How do you pick and take care of hurricane shutters to keep your Florida home safe? This guide covers everything from choosing the right shutters to maintaining them.
Living in Florida offers a host of pleasures, from its sunny shores to its lush landscapes. However, the region’s susceptibility to hurricanes demands robust home protection strategies, especially when it comes to installing and maintaining hurricane shutters in Florida.
This comprehensive guide provides practical advice on choosing, installing, and upkeeping hurricane shutters to safeguard your Florida home effectively.
1. Selecting the Right Hurricane Shutters
Begin by assessing the specific needs of your home. Consider factors such as exposure to high winds, aesthetic preferences, and budget constraints. Here are the popular types of hurricane shutters Florida:
Roll-down Shutters
These shutters are known for their robust construction and ease of use. They can be deployed quickly via a manual crank or a motorized system, ideal for large or hard-to-reach windows.
Accordion Shutters
These shutters are attached to the sides of the windows or doors and pull across tracks to cover and protect the opening. They are an economical choice for providing storm protection.
Metal Storm Panels
Typically made of corrugated aluminum or steel, these panels are bolted across windows before a storm and are removed afterwards. They are less expensive but require storage space when not in use.
Fabric Storm Panels
These are made from high-strength, synthetic fabric designed to withstand high winds and flying debris. They are lighter than metal options and easier to handle.
Colonial Shutters
These permanently installed shutters add a decorative touch to your home. They function similarly to traditional shutters, swinging closed when needed.
Each type has its own installation and maintenance requirements, which are crucial for their effectiveness.
2. Installation Guidelines
Proper installation is critical for ensuring that hurricane shutters Florida perform as intended during a storm. Consider the following tips for a successful setup:
Professional Installation
Investing in professional installation is crucial, particularly for complex shutter systems like roll-down or colonial shutters. This guarantees that shutters are installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes.
Compliance with Building Codes
Make sure your installation complies with Florida’s stringent building codes which are designed to withstand high-impact hurricanes. Compliance not only offers safety but may also be necessary for insurance purposes.
Secure Attachment
Properly securing shutters is fundamental to their performance. Different types of walls require different anchoring systems. Use appropriate anchors and screws to securely attach shutters to the walls or windows. The type of hardware will depend on the construction of your home (wood, concrete, etc.).
Operational Testing
After installation, conduct thorough testing to ensure shutters can be deployed and retracted smoothly. This testing should mimic the actual conditions under which the shutters would operate during a storm.
3. What Does Taking Care of Hurricane Shutters Florida Involve?
Regular maintenance is important if you want your investment to last. Without it, the functionality and effective nature of the product can be affected. Here is what you can do:
Lubrication
For the lubrication, silicone spray and light oil are good choices. You can apply it to your tracks and rollers annually. This is especially important for products with moving parts, such as roll-down and accordion models.
Take care of cleaning
Regular cleaning is necessary to remove dirt, salt, and debris that could corrode metal components or jam tracks. Use mild soap and water for cleaning, and ensure all parts are dry before closing the shutters.
Damage Inspection
At the end of hurricane season, inspect shutters for any signs of wear or damage after each storm season. Look for rust, misalignment, bent frames, or malfunctioning parts.
Fastener Inspection
Annually check and tighten any loose screws or bolts that secure the shutters.
Component Replacement
Annually check all mounting bolts, screws, and other hardware to ensure everything is tight and secure. Replace any worn or rusty components immediately.
4. Are You Storing Your Hurricane Shutters Properly?
It’s essential to store removable hurricane shutters properly to keep them in good condition and ready for immediate use. Proper storage helps prevent damage and enables quick and easy access and installation in the event of a storm.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the shutters to remove any dirt, debris, or salt deposits. Ensure the shutters are completely dry before storing to avoid rust and corrosion. Store the shutters neatly stacked in a dry, protected area like a garage or shed, making sure they are off the ground to prevent moisture damage.
Label each shutter clearly to correspond with its specific window or door, which helps streamline the installation process during urgent situations. Store all mounting hardware and fasteners in a labeled container to avoid searching during critical times. This organized storage approach ensures that your hurricane shutters are preserved in excellent condition and are quickly accessible when needed.
5. Preparing for a Storm
The impacts of hurricanes can be minimized for those people who timely prepare for them. The forecasting for the hurricane is done in advance so the vulnerable population can take all necessary measures.
So whenever you hear the news regarding the arrival of the hurricane, your job should be to close your hurricane shutters. This way, the approaching storm won’t do the extreme damage.
6. Seeking Professional Advice
If you’re uncertain about the best type of hurricane shutters Florida or need guidance on installation or maintenance, consulting with a professional is recommended.
A licensed contractor who specializes in hurricane protection knows the best. You can rely on them to get personalized advice according to your home and other local requirements.
Conclusion
Are you based in Florida? Don’t think twice before investing in hurricane shutters. Upon reading this blog, you will know how to ensure proper installation and conduct regular maintenance. By following these, your home’s defenses against the destructive force of hurricanes.
Remember, the key to effective hurricane protection is preparation and proactive maintenance.
