Major hurricanes cause millions of dollars in property damage. So, it’s important to protect your home with a quality product. Let’s compare some of the top choices for storm protection: hurricane shutters, impact windows, fabric hurricane shutters and plywood.
Traditional Hurricane Shutters
There are a lot of different types of hurricane shutters. The most popular permanently installed ones include:
- Roll-down hurricane shutters
- Bahama hurricane shutters
- Colonial hurricane shutters
Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters
Automated or smart roll-down hurricane shutters can be deployed in seconds. Depending on the model, these aluminum hurricane shutters can withstand 200-plus mph winds, add security and improve energy efficiency. When not in use, they roll up into a small housing box above windows or doors.
Our LouverShield™ Hurricane Shutters provide the ultimate shield for protecting your home:
- Hurricane rated to withstand 230 mph winds.
- Exclusive End Retention System eliminates the need for storm bars.
- Feature an extra-small housing box to hide shutters when not in use.
- Customizable colors to match your home.
- Available in manual, motorized, remote control or smart home configurations.
- Backed by a performance guarantee.
Bahama Hurricane Shutters
Bahama hurricane shutters look like traditional Bahama shutters, which provide shade when open and let in cool breezes when closed. But these decorative hurricane shutters are made from durable aluminum that can withstand high winds and flying debris.
Our Bahama hurricane shutters:
- Can be deployed in minutes by folding them against windows.
- Provide privacy, shade and breezes on calm days.
- Come in customizable colors to accent your home.
- Are approved by the Miami-Dade HVHZ Building Code, Florida Building Commission and Texas Department of Insurance.
- Include a performance guarantee.
Colonial Hurricane Shutters
Colonial hurricane shutters have the style of wood shutters but provide the protection of metal hurricane shutters. Like Bahama hurricane shutters, their aluminum construction offers strong protection against high wind and flying debris.
Our colonial hurricane shutters:
- Can be deployed in minutes by securing them against windows.
- Can be reinforced with storm bars for extra protection.
- Are available in custom colors to increase curb appeal.
- Are approved by the Miami-Dade HVHZ Building Code, Florida Building Commission and Texas Department of Insurance.
- Include a performance guarantee.
Impact Windows
With impact windows, there’s no need to install hurricane window shutters. They look like regular windows but are less likely to break or be sucked out during negative pressure.
They also:
- Provide instant protection and don’t have to be covered.
- Let plenty of light into your home.
- Block harmful UV rays.
- Reduce sound.
The downside of hurricane impact windows is the price. They’re significantly more than hurricane shutters.
Fabric Hurricane Shutters
Fabric hurricane shutters are made from mesh or reinforced polyvinyl carbonate sheets that attach to your home with grommets, straps or buckles. Some styles can be slid onto tracks.
They also:
- Are lightweight, making them easy to install.
- Are more affordable than other hurricane shutters.
Some types have been rated to withstand 275 mph winds, or a Category 5 hurricane. However, sturdier aluminum styles will provide the greatest protection from flying debris.
Plywood
Plywood is an inexpensive way to protect your home before a storm. However, it does have a few downsides:
- It takes a lot of time.
- You’ll need help because sheets are heavy and large.
- You need to cut, measure and secure boards with nails or screws.
- Plywood isn’t a permanent solution and has to be stored when not in use.
- It’s not attractive and you can’t see out of windows when they’re covered.
We’ll Help You Find the Right Hurricane Shutters
We make it easy to design custom hurricane shutters that complement your home and provide outstanding protection. Get started by calling us at 888-249-5655 to request your free, in-home consultation today. Our design consultants are local, so they understand the weather you’re up against. There’s never any obligation or pressure to buy, just access to free expert advice.