Hurricane shutters.
The hurricane shutters you use can mean the difference between minimal damage, the total destruction of your home, and even life or death for you and your family.
Hurricane force winds of 74 mph or higher are strong enough to destroy buildings, trailers, trucks, cars, and mobile homes. It can rip off roofs, siding, gutters, and lift unsecured trash cans, chairs, tables, and other items that will become projectiles that slam into your walls, windows, and doors.
A small opening will let in enough wind that it could eventually open a larger hole and cause life-threatening exposure to you and your family.
Here I will discuss some of the different types of shutters available, how to choose and care for them, and also what to expect with each one.
The accordion.
This type of shutter is permanently anchored to the sides of windows and doors. When not extended to cover the opening, it folds like an accordion and secures to the sides of the window or door.
The accordion shutter offers the convenience of pulling it through the opening as it unfolds to lock into place on the opposite side.
Made of metal and fitted to run on rails placed at the top and bottom of the openings, these rails over time can accumulate debris that clogs the shutter’s passage. Be sure to inspect and clean them from time to time. During a storm, objects large and small hit the shutter, so it’s a good idea to open and inspect the shutter before the next storm to make sure it’s still working.
The Bahamas Shutter.
Anchored to the top of your window like an awning when not in use as a hurricane shutter, this type of shutter lowers to cover the entire window and locks into place at the bottom and sides.
The Bahama shade offers convenience and ease of use as it does not require you to remove and replace it at any time. Because it sits above the window, light is restricted from entering the opening it protects and should be considered when choosing this type of shutter.
Since this blind is never removed, it is exposed to the everyday elements like rain and wind and should be inspected occasionally for rust, missing screws, and damage that may have been caused by the last storm. Lower the shutter and lock it in place as a test to make sure it works, so you’re ready when you need to use it.
The Hurricane Roll-up Shutter.
This type of blind is rolled into its container that is installed on the window. It is lowered manually with a crank like that used on louvered windows, or lowered electronically. The Roll provides excellent protection for your windows as it slides down into tracks on both sides of the opening and locks into place at the bottom on your track as well.
Although the roll is made of metal and is designed for windows, some blind manufacturers offer custom designs for door openings. The casing it is rolled up in protects it from the elements when not in use, but it should still be examined for damage after a hurricane. You should also take it down and retract it before the next storm to make sure all the parts work, especially if it’s electronically controlled.
panels.
Steel or aluminum panels are stored and placed over the openings whenever necessary. Metal strips containing the required number of bolts are anchored to the sides of the openings. Panels fit onto these studs and are secured in place with a nut. When not in use, the panels are removed and stored along with their hardware in a secure location where they are easily accessible when needed.
This type of shutter provides excellent protection but must be removed, reinstalled, stored and care must be taken not to lose the necessary nuts for installation. Sharp edges can also cause hand and foot injuries and must be handled with care.
Store these panels in an area that is not used frequently to avoid nicks or cuts, wear work gloves to protect your hands when you have to move them, you should also secure the parts and tools needed to install these blinds so they don’t get lost.
Conclution.
The right protection for your home is the one that gets you through the storm safely with little or no damage to your home and property.
The Miami Dade areas of Florida have seen their share of devastating hurricanes and will continue to be threatened and battered by major and minor storms. Therefore, the blinds designed for this area must be the best.
Anytime a Hurricane shutter meets their standard, it has the “Miami Dade Approved” stamp and is accepted by insurance companies as capable of providing adequate protection against large and small projectiles carried by hurricane winds. Look for this seal of approval when shopping for your hurricane shutters.