Home Shutters And Awnings

For most of us, our home, aside from providing shelter and comfort, is our biggest asset.  It makes perfect sense then to do everything we can to safeguard this valuable property.  For those whose home is located in a coastal region with unpredictable weather, some of the most important features of the home protection mix are hurricane shutters.

Those who live in just about any part of Florida, for example, can attest to the need for quality window protection.  With hurricane force winds having the ability to wreak havoc unpredictably, outdoor shutters of some kind will not only protect your windows against damage, but perhaps more importantly, protect furnishings and the interior of your home against the debilitating effects of water intrusion.  Furthermore, hurricane shutters give you, the owner, a certain peace of mind.

Fortunately for the home owner there are plenty of design styles from which to choose.  In addition, the number of companies now building quality, easy-to-install shutters make this kind of window protection financially accessible.

Take a look at the wide range of styles and see which kind fits your home’s architecture.  Some of  these solutions may require more work than others, so depending on your choice, you may be required to establish a routine for setting up and taking down your hurricane shutters.

The traditional Bahama shutters are often closely identified with some of the older homes in South Florida and some parts of South Carolina and North Carolina.  These are louvered shutters that attach permanently just above the window and are kept open during non-threatening weather.  When powerful wind and rain is imminent, these shutters are simply lowered and fastened securely shut.  Unlike other window protection, these shutters don’t require any storage, but they do limit light entry into your home.

Colonial shutters give the home owner another choice.  These are designed in rectangular panels that open outward and fasten against the house during good weather.  These are generally thought to be a more attractive option than the Bahama shutters.  No storage is needed for this kind of window protection either.  Just close and fasten during powerful rain and high winds, open and let the light in when the inclement weather subsides.

An alternative to the fixed shutter solution are storm panel hurricane shutters.  These are typically aluminum or steel panels that fit around doors and windows.  The panels fit nicely into tracks or onto anchor bolts (or a combination of the two) that are embedded in the structure of the home above and below windows and doors.  The panels slide into place and are securely fastened.  Though the mechanics of the panels are simple, they do require set up and break down time as well as storage space.  Their main advantage is that they have proven to be extremely effective at home protection.

Accordion shutters are another possibility.  These fold and unfold easily and fit into a housing compartment beside windows and doors when not in use.  They are extremely easy to use, but some people prefer the aesthetics of the other options.

The bottom line is that finding something to protect your windows is not something you should take lightly.  Get hurricane shutters so you don’t get soaked -- literally or financially.