistant hurricane windows and doors are generally the most expensive option in hurricane protection, but are the easiest to use.
Here is the most important thing to think about if you are considering impact-resistant hurricane windows and doors: this is a structural change to your home, and the installation company you choose could be even more important than the window itself. A top-quality window or door that is not installed to the highest standards could fail to protect your home as designed.
If your windows and doors need to be replaced, you might give serious consideration to replacing them with impact resistant hurricane windows and doors. The cost of replacing a window or door with a non-impact product and then adding a shutter to meet current codes is very close to replacing the opening with an impact product. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
Here is the most important thing to think about if you are considering impact-resistant hurricane windows and doors: this is a structural change to your home, and the installation company you choose could be even more important than the window itself. A top-quality window or door that is not installed to the highest standards could fail to protect your home as designed.
If your windows and doors need to be replaced, you might give serious consideration to replacing them with impact resistant hurricane windows and doors. The cost of replacing a window or door with a non-impact product and then adding a shutter to meet current codes is very close to replacing the opening with an impact product. Click here if you want more information from one of our experts. View Photos
The bottom line . . .
You have a spectrum of options ranging from the least expensive shutter panels to replacing your windows and doors with impact resistant hurricane windows and doors. So how do you determine what is best for you?
Consider this:
Typically the least expensive option will be the most labor intensive and conversely, the most expensive options will be the most worry-free. So when you make your plans, consider this:
The beauty of the front of your home is very important to most home owners. If that is how you feel, choose hurricane protection for that doesn’t detract from the architecture as it is seen from the street.
The back of your home can also be a very high priority. The lanai area is can be the most expensive area to protect because of the large areas of glass and doors. Your individual priority might be preserving the view, or protecting the entire the lanai so you can leave furniture out at all times, or you might just want to keep the cost as low as possible. Expert consultation can help you narrow your choices.
The sides of your home are usually a lower priority because they aren’t as visible to you and your neighbors. You can look at each area and consider the cost versus the convenience of the various choices that satisfy the Florida Building Code and your insurance company.
The beauty of the front of your home is very important to most home owners. If that is how you feel, choose hurricane protection for that doesn’t detract from the architecture as it is seen from the street.
The back of your home can also be a very high priority. The lanai area is can be the most expensive area to protect because of the large areas of glass and doors. Your individual priority might be preserving the view, or protecting the entire the lanai so you can leave furniture out at all times, or you might just want to keep the cost as low as possible. Expert consultation can help you narrow your choices.
The sides of your home are usually a lower priority because they aren’t as visible to you and your neighbors. You can look at each area and consider the cost versus the convenience of the various choices that satisfy the Florida Building Code and your insurance company.
Ultimately . . .
You can choose products that fit your lifestyle, and hire a qualified installation company to take care of the entire project.
Southern Home Service can help you make the decisions about which system will work best for your individual needs. We can also service your home by installing and removing the hurricane protection each season.
Southern Home Service can help you make the decisions about which system will work best for your individual needs. We can also service your home by installing and removing the hurricane protection each season.
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