Services
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
These one- or two-piece hurricane shutters are housed beside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfold accordion-style to cover and protect during a storm.
PROS
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Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
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Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
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Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.
CONS
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Can look bulky and out-of-place on some houses. Consider the aesthetics before having them installed.
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Glide on wheels, and have the potential to break more easily than some of the other systems.
Average storm preparation time:
15-30 minutes foran entire house
Roll Shutters
These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button, and lock in place for storm protection.
PROS
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Are permanently affixed above the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
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Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
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Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.
CONS
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Most expensive of the popular shutter systems.
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Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a battery backup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised during power outages.
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Average storm preparation time:
Minimum, probably the easiest shutter to operate.
Aluminum, Galvanize and Clear Panels
These steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.
The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.
The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.
The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.
The biggest problem with storm panels is that homeowners often don't check them when they buy a home. Many discover later that panels are missing or were cut improperly, or are too heavy to install themselves.
PROS
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Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
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Removable, so they don't change the look of the house when not in use.
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Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.
CONS
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Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space.
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Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.
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Sometimes don't line up properly.
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Have sharp edges.
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Average storm preparation time:
15 minutes per window depending on the style.
Bahamas Shutters
These one-piece louvered shutters attach directly above the windows and prop open to provide shade for the window. Bahama shutters are storm-ready when lowered and secured to the wall.
PROS
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Permanently affixed beside the windows and don't require any extra storage space.
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Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
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Provide permanent shade and privacy, even in the open position.
CONS
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Have traditionally been weaker than other systems, but the newest models protect well.
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Some people complain that they block too much light.
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Design limits their use. They can't be used to protect doors.
Average storm preparation time:
15-30 minutes for an entire house.