The best type pf hurricane shutters to purchase for the southern states is any of them, as long as they are affordable and simple to install and protect you they should be fine.
The best hurricane shutters anywhere, not just in the south, are steel impact-resistant shutters. I can't advise on brand, since I'm not in a hurricane zone, but here's an example: http://stormprepare.com/Hurricane_Panel_Shutters.htm
The best hurricane shutters really depend on where you are and what you're trying to get out of them. You want shutters that are sturdy, easy to use, simple to put up and/or take down, and at a reasonable price. There is no certain type that work the best because they all basically do the same thing, it just depends on what you need out of them.
Hurricane shutters, or storm panels, are specially designed to protect a home against flying debris. In case of a hurricane, these shutters can help keep your home and family safe. If you live in a hurricane prone location, you may want to seriously consider investing in hurricane shutters.Styles of Hurricane ShuttersOne of the most difficult aspects of choosing hurricane shutters is deciding which type of shutters to install. The most common types of storm panels are: accordion shutters, storm panel hurricane shutters, colonial hurricane shutters, Bahama shutters, and roll-down shutters. Many of these styles are available in steel, aluminum, wood, and other materials.Storm panel hurricane shutters are the most popular type of storm shutters. These shutters are usually made of aluminum or steel and offer a high level of protection. If you decide to install storm panels, you will first need to bolt metal tracks onto the walls around your windows. The panels are then put on the tracks and slid into place during a storm.One of the biggest selling points of storm panels is that the panels are removable. They will not interfere with your home decor. Unfortunately, the panels are usually fairly heavy, especially if they are made of steel. This can make it difficult for elderly or disabled individuals to place the panels.Colonial hurricane shutters, Bahama shutters, roll-down shutters, and accordion shutters are permanently secured to the windows of a home. These styles also offer solid protection and are easy to put in place during a storm. The main drawback is that these styles are permanently fixed to the windows. While they are not necessarily unsightly, most people would prefer not to have a shutter system installed inside their home.When choosing storm shutters, you need to consider the style, level of protection, and price of different hurricane shutters. It's also important to consider how easy the shutters would be to use in a storm. If the shutters would be too difficult to put in place, they will not offer the protection you need to keep your home and family safe in an emergency.
Hurricane shutters are a necessity in areas that lie within the path of major hurricanes. Tropical locations such as, the Caribbean, Thailand and other places such as, the eastern seaboard of the United States are often the victims of hurricanes. Individuals should purchase protective coverings for windows in order to be prepared for storms. Shutters are made from a variety of materials. Some are more durable than others and some hurricane shutters are more permanent than others. The selection of shutters depends upon the home owner’s preference and budget. The types of hurricane shutters are listed below: •%09Fabric Hurricane Shutters •%09Accordian Hurricane Shutters •%09Storm Panel Hurricane Shutters •%09Motorized Hurricane Shutters •%09Bahama Hurricane Shutters Each shutter offers a different level appeal and protection for the home. Hurricane fabric is transparent, flexible and durable. This material is known to withstand the strongest hurricane forces and even protect from projectiles flying through the air. The fabric is made of polypropylene and is certified by the High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ). The material is 95 percent solid and 5 percent porous. Many individuals use this material for odd shaped windows that traditional shutters will not accommodate. Because it is lightweight, a single person may easily secure them during storm time. The price is usually between $80 and $100 per window. Motorized shutters are a more permanent hurricane protection. However, they are not as attractive as the traditional shutter or the Bahama hurricane shutter. The shutters can be immediately deployed with a flip of a switch. The shutters may also provide insulation, privacy, security, and sun control, as well as, storm protection. These shutters are more expensive and cost nearly $1000 per window. Clear storm panels are made of a polycarbonate material. This is the same material used in automobile light lenses and jet fighter canopies. The material is lightweight and the window maintains a level of visibility with this type of hurricane shutter. The cost is approximately $140 per window. Aluminum storm panels are slightly less expensive. The price is approximately $70 per window; however, the product is durable. Bahama hurricane shutters are equally as attractive as they are functional. They are also more expensive than most of the other options. These shades are permanent and blend well in tropical environments. They are made from aluminum and open at a 45 degree angle to allow sunlight. Each window costs between $400 and $500 for this type of hurricane shutter.
Wooden shutters are the best for inclement weather; they are stronger and easier to maintain than vinyl, or fiberglass.
steel or aluminum The best option for shutters is traditionally wood. This is affordable and will resist the elements. It also is an attractive option.
The cost of hurricane shutters can vary depending on the size, materials, and type. On average, prices range from $10 to $50 per square foot. Installation costs are typically additional and can vary based on the complexity of the job. It is recommended to get quotes from multiple suppliers and contractors for the most accurate pricing.
It depends on what type of interior shutters one is looking for. For a custom fit, a contractor would be the best option. But for standard interior shutters, plans could be found at a local hardware store.
The absolute best wood for shutters is determined by your climate. In climates that are humid or prone to lots of rain cedar is best. If your climate is "buggy" (termites, and other wood borers) then you can use cypress, too. If you are in colder climates or have seasonal changes you can use pine or pressure treated hardwoods as long as they are painted/sealed. Overall your best bet for real wood shutters is either cedar or cypress. They both hold up well in the weather and will accept paint/stain/sealer well too.
Hurricane shutters need to be regularly maintained just like any other mechanical items that we may have around our homes. One thing that folding hurricane shutters really need is plenty of lubrication in the spring and fall, plus a bit of dust removal throughout the year. The lubrication is applied on the tracks. This is where the slats of the hurricane shutters are mobile. If one has motorized folding hurricane shutters, there will be an extra step of greasing the bearings. The bearings carry the weight of the reels that do the actual opening and closing of the folding shutters. Below are the steps you can take to lubricate your shutters and if done properly should not take longer than an hour. 1. The first thing that you need to do is rapidly and repeatedly open and shut the shutters. This movement should not be violent enough to damage the shutters. You are doing this to get rid of any bees or wasp nests that may be within the shutters. These may hinder the proper lubrication of the shutters’ tracks. 2. You will then need to find the proper type of lubricant to use. Do not go for the WD40 lubricant, you need to find a silicone spray for this. 3. Aim the silicone spray at the felt strip and spray along the whole length of the strip. This is exactly along the tracks where slats make their movements. When the slats move sliding open and shut they make contact with the tracks’ interiors and hence the dire need for the lubrication. 4. This step is for those who have motorized folding hurricane shutters. You will need to spray the silicone spray on the split bracket bearings. The split bracket bearings are located on one end of the track and control the slat movement. They are also made to bear the weight of the reels. After this is done and over with you will then need to go one more step further. You will need to add lithium grease to the bearing. This is not complicated and you can use your fingers to do it.
An all weather shutter type would be the best for protection against rain and mold.
With wind speeds ranging from 75 miles per hour to in excess of 155 miles per hour, hurricanes are devastating and destructive force of nature. Modern weather forecasting tools can predict the likelihood of this type of tropical storm occurring, and its probable path. Modern technology can help mitigate some of its damaging effects. Rolling hurricane shutters protect a building and its occupants from the damaging winds when a hurricane strikes. Unlike taping windows or applying film, rolling shutters reinforce the glass and the frame itself, protecting occupants from the dangers of flying debris, and protecting the building from further structural damage resulting from the inward rush of high-speed wind. When properly installed by a certified technician, rolling shutters meet or exceed building codes in hurricane-prone areas of the United States. Rolling shutters can be installed either during construction or on an existing building, and provide the maximum protection in the event of a hurricane. The shutters are constructed of PVC or metal slats that roll down to the bottom of the opening (either window or door) along pre-installed tracks and lock tightly in place. They can be installed either internally or externally on the building. Larger openings may require the manual insertion of a reinforcing rod after the shutters are locked into place. When not it use, the slats are stored in a box that is mounted above each opening, eliminating the need to store sheets of plywood or corrugated metal. Unlike Bahamas shutters, which are permanently mounted to a building, rolling shutters do not block the sun when they are not in use. The shutters can be operated manually with a simple crank mechanism or electronically with the touch of a button. Depending upon the electronic system chosen, the shutters can also be programmed to deploy automatically when the wind reaches a certain speed so that even a vacant building is protected from the violence of a hurricane. Invisible when stored, yet strong when deployed, rolling hurricane shutters offer maximum protection with minimal visual impact to any building, and bring peace of mind to its owners and occupants.
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