Types Of Hurricane Shutters

Protecting your home is critical if you live in a area where hurricanes are common as your home is your single biggest purchase.  One way to accomplish this is with hurricane shutters.  They will keep out the rain and wind due to smashed windows.  Miami is a location where every house should have window protection of some type.  Here is a list with the most common types of Miami hurricane shutters.

Varieties of Hurricane Shutters

Accordian Shutters

Accordian shutters are permanently attached and usually stored beside the window when not being used.  These shutters pull across the window and unfold like an accordian when in use.  One person can quite easily set them up and they usually have a locking mechanism to prevent theft.  The downside to these shutters is they often detract from the beauty of the home.

Colonial Hurricane Shutters

These shutters are attached beside the window on either side and then fold together on top of the window when deployed.  One benefit of these shutters is that they can often make the house look more beautiful.  They can't, however, protect doors so you must use some other type of shutter system for doors.  Also, some have to have a bar down the center to keep them shut.

Bahama Shutters

These prop open to provide shade to the window, swinging on an attachment above the window. The shade they provide can be nice and they can also be attractive.  A single person can easily drop them down into place.  You should check on the strength of this type of shutter as it can often be weaker than other types.  They also can't be used to protect doors, similar to the colonisal stye shutters.

Roll-Down Shutters

This type of hurricane shutter attaches above the window.  The shutter rolls up like a window shade when not in use.  They may be lowered either with a hand crank or by an electric motor.  It is quite easy for one person to roll down electric shutters, but if the power goes out, you'll want a battery backup system.  If expense is a concern, you may want to investigate other kinds, however, because roll-down shutters tend to be more expensive.

Storm Panels

These are metal shutters that attach to the walls over windows.  When not in use, these shutters are completely removed so they don't detract from the beauty of the home.  In the event of a hurricane, it can be difficult for one person to deploy them, though, for this reason.  They are very strong and can protect both windows and doors. You should periodically inspect the panels to make sure that all of them are ready and in good shape and you'll need somewhere to store the panels when not in use.

Be sure to get a reputable and professional installer no matter which kind of shutters you select because you want to be sure that your house is protected. Your installer can discuss the different kinds of shutters and help you pick the best variety for your specific house.