Hurricane shutters are something that of late has been in really high demand, primarily due to the increased number of landfall hurricanes we have gotten in the past few years.
There are several types, I am going to cover the most popular type, pros and cons with each, their cost, and worktime needed for them.
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Storm panel shutters.
The first type are storm panel style. These are made of steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate, and are corrugated, and overlap at the edges to provide strength.
Of these, there are three variations.
First uses both tracks and bolts. There is usually an aluminum track above the window where the top edge of the panel would be inserted, then they would be bolted to the bottom of the window using bolts which are permaantly mounted in the wall. These panels mount vertically.
Second type uses two aluminum tracks, one on the top and one on the bottom of the window. These panels must be inserted into the side of the channel. Once they are alligned, they can be bolted to the channels. These panels also mount vertically.
Third type uses permanent bolts set into the wall next to doors and windows. These panels can be hung to allow allignment, then bolted down when done. These panels mount horizontally.
PROS
-Cheapest of the permanent shutter systems.
-Removable, so they don't detract from the look of the house when not in use.
-Strong, They don't get much stronger than this.
CONS
-Storage, you need a bit of space to store this type of shutters when not in use.
-Not the easiest to handle, longer shutters may require more than one person to install.
-Don't always line up correctly, however you can mark the shutters to make allignment easier.
-Sharp edges, If you are using steel or aluminum, it's recomended you wear gloves while installing.
Cost. 7-8 dollars per square foot
Prep time, can be as little as 15 minutes for small windows, however can take as much as much as an hour. Plan using the whole day to mount these.
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Accordion shutters.
These shutters are usually one piece, or two piece for larger windows, they mount in a housing next to the windows or doors while not in use.
As a storm closes in, they can be unfolded to protect the window or door.
PROS
-They are permanently mounted, and stored in housing next to the windows so you sacrifice no storage space.
-Can be done by one person, quickly. Even the elderly can handle these shutters.
-Some models can be locked which can provide theft protection if you have to bug out.
CONS
-The housing looks rather unsightly, they are large boxes on either side of the windows or doors.
-They are on wheels whcih means they can break "more moving parts" and they need regular maintence.
Cost 16-20 dollars per square foot
Prep time 10-15 minutes for the entire house.
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Colonial shutters.
These are two piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window, when needed, they can be closed to provide protection for the window.
PROS
-Permanently mounted, they are already mounted to the home, so they don't need additional storage space.
-Can be made storm ready by one person, including the elderly.
-Can be decorative, they add to the look of the home.
CONS
-Some shutters require a locking rod or bar to lock the shutters in place, this can increase the prep time.
-Doesn't protect doors, another type of shutter system will be needed for complete protection.
Cost. 18-30 dollars per square foot
Prep time 45 minutes to an hour for the entire house.
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Bahama shutters.
These one piece louvered shutters attach above the windows, and can be proped open to provide shade for the window, or bolted down to provide protection.
PROS
-Permanently mounted, and don't require additional storage space.
-Can be made storm ready by one person.
-Provide permanent shade and privacy, even when open.
CONS
-Have been weaker then other system, however newer models protect quite well.
-The can block too much light, thought compaired to a corrugated steel or aluminum shutter, they let in a lot.
-They don't protect doors, just like the colonial.
Cost 18-30 dollars per square foot
Prep time 15-30 minutes for the entire house.
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Roll down shutters.
These shutters attach above the window, and roll up and store in the box when not in use. They can be lowered via a handcrank and some models are electric
PROS
-Permanently mounted to the house, don't require storage space.
-Can be made storm ready by one person, some systems can be controled from a central panel, hit a switch and they all lower.
-One of the best methods of protection, and provide theft deterrent as well.
CONS
-Most expensive
-Electric shutters require a backup battery or some manual method of using them or your out of luck till the electricity returns.
Cost 30-55 dollars per square foot
Prep time 5 to 15 minutes.
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Hurricane glass
This glass can withstand debris and wind and provide breakin protection.
PROS
-Eliminates the need for shutters.
-Permanent, once hung they are part of the house.
CONS
-Must be installed by a contractor.
-Frame must be replaced along with the pane to meet code.
-Not ideal for old houses as it will cost more to retrofit a house, best for new construction.
Cost 35-50 dollars per square foot, that includes frame and glass.
Prep time 0, already part of the house
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Other window coverings
There are new window coverings made from a high tech fabric which allows light and visibility while protecting from winds enough to meet hurricane code.
Pros
-Permanent, doesn't require prep time,
Cons
-Must be installed by contractor or dealer.
-Few types of window films meet hurricane protection codes, but may give limited protection if properly installed.
There are also less expensive window panes, more along the lines of thick plastic security windows are about half the cost of layered panes, however they can be less then aesthetically satisfactory for home use as they scratch easily and fog in contact with common cleaning chemicals
Cost varies
Prep time varies
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Plywood
plywood shutters do not meet most building codes, however many homeowners who lack more permanent shutters cover their homes with them. These are a use at your own risk type system.
Barrel-bolt plywood shutters
Use on concrete-block stucco homes that have windows inset at least two inches from the exterior wall.
Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
Buy 3 or 4-inch barrel bolts, enough for one bolt for a minimum of every 12 inches of plywood.
Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for a snug fit in the inset.
For larger windows or sliding doors, attach two pieces of plywood together with 2x4's or a piano hinge.
Attach bolts to plywood, mark where you need the holes to be drilled in the concrete stucco.
Drill holes, in marked spots in concrete stucco.
When storm approaches, fit plywood into the inset as tightly as possible. You don't want wind to get under the shutter.
Overlapping plywood shutters
If your windows do not have a 2-inch inset, plywood shutters can overlap.
Buy plywood ahead of time, before the rush. Make sure it is at least 5/8 of an inch thick.
Cut the plywood sheets to size for each window, allowing for an overlap of at least 4 inches. Label each panel.
Drill corresponding holes in the plywood and walls. Use a 1/4-inch drill bit for the wood. Use a masonry or carbide-tipped bit for concrete or stucco walls.
Hammer 1/4-inch lead sleeve anchors – not plastic – into the holes in the wall. The anchors should be at least 2 inches long.
When a hurricane threatens, use tapping screws at least 2 inches long to bolt the plywood in place.
Cost 1-5 dollars per square foot
prep time 1 - 1 1/2 hours per window.
Keep in mind that while these shutters will protect your windows, they are just one aspect of protecting a home completely. You ever hear the saying "a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link"
This applies to homes as well. If you have a concrete poured home, braced roof, doors, and shuttered windows, you are in a virtual bunker. However if you are in a wood frame home with termite damage, and a non code roof, windows should be the least of your worrys.
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