Hurricane shutters are the cheapest and therefore the most popular solution chosen by homeowners. However, hurricane impact windows and doors are also very popular due to the added benefits of convenience, improved safety, better energy efficiency, soundproofing, and their appeal over shutters. The least expensive system is plywood or panels; They offer great protection, but are time consuming to install.

Your considerations: Cost, appearance and convenience (This one is often underestimated).

First, understand what your protection is – it’s not just the broken window glass shards that are dangerous, but blowing up your roof will really catch your eye. During a hurricane, the strong wind blowing over your home creates a “lift” effect on your roof. Opening a window or door during the storm creates an additional upward ‘push’ on the roof, doubling or tripling the lifting effect. This is how ceilings are blown off.

Here are the basics of your home hurricane window protection options.

Myth Buster- Window film and a bit of information about impact windows:

Window film can reduce the sun’s harmful rays in your home and is promoted as a theft deterrent. It can also very well reduce the chance of glass shards passing through your home in the event of a hurricane, but do you really think that putting a thin piece of film on your existing windows will keep your roof on in the event of a hurricane? from a hurricane? By comparison, impact windows are almost three times thicker than normal window glass. Hurricane windows are made up of two layers of glass and between these layers of glass is a tear-resistant interlayer (film) that holds the glass together in case it breaks. They look a lot like car windshields.

A key factor in the resistance 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 will NOT come off even under pressure. extreme. The goal is to establish hurricane protection for all openings (whether this is done through the use of hurricane shutters or impact windows, or a combination of the two) and to keep the openings sealed so as not to cause a change in pressure inside the house. well fly from the ceiling. 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 it would be better to spend your money on plywood.

Plywood Shutters ($ 2- $ 4 / sq. Ft.):

A popular and effective option, installing plywood shutters to fit comfortably inside the window or door frame is an efficient and affordable option for homeowners. These shutters were effective even in Hurricane Andrew’s strongest winds and are relatively easy to install. If you are using 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 hits. U.S.

Positive:

The most economical of all strong hurricane protection systems and can provide excellent protection

Negatives:

Requires storage, but can be stacked Heavy and unwieldy, may require more than one person to hang Requires more time to install Not a safe option for 2-story homes

Storm Preparation: 20-25 minutes per window (if pre-cut); 5 to 8 hours for an average household

Storm Pane Hurricane Shutters ($ 5 – $ 8 / sq. Ft.):

Another popular and effective option, these hurricane shutters are typically corrugated steel or aluminum panels that adhere to the walls around windows and doors. There are several mounting methods that use pre-assembled rails and bolts or just bolts.

Positive:

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 May be heavy and difficult to handle, may require more than one person to hang Time-consuming; other than plywood, these take the second longest amount of time to install They have sharp edges – can be dangerous Not a convenient choice for 2 story homes

Storm Preparation: 15-20 minutes per window; 4 to 6 hours for an average household

Accordion Hurricane Shutters ($ 15 – $ 18 / sq. Ft.):

Accordion Hurricane Shutters attach directly to your home in your window or door opening, fold up when not in use, and fold out easily, accordion shaped when you need to cover and protect the opening during a storm.

Positive:

Easily deployable by one person when needed. Permanently attached to the side of the window, no storage required. Some can be locked and can be used to deter theft.

Negatives:

Bulky and unattractive. Seriously consider aesthetics before purchasing. More mechanical parts, so they may require more maintenance than other devices.

Storm Preparation: 30 Minutes for a Whole House

Colonial and Bahama Hurricane Blinds ($ 18 – $ 28 / sq. Ft.):

These are hurricane shutter shutters that attach directly to the wall next to or above the windows

Positive:

Permanently attached to the side or above the window, requires no storage. Easily deployable by one person when needed. As they are decorative, they can beautify the home and protect it.

Negatives:

It cannot be used as a door protection, it must be combined with another system. Designs and style may limit its use.

Storm Preparation: 30 minutes to an hour for the whole house

Hurricane Roller Blinds ($ 35 – $ 55 / sq. Ft.):

These hurricane shutters are permanently attached over the window in a closed box when not in use and slide down, either manually with a crank or electronically by motor, when you need them.

Positive:

Permanently attached to the side or above the window, requires no storage. Easily deployable by one person when needed. Since they can be locked, they are an excellent theft deterrent.

Negatives:

One of the most expensive systems. It requires a battery backup so they can function during power outages.

Storm Preparedness: Minimal, Easiest of Hurricane Shutter Systems

Windows Impact ($ 40 – $ 55 + / sq ft):

Hurricane impact windows can withstand hurricane debris and completely eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more to modernize an existing home, but is more profitable if the homeowner is considering replacing old windows anyway. This is the greatest added value of hurricane window protection systems, as impact windows also improve energy efficiency, are an excellent burglar deterrent, provide acoustic dampening from outside noise, and protect the windows in your home. against hurricanes in the event of a storm. Additionally, adding new impact windows is likely to increase the value of your home, more than with any of the other hurricane protection systems.

Positive:

Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters Ideal for those with second homes – the home is hurricane ready all the time. Excellent theft deterrent, almost impossible to break glass. Added value of sound damping and energy efficiency compared to normal windows.

Negatives:

Like roller shutters, this is one of the most expensive systems.

Storm Preparedness: NONE

CONCLUSION:

Keep in mind that if the aesthetics of shutters bother you, but the cost of impact windows is almost out of reach, you can always combine the two. Install impact windows in the front and possibly on the sides of your home. Then protect window openings that cannot be seen from the street with shutters.

And don’t underestimate the hassle of installing shutters every time there is a hurricane warning. I often go out to estimate impact windows in homes that have louver panels because the homeowner is tired of installing them.

Finally, if your existing windows need to be replaced because they are old, I encourage you to upgrade with impact windows, as the cost difference between non-impact windows with hurricane shutters and impact windows is marginal.

Once you’ve narrowed your options to what type of hurricane window protection system is best for your situation, speak to an expert to help you make your final selection. Depending on which of the above systems best suits you, be it hurricane shutters or impact windows, there are many different style options and manufacturers offering different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How do you find one? Ideally, get one that is recommended to you by a family member, neighbor, or friend. If you’ve 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 that you find online, check their references (at least 5), give them a call and see the contractor’s work.