The Hurricane Window Protection Options

Hurricane shutters are the most economical, so the most popular choice for homeowners. However, the impact of the windows and doors of hurricanes are also popular because of the benefits of greater comfort, safety, energy efficiency, soundproofing and attractiveness of the blinds. The system is cheaper plywood or panels offer great protection, but time consuming to install.

Your account: cost, appearance and comfort (which is often underestimated).

First understand what is your protector: it's not just shards of glass from the broken glass is dangerous - that your roof will really blow your attention. During a hurricane, the strong wind blowing on your home creates a "lift" effect on your roof. If a window or door is opened blown open during the storm, creating additional pressure upward on the roof, thus doubling or tripling the lifting effect. Thus, the roofs were torn off.

Here are the vital signs of your choice for hurricane window protection for your home.

Window Film Myth Buster and a little info about Windows Impact:

Window film can reduce the harmful rays of the sun at home, and contributed to the anti-theft system. It can also be very well reduce the likelihood of flying shards of glass to go home if a hurricane, but do you really think that slapping a thin film, a laptop computer from Windows is going to pitämään the roof if there is hurricane? Comparison, the effect of the windows are almost three times as thick as a normal window glass. Hurricane windows are composed of two layers of glass, and between layers of glass is a high tensile strength intermediate layer (film), which holds the glass in one case it is broken. They are much more than the windshield of cars.

An important factor in the strength of the effect of windows is how the glass & Orient is very securely attached to a rigid frame (both mechanically and by using industrial adhesives), so that the glass of the impact is not disconnected, even under extreme pressure. The objective is to establish a hurricane window protection for all openings (if done using shutters or impact windows hurricane, or a combination of both) and keep the opening sealed so as not to cause a change in pressure inside the home, thereby blowing off the roof. The idea of ​​window film hurricane window on a regular basis with its lightweight chassis and expect that even remotely resembles a window in Miami-Dade approved power is ridiculous. Yes, it would be better than nothing, but your money would be better spent on the plywood.

Plywood shutters ($ 2 - $ 4 / sq. ft.):

A popular and effective choice, installing plywood shutters to fit perfectly inside the window or door frame is an effective and affordable solution for homeowners. These components have been effective even in the strongest winds of Hurricane Andrew, and is relatively easy to install. To use this method, the plywood should be 5 / 8 "to 3 / 4" thick, and since it takes much time to prepare, it must be cut before the way we have a hurricane that weighs on us.

Positive:

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

Negatives:

Require storage, but can be stacked heavy and cumbersome to handle, the hanging can require more than one person requires more time to install is not a safe option for 2-story homes

Storm Preparation: 20 to 25 minutes out of the window (if pre-cut), 5 to 8 hours for an average home

Storm panel hurricane shutters ($ 5 - $ 8 ft / m):

Another popular and effective choice for these Hurricane shutters are generally made of steel or aluminum panels that keep the corrugated walls around windows and doors. There are several methods of installation, and pre-loaded songs and bolts, or just the bolts.

Positive:

Most cheap shutter "permanent" systems strong hurricanes and can provide excellent protection can be installed by a DIY hand

Negative:

Require storage system, but can be stacked to be heavy and difficult to handle, hanging requires more than one person in terms of time - more than compensated, most of these require a second time to install have sharp edges - can be dangerous to be a convenient choice for two story homes

Storm Preparation: 15 to 20 minutes through the window, from 4 to 6 hours for an average home

Accordion Hurricane Shutters ($ 15 - $ 18 ft / m):

Accordion hurricane shutters are attached directly to his home in the opening of the window or door, folded when not in use and easy to fold, accordion when you need to cover and protect the outdoors during a thunderstorm.

Positive:

Easy to implement for a person when they are needed. Permanently attached to the window, do not require storage. Some may be frozen and can be used as a deterrent to theft.

Negatives:

Bulky and unattractive. Seriously consider aesthetics, before you buy. More mechanical parts, so may require more maintenance than other units.

Storm Preparation: 30 minutes for a whole house

Colonial and Bahama Shutters Hurricane ($ 18 - $ 28 ft / m):

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

Positive:

Permanently attached to the side or above the window, does not require storage. Easily deployable by one person when they are needed. When they are decorative, they can beautify the home and protect it.

Negative:

Can not be used as protection for the doors, should be combined with another system. The drawings and the like may limit its use.

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

Curtains ($ 35 - $ 55 / sqft):

These hurricane shutters permanently attached above the window in a closed box, not in use, and scroll down, either manually or electronically to crank the engine, when you need it.

Positives:

Permanently attached to the side or above the window, do not require storage. Easy to implement for a person when they are needed. Since you can block, make it a good lock.

Negatives:

One of the more expensive systems. It requires a battery backup that can be operated during power outages.

Storm Preparation: Minimal, the lightest of hurricane shutter systems

Effect of Windows ($ 40 - $ 55 + ft / m):

Hurricane impact resistant windows, hurricane debris, and completely eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more to install a home, but it's more convenient, if a house is considering replacing old windows, however. This is the largest value of the hurricane protection window systems, because the effect of the windows to improve energy efficiency, are an excellent anti-theft system, giving a voice to absorb outside sounds and to give your home a hurricane window protection if a storm. In addition to adding new impact windows will increase the value of your home, more than any other hurricane protection systems.

Positive:

No need for hurricane shutters suitable for people with second homes, the house is ready for a hurricane all the time. Good anti-theft system is almost impossible to break the glass. Value-added soundproofing and energy efficiency for more than regular windows.

Negatives:

As the shutters, it is one of the most expensive systems.

Storm Preparation: NO

CONCLUSION:

Remember, if the aesthetic elements that bothers you, but the cost impact of the windows are almost out of reach, you can always combine the two. Install windows before impact, and possibly the sides of your home. So protect window openings that are not visible from the street with the shutters.

And do not underestimate the hassle of installing shutters every time there is a hurricane warning. I often make estimates of the impact on the windows of the houses that have blanking panels, because the owner is tired of dealing with their installation.

Finally, if your existing windows are in need of replacement because they are old, I encourage you to upgrade to Windows as an impact of the cost difference between non-impact windows with hurricane impact report shutters Windows is marginal.

Once you've narrowed the choice of which type of hurricane window protection system is best suited for your situation, talk to an expert to help in the final choice. Depending on which of these systems is most suitable for you, and hurricane shutters or impact windows, there are many choices of different styles and manufacturers that offer a variety of options. Window contractors are the best experts. How do I find it? Ideally, you get one that is destined for you, a family member, neighbor or friend. If they did a good job for them, this person can provide a wealth of information that has been learned over the years. If you choose a contractor can be found on the Internet, check their references (at least 5), give them a call and go see the work of the contractor.