Why Installing Hurricane Shutters is Important for Your Home

Port City residents aren’t strangers to hurricanes. After all, Category 1 Hurricane Florence made landfall around Wrightsville Beach not too long ago in 2018, drenching the area and battering properties with high storm winds. To protect your home and its windows, you might consider installing hurricane shutters when you have time for a renovation project. Without installed hurricane shutters, your windows could be at risk during a severe storm.

Truth be told, hurricane shutters offer big benefits to your property aside from offering storm protection for your home and windows against strong winds – they can lower your electricity bill and boost the curb appeal of your home, too! Of course, choosing the right hurricane shutters is just as important as installing them in the first place. Let’s take a look at how to pick between hurricane shutter types so your home upgrade is as effective as possible.

What are hurricane shutters?

Hurricane shutters – which are sometimes called hurricane coverings, hurricane panels, or storm shutters – are aptly named since they're designed to offer additional durability and security compared to normal shutters during intense storms.

As you already know, hurricanes bring high winds, curtains of rain, and pelting hail. But hurricane shutters are specifically constructed to withstand those inclement weather forces and protect your home’s windowpanes and the space behind them.

The best hurricane shutters can also easily open to let in natural light when the weather is clear. These exterior accents are versatile, effective, and valuable upgrades to any Port City property.

Hurricane shutter types

Like other shutters and home improvements, hurricane shutters are available in a few different types. While any hurricane shutter will shelter your home against storm hazards by definition, one or another type might be better based on your home’s aesthetic, your budget, and other factors.

Accordion shutters

Accordion shutters fold up – like the instruments they’re named after – to the sides of your windows whenever they aren’t protecting windows. Since they compress into compact stacks and can expand over a window’s surface, they’re a phenomenal hurricane shutter choice for large windows, like picture windows, or even sliding glass doors. Many top accordion shutters also come with locks, adding even more security against theft.

Bahama shutters

Bahama shutters, meanwhile, are mounted on top of your windows. They have hinges to allow them to open and close, plus telescoping sidebars to hold them open at any desired angle during sunny days.

For many homeowners, Bahama shutters are the perfect blend of fun and protective for sun-facing windows. These easy-to-install shutters lend any home an easy-going, beachy look. Thanks to their canopied designs, these shutters provide a little extra shade during the day. Depending on your shutter pick, they might be louvered shutters featuring slats at 45-degree angles to let in fresh air throughout the day or they might be basic flat panels.

Colonial shutters

Colonial shutters feature two aluminum or wood panels expertly mounted on either side of a window with hinges. They close over the window like a shield, combining safety with classic aesthetic appeal.

Board and batten shutters are similar to colonial shutters due to their old-fashioned look and durability. They might be the best choices to install on your Port City property, especially if your home already has a colonial or rural architectural theme.

Eastern Metal Supply’s Board & Batten Colonial Hurricane Protection System is a fine example of the simultaneous style and protection such shutters can provide. These particular shutters are impact-tested and code-approved for hurricane protection, too, offering even more peace of mind.

Hurricane panels

You can't go wrong with basic hurricane panels. They're simple one-piece panels that cover your windows, acting as the ultimate defense against hurricane-level winds. These are popular, cost-effective options often made of durable metal or fiberglass.

On the downside, they don’t let you see through your windows at all when they’re deployed. But they can be architectural upgrades for your property when you pick the right models.

Roll-down shutters

Last are rolling or roll-down shutters. Rolling shutters roll up to the top of your window when they’re not needed, then roll back out when it’s time to hunker down. Many homeowners love rolling shutters since they stash neatly out of sight on days with good weather, making them an inconspicuous option.

How to pick the right hurricane shutters for your home

Not sure which of these hurricane shutter types is right for your property? Whether you’re leaning toward one style or another, you should only proceed with installing hurricane shutters after considering these major factors.

Consider window size for your hurricane shutters

First, measure your windows properly or have an expert do it for you. The last thing you want is to install hurricane shutters that don’t cover the entire window space (or that extend too far along the walls). Properly-fitted hurricane shutters look great and ensure effective protection – ill-fitted shutters don’t provide either benefit.

Think about hurricane shutter material

Your hurricane shutters’ material is similarly crucial. You can pick from a few different materials, including:

• Wood, which looks stylish but isn't as durable as other materials. It also requires extra maintenance on your part.
• Wood composite, which is significantly more durable and retains the aesthetic appeal of wood shutters. Wood composite hurricane shutters are made by blending marine resin with quality wood fibers.
• Vinyl is an affordable, tough, and UV-resistant material that's perfect for hurricane shutters that get a lot of sunlight.

Since some hurricane shutters are only available with certain materials, speak to an expert about these home upgrades to dig into your options.

Don’t forget maintenance requirements!

Some hurricane shutters will require more maintenance and regular cleaning than others. If the idea of constantly monitoring your shutters for water damage or treating them for mold isn’t appealing, for instance, vinyl accordion shutters might be better than cedar Bahama shutters. Think about the long-term commitment you’ll make with your shutters before ordering several new sets.

When in doubt, it always helps to talk to an expert. Window World of the Port City is staffed with the best people to help you choose the ideal shutters for your property, including board and batten shutters, raised panel shutters, and more. Contact us today or stop by our showroom to get started!