Hurricane shutters are the most economical therefore the most popular solution chosen by homeowners. However, hurricane impact windows and doors are also very popular due to the added benefits of comfort, improved security, better energy efficiency, soundproofing, and their attractiveness over blinds. The least expensive system is plywood or panels; These offer great protection, but are time consuming to install.
Your considerations: Cost, appearance and convenience. (this one is often underestimated).
First, understand what you’re protecting: It’s not just the glass shards from the broken window that are dangerous – having your roof blown off will really get your attention. During a hurricane, the strong wind blowing over your home creates a “lifting” effect on your roof. If a window or door is opened during the storm, this creates additional upward ‘thrust’ on the roof, thus doubling or tripling the lifting effect. This is how roofs fly.
Here are the vital points about your options for window hurricane protection for your home.
Myth Buster – Window Film and some information about Impact Windows:
Window film can reduce the sun’s harmful rays into your home and is promoted as a burglary deterrent. It may also very well reduce the chance of glass shards flying through your home in the event of a hurricane, but do you really think that sticking a thin film on your existing windows will keep your roof up in the event? of a hurricane? By comparison, impact windows are nearly three times thicker than regular window glass. Hurricane windows are made up of two layers of glass and between these layers of glass is a strong tear-resistant interlayer (film) that holds the glass together in case it breaks. They are very similar to car windshields.
A key factor in the strength of impact windows is how the glass and interlayer are VERY firmly attached to a reinforced frame (both mechanically and through the use of industrial adhesives) so that the impact glass does NOT come off even under pressure. extreme. The goal is to establish hurricane window protection for all openings (either through the use of hurricane shutters or impact windows, or a combination of both) and to keep openings sealed so as not to cause a change in pressure inside the windows. of the house thus blowing up the roof. The idea of putting hurricane window film on a regular window with its lightweight frame and expecting it to even remotely resemble a Miami-Dade approved impact window is ridiculous. Yes, it would be better than nothing, but your money would be better spent on plywood.
Plywood shutters ($2-$4/sqft):
A popular and effective option, installing plywood shutters that fit snugly within the window or door frame is an efficient and affordable option for homeowners. These shutters were effective even in the strongest winds of Hurricane Andrew and are relatively easy to install. If you are going to use this method, the plywood should be 5/8″ to 3/4″ thick, and since it takes a long time to prepare, it should be cut to size before a storm approaches. Us.
Positives:
Most economical of all hurricane protection systems Strong and can provide excellent protection
Negatives:
Requires storage, but can be stacked Heavy and unwieldy, hanging may require more than one person Requires more time to install Not a safe option for 2-story homes
Storm Prep: 20 – 25 minutes per window (if pre-cut); 5 to 8 hours for an average home
Hurricane shutters with storm panels ($5 – $8 per square foot):
Another popular and effective option, these hurricane shutters are typically corrugated steel or aluminum panels that are attached to the walls around windows and doors. There are several mounting methods that use pre-mounted rails and bolts or just bolts.
Positives:
The most economical of the ‘permanent’ hurricane shutter systems Strong and can provide excellent protection Can be installed with practical DIY
Negatives:
Requires storage, but can be stacked Can be heavy and unwieldy, hanging may require more than one person Time consuming – next to plywood, these take the second longest amount of time to install Have sharp edges – can be dangerous No is a convenient option for 2 story houses
Storm Preparedness: 15 – 20 minutes per window; 4 to 6 hours for an average home
Accordion Hurricane Shutters ($15-$18/sqft):
Accordion hurricane shutters attach directly to your home at the window or door opening, fold flat when not in use, and easily unfold, accordion-style, when you need to cover and protect the opening during a storm.
Positives:
Easily unfolded by one person when needed. Permanently attached to the side of the window, no storage required. Some can be locked and used as dig up robberies.
Negatives:
Bulky and unattractive. Seriously consider the aesthetics before you buy them. More mechanical parts, so may require more maintenance than other devices.
Storm Preparedness: 30 Minutes for an Entire Home
Colonial and Bahama Hurricane Shutters ($18 – $28 / sf):
These are hurricane shutters with shutters that attach directly to the wall next to or above the windows.
Positives:
Permanently affixed to the side or above the window, they require no storage. Easily unfolded by one person when needed. As they are decorative they can beautify the home as well as protect it.
Negatives:
It cannot be used as door protection, it must be combined with another system. Designs and styles may limit its use.
Storm Preparedness: 30 minutes to an hour for an entire house
Hurricane Roller Shutters ($35 – $55/sqft):
These hurricane shutters sit permanently over the window in a closed box when not in use and roll up, either manually with a hand crank or electronically with a motor, when you need them.
Positives:
Permanently affixed to the side or above the window, they require no storage. Easily unfolded by one person when needed. Since they are lockable, they are an excellent theft deterrent.
Negatives:
One of the most expensive systems. Requires a backup battery so they can work during power outages.
Storm Prep: Minimal, Easiest of Hurricane Shutter Systems
Impact windows ($40 – $55+ / sf):
Hurricane impact windows can resist hurricane debris and completely eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more to retrofit an existing home, but it’s more cost-effective if the homeowner is considering replacing the old windows anyway. This is the biggest added value of hurricane window protection systems, as impact windows also improve energy efficiency, are an excellent burglary deterrent, deaden sound from outside noises, and provide hurricane protection to windows. windows of your home in case of a storm. Plus, adding new impact windows is likely to increase the value of your home, more than any other hurricane protection system.
Positives:
Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters Ideal for people with a second home – the house is prepared for hurricanes all the time. Excellent theft deterrent, almost impossible to break through glass. Added value of soundproofing and energy efficiency compared to normal windows.
Negatives:
Like roller blinds, this is one of the most expensive systems.
Storm Preparedness: NONE
CONCLUSION:
Keep in mind that if the aesthetics of blinds bother you, but the cost of impact windows is almost out of your reach, you can always combine the two. Install impact windows on the front and possibly the sides of your house. Then screen window openings that can’t be seen from the street with blinds.
And don’t underestimate the hassle of installing shutters every time there’s a hurricane warning. I frequently go out estimating impact windows on homes that have shutter panels because the homeowner is tired of having to install them.
Finally, if your existing windows need replacement because they are old, I encourage you to upgrade to impact windows, as the cost difference between non-impact windows with hurricane shutters and impact-only windows is marginal.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options as to which type of hurricane window protection system is best for your situation, talk to an expert to help you make your final selection. Depending on which of the above systems suits you best, whether it’s hurricane shutters or impact windows, there are many different style options and manufacturers offering different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How to find one? Ideally, get one that is recommended to you by a family member, neighbor, or friend. If they have done a good job for them, this person can provide you with a wealth of knowledge that has been learned over the years. If you must select a contractor you find online, check their references (at least 5), call them and look up the contractor’s work.