Hurricane Shutters
Call: 305 266 2100 and ask for Carlos
Hurricane shutters come in many forms. Not every hurricane shutters will look right in your home or business or be possible to install. Below we will list every type of hurricane shutter possible and explain its characteristics:
Of all the hurricane shutters in the market available, storm panels,
short of plywood shutters, are the least expensive and affordable
in the market today.
There are five basic types that we manufacture:
This type of hurricane shutter is very affordable. it is also very
durable and resists the impact of wind borne debris and the howling
storm extremely well. It is made of galvanized steel to resist rust.
The downside is that it's dangerous to handle and has to be put up
before a storm and taken down right after. Many people complain about this
as well as the claustrophobic feeling it imparts. we have done hundreds of conversions of
this system to accordion shutters, particularly on the second story, where the downside is more
pronounced.
A medium house (3 bed-room, 2 bath) will cost about $1,800
Aluminum storm panels are not as strong as steel storm panels, but they're a good alternative to steel. They are light weight and not as dangerous. They are rated for hurricanes and, just as steel, have Miami-Dade County Product Approval or N.O.A. (Notice of acceptance). They are affordable. Again, the downside is very much like its counterpart above. A medium house will cost about $3,000 Clear lexan storm panels:
These have become very popular in the South Florida Area, mainly because
once they're up, they may not have to be taken down after each storm. They
allow the sun's rays to come through and don't give you that claustrophobic
feeling that was mentioned earlier.They are very durable, but can only be
installed in openings that are not bigger than five feet. We have done a combination of aluminum storm panels in the bigger openings
and clear lexan in the others. This has been workable and as good solution to those on a budget. A medium house will cost about $5,000 Accordion shutters:
Accordion shutters are possibly the favorite shutters in South Florida. They are fairly affordable and strong against hurricanes. These also have the Miami-Dade County Product Approval. These are installed permanently. they slide sideways, or from right to left or left to right.They lock in the middle with either a "T handle" lock or a push button lock. An accordion shutter stacks on the left and right side of your daylight opening so that it won't block your view. It requires little maintainance,
but should be opened and closed every season. Sometimes bees or wasps love
to leave their nests inside the tracks. This will discourage them from doing so. Accordion shutters come in various colors: white, ivory, beige and bronze (dark brown--almost black). A medium house will cost about $7,000 Roll up shutters:
Roll up shutters are a favorite with many customers who can afford them. These cost about twice as much as accordion shutters, but offer comfort and ease of use. A roll up shutter or "Rolladen", as many call it, rolls vertically. It canhave a crank handle, for operation, or a motor for easy operation with a push button. Many advances in electronics makes it possible for roll up shutters tobe operated with one push button for many units, so that all of them operate simultaneously. They can even be programed to be on a timeror remote controlled operated. they can be costly, but offer security, peace
of mind and protect very well against storms. Roll up shutters can also be used as a shade. the slats (blades) can be vented or non vented. That means that they come with little holes that let the light in as they are roll down. They can also save you money as you notice your electric bill lowering. They are a great solution to controlling the elements. A medium house will cost about $20,000 with motorized roll ups. Colonial shutters:
Colonial shutters are a favorite in the Caribbean. We have
already manufactured and shipped many of these to: Turks and
Caicos, Providenciales. They are very strong against hurricanes
and other storms and offer an unparalleled beauty.
They have become a major part of our export department
They come in various designer colors and are a special order.
they cost about the same as a motorized roll up shutter.
A medium house will cost about $15,000
Bahama shutters hinge on a special bracket from the top. These are made of
strong aluminum and stainless steel screws.
They have a special look in that They appear to be more like a shade than a shutter. These come in various designer colors like the colonial shutter and looks very much the same as a colonial, except that it hinges at the top. The colonial shutter hinges on the sides.
Impact glass:
Impact glass is a type of shutter in its own right. It's affordability has made it a major industry in the South Florida area. It stays in place and that's your shutter. No push button or moving parts.
The glass part of the impact glass system works similar to the windshield in a car. it will crack, but won't shatter in pieces like your regular tempered glass. Yes, after the storm you will have to get the glass replaced in the unlikely event that it cracks. But such is a small price to pay for what the benefits that you do get.
It is not for every budget, however, as a large house can cost as much as $50,000. A medium house about $25,000.
Call us for a free estimate: 305 266 2100
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Colonial Shutters before painting