Useful tip: Did you know that it's better to change your garage door to an impact Hurricane rated door than to put shutters over it? You change the door and you're set! Ask us about our low prices on Garage doors.
Hurricane shutters come in many forms. Not all hurricane shutters will look right in your home or business or be possible to install. Below we will list every type of shutter possible and explain its characteristics:
Storm panels:
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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 of Hurricane Shutters
we can provide you or manufacture:
Steel storm panels:
This type of hurricane shutter is very affordable and very effective against hurricanes, even more so, strong tropical storms. It is made of galvanized steel, which resists rust.
The downside to steel panels is that they're heavy, sharp and dangerous. Many homeowners call us to change these to accordion shutters or even impact glass, if they can afford it. Another downside is that they need to be removed from the openings after the storm has passed.
We've seen some homeowners in Miami who leave their storm panels up for the whole hurricane season! I don't know for sure why, except that they may not want to take them down and then, put them up again for the next storm.
- Aluminum Storm panels:
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 the steel panels mentioned 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 down 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 can have a crank handle, for operation, or a motor for easy operation with a push button. The preferred roll up shutter is a motorized shutter.
A motor usually costs an extra $200 per roll down shutter.
Many advances in electronics makes it possible for roll up shutters to be operated with one push button for many units, so that all of them operate simultaneously. They can even be programed to be on a timer or remote controlled operated. they can be costly, but offer security, peace of mind and protect very well against storms.
(A little light comes through)
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 rolled 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.
