| Hurricane shutters are the most economical, therefore | | | | the opening during a storm. |
| the most popular solution chosen by homeowners. | | | | Positives:Easily deployable by one person when they |
| However, hurricane impact windows and doors are | | | | are needed. Permanently attached next to the |
| also very popular because of the added benefits of | | | | window, don't require storage. Some can be locked |
| convenience, security enhancement, better energy | | | | and may be used as a theft deterrent. |
| efficiency, sound proofing and its attractiveness over | | | | Negatives:Bulky and not attractive. Seriously consider |
| shutters. The least expensive system is plywood or | | | | aesthetics before purchasing these. More mechanical |
| panels; these offer great protection, but take a great | | | | parts, so may require more maintenance than other |
| deal of time to install. | | | | devices. |
| Your considerations: Cost, appearance, and | | | | Storm Prep: 30 minutes for an entire home |
| convenience (this one is often under estimated). | | | | Colonial and Bahama Hurricane Shutters ($18 - $28 / |
| First, understand what it is your protecting: it's not just | | | | sq. ft.): |
| the shards of glass from the broken window that are | | | | These are louvered hurricane shutters that attach |
| dangerous - having your roof blown off will really get | | | | directly to the wall beside or above the windows |
| your attention. During a hurricane, the strong wind that | | | | Positives:Permanently attached next to, or above the |
| blows over your home creates a 'lift' effect on your | | | | window, don't require storage. Easily deployable by one |
| roof. If a window or door opening is blown open during | | | | person when they are needed. Since they are |
| the storm, this creates an additional upward 'push' on | | | | decorative they can beautify the home as well as |
| the roof, thus doubling or tripling the lifting effect. This is | | | | protect it. |
| how roofs are blown off. | | | | Negatives:Cannot be used as protection for doors, |
| Here are the vitals on your choices for hurricane | | | | must be combined with another system. Designs and |
| window protection for your home. | | | | style may limit their use. |
| Myth Buster- Window Film and a little info on Impact | | | | Storm Prep: 30 minutes to an hour for an entire home |
| Windows: | | | | Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters ($35 - $55 / sq. ft.): |
| Window film can reduce the sun's damaging rays into | | | | These hurricane shutters attach permanently above |
| your home and it is promoted to be a theft deterrent. It | | | | the window in an enclosed box when they are not in |
| may also very well reduce the chance for shards of | | | | use and roll down, either manually with a hand crank or |
| glass to go flying through your home in the event of a | | | | electronically by motor, when you need them. |
| hurricane, but do you really think slapping a thin piece of | | | | Positives:Permanently attached next to, or above the |
| film on your existing windows is going to keep your | | | | window, don't require storage. Easily deployable by one |
| roof on in the event of a hurricane? By comparison, | | | | person when they are needed. Since they can be |
| impact windows are almost three times as thick as | | | | locked, they make an excellent theft deterrent. |
| regular window glass. Hurricane windows are made up | | | | Negatives:One of the most expensive systems. |
| of two layers of glass and sandwiched between | | | | Requires a battery backup so they can be operated |
| these layers of glass is a strong tear resistant | | | | during power outages. |
| interlayer (film) that keeps the glass together in the | | | | Storm Prep: Minimal, easiest of the hurricane shutter |
| event it is broken. They are much like the windshield of | | | | systems |
| automobiles. | | | | Impact Windows ($40 - $55+ / sq. ft.): |
| A key factor in the strength of impact windows is | | | | Hurricane impact windows can withstand hurricane |
| how the glass & interlayer are VERY securely | | | | debris and completely eliminate the need for hurricane |
| attached to a reinforced frame (both mechanically and | | | | shutters. It costs more to retrofit an existing home, but |
| thru the use of industrial adhesives) so the impact | | | | is most cost effective if a homeowner is considering |
| glass does NOT detached even under extreme | | | | replacing old windows anyway. This is the most value |
| pressure. The goal is to establish hurricane window | | | | added of the hurricane window protection systems, |
| protection for all openings (whether one does this | | | | since impact windows also improve energy efficiency, |
| through the use of hurricane shutters or impact | | | | are an excellent theft deterrent, provide sound |
| windows, or a combination of the two) and keep the | | | | deadening from outside noises, as well as give your |
| openings sealed so as to not cause a change in | | | | home hurricane window protection in the event of a |
| pressure inside the home thus blowing off the roof. | | | | storm. Further, adding new impact windows is likely to |
| The idea of putting hurricane window film on a regular | | | | increase the value of your home, more so than with |
| window with its lightweight frame and expecting it to | | | | any of the other hurricane protective systems. |
| even remotely resemble a Miami-Dade approved | | | | Positives:Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters |
| impact window is ridiculous. Yes, it would be better | | | | Great for people with 2nd homes- the home is |
| than nothing, but your money would be better spent on | | | | hurricane ready all the time. Excellent theft deterrent, |
| plywood. | | | | nearly impossible to break thru the glass. Added value |
| Plywood Shutters ($2 - $4 / sq. ft.): | | | | of sound deadening & energy efficiency over regular |
| A popular and effective choice, installing plywood | | | | windows. |
| shutters to fit snugly inside the window or door frame | | | | Negatives:Like roll-down shutters, this is one of the |
| is an efficient and affordable option for homeowners. | | | | most expensive systems. |
| These shutters were effective even in the highest | | | | Storm Prep: NONE |
| winds of Hurricane Andrew, and are relatively easy to | | | | CONCLUSION: |
| install. If you are going to use this method, the plywood | | | | Keep in mind that if the aesthetics of shutters is |
| needs to be 5/8" to 3/4" thick, and since it takes a lot | | | | bothering you, but the cost of impact windows is |
| of time to prepare, it should be cut to size way before | | | | nearly out of reach, you can always combine the two. |
| we have a storm bearing down on us. | | | | Install impact windows on the front, and possibly the |
| Positives:Most inexpensive of all hurricane protective | | | | sides of your home. Then protect the window |
| systems Strong and can provide excellent protection | | | | openings that are cannot be seen from the street with |
| Negatives:Require storage, but can be stacked Heavy | | | | shutters. |
| and difficult to handle, hanging may require more than | | | | And don't underestimate the hassle of installing |
| one person Require the most time to install Not a safe | | | | shutters every time there is a hurricane warning. I |
| option for 2 story homes | | | | frequently go out to do estimates for impact windows |
| Storm Prep: 20 - 25 minutes per window (if pre-cut); 5 | | | | on homes that have shutter panels because the |
| to 8 hours for an average home | | | | homeowner is tired of dealing with installing them. |
| Storm panel hurricane shutters ($5 - $8 / sq. ft.): | | | | Finally, if your existing windows are in need of |
| Another popular and effective choice, these hurricane | | | | replacement because they are old, I encourage you to |
| shutters are typically steel or aluminum corrugated | | | | retrofit them with impact windows since the cost |
| panels that attach to the walls around windows and | | | | difference between non-impact windows with |
| doors. There are several mounting methods using | | | | hurricane shutters versus only impact windows is |
| either pre-mounted tracks and bolts or just bolts. | | | | marginal. |
| Positives:Most inexpensive of the 'permanent' hurricane | | | | Once you have narrowed your choices to what type |
| shutter systems Strong and can provide excellent | | | | of hurricane window protection system is best for |
| protection Can be installed by a handy DIY | | | | your situation, talk to an expert to help you in your final |
| Negatives:Require storage, but can be stacked Can be | | | | selection. Depending on which of the above systems |
| heavy and difficult to handle, hanging may require more | | | | best suits you, be it hurricane shutters or impact |
| than one person Time consuming - other than | | | | windows, there are many different style choices, and |
| plywood, these require the 2nd most time to install | | | | manufacturers who offer different options. Window |
| Have sharp edges - can be dangerous Not a | | | | contractors are your best experts. How to find one? |
| convenient option for 2 story homes | | | | Ideally, get one who is referred to you by a family |
| Storm Prep: 15 - 20 minutes per window; 4 to 6 hours | | | | member, neighbor or a friend. If they have done a |
| for an average home | | | | good job for them, this person can provide you with a |
| Accordion Hurricane Shutters ($15 - $18 / sq. ft.): | | | | wealth of knowledge that has been learned over the |
| Accordion hurricane shutters are attached directly to | | | | years. If you must select a contractor you find online, |
| your home at the window or door opening, folded up | | | | check out their references (at least 5), call them, and |
| when they are not in use and easily unfolded, | | | | go look at the contractor's work. |
| accordion-style when you need to cover and protect | | | | |