Bahama Shutters

What are Bahama shutters made of?

Bahama shutters – also known as Bermuda shutters – are louvered shutters traditionally made of wood. However, newer models are also made with aluminum or fiberglass and can be a decorative yet durable hurricane protection solution for your home. They can be painted to match your home or to give a bit of color and charm to the exterior.

How do Bahama shutters work?

This type of storm shutter is mounted to the top of the window at a 45 degree angle. Bermuda shutters are one-piece shutters. Each shutter covers one window and can be closed very quickly in preparation for a storm. 

Some other benefits of Bahama shutters:

  • Blocks the sun during hot Florida summers
  • Keeps the home cooler and reduces cooling costs
  • Adds privacy – you can see out but others cannot see in

What do Bahama hurricane shutters look like?

Bahama hurricane shutters can be powder-coated to match any color of paint. 

They make a beautiful and protective design statement in addition to almost any exterior.

Are Bahama shutters effective?

Bahama shutters have been used for decades in – you guessed it – the Bahamas to protect homes and businesses from hurricane damage. They provide excellent storm protection whether you choose wooden Bahama shutters or aluminum Bahama shutters.

You’ll love how your home looks after installing Bahama shutters. You’ll also enjoy a bit more privacy and a cooler home since the window coverings block much of the hot Florida sunlight from coming into your windows.

What are the pros and cons of installing Bahama shutters?

Pros of Bahama Shutters

  • Colors are fully customizable
  • Decorative and durable
  • Easy for one person to install if needed
  • Easy to operate
  • Increase home value
  • One-time investment
  • Permanently affixed to the home
  • Provides shade and protection

Cons of Bahama Shutters

  • Used for windows only

Compare & Choose Hurricane Shutters Near Me

If you’re not sure which hurricane shutters are best for your home, give us a call. We’re available for a free in-home consultation and would be happy to help you choose hurricane shutters that:

  • Look beautiful
  • Are easy for you to install 
  • Protect your home and family
  • Fit into your budget
  • Meet all your needs

How much does it cost to install Bahama shutters?

The average cost of installing these durable and decorative shutters is anywhere from $40-$50 per square foot.

How to install Bahama shutters

If you fancy yourself a DIY pro, then you might consider installing your Bahama shutters yourself. You can purchase shutters at the local big box home improvement store. 

Make sure to take accurate measurements of your windows. You’ll need to know the exact height and width of each window you want to hurricane-proof. Remember that Bermuda shutters only work for window openings, not doors or entryways.

Be sure to purchase all the required materials, including:

  • Hardware: Bolts and fasteners
  • Shutter panels

You’ll need the following tools for the storm shutter installation job: Pencil, drill and drill bits – cement drill bit for cement or brick structures, or a metal drill bit for structures with siding or wood structures.

Since each DIY hurricane shutter installation kit has its own instructions, we recommend reading all installation instructions prior to purchasing and installing the hurricane shutters.

Note that hurricane shutters which are not professionally installed may not be covered by a warranty or may have a very short warranty period.

2020 is going to be a BIG year for hurricanes. Take action NOW to protect your home from the next major storm.

How long does it take to install Bermuda shutters?

After an expert installation by our hurricane preparedness team, it typically takes a homeowner less than an hour to prepare the entire home for an incoming storm. These storm shutters are a great option for homeowners who don’t want to spend hours hurricane-proofing their home. 

Bermuda shutters also add curb appeal to commercial and office buildings and are quick and easy to secure. 

To hurricane-proof your home or office with Bermuda shutters, follow these steps:

  1. Find the “Bahama collars”. These are on the telescoping arms on each side of the Bahama shutter. Each Bahama collar has a thumbscrew. The thumbscrew keeps the shutter in an open position.
  2. Hold the shutter open – you might want to have an extra pair of hands for this – and loosen the thumbscrews on both sides of the shutter. Once the screws are loose, allow the shutter to close gently in towards the window frame. You may have to disconnect the bottom half of the arms to get the screws in the anchors. Be sure to re-attach the arms after the anchors are in place.
  3. Align the holes on the shutter with the holes on the wall anchor. Secure the shutter to the wall using the locking pins.

How to maintain Bahama shutters

Maintenance on Bahama shutters is simple, quick, and easy. To keep them functioning properly just lubricate the thumbscrews a couple times per year with “Never-Seize”. You can also ensure the beauty and longevity of your storm shutters by giving them a fresh coat of paint every couple of years.

When to use hurricane shutters

The National Hurricane Center recommends putting up your hurricane shutters when a hurricane watch is issued for your area. 

  • A hurricane watch is issued whenever tropical storm conditions are expected to begin within 48 hours. 
  • Hurricane warnings are issued when tropical storm conditions are expected within 36 hours.

When do I need to remove my Bahama shutters?

In Volusia county, hurricane coverings need to be removed from the home no later than November 30th each year. The end of November marks the end of peak hurricane season.

Every city has its own codes and ordinances regarding hurricane coverings. Some require hurricane coverings to be removed within 72 hours of a “storm event”. Homeowners associations may also impose their own regulations regarding hurricane shutters and screens. Follow the rules of the most specific governing sources. For example, a homeowners association’s rules supersede the codes of your city. If you do not have a HOA, then follow the codes of your city or municipality. If the city in which you live does not have regulations regarding the removal of hurricane shutters, then follow county codes.

Because Bermuda shutters are permanently affixed to the home and offer a decorative flair, they do not need to be “removed”. Ask your local fire department what their recommendations are for keeping exits clear in case of a fire. Always have a clear escape route.

Which hurricane shutters are best?

The best hurricane shutters:

  • Protect your home from hurricane damage
  • Fit into your budget
  • Maintain your home’s curb appeal
  • Are convenient to deploy
  • Give you peace of mind

In other words, the best hurricane shutters depend upon factors unique to you and your needs. We’d love the opportunity to create the right storm protection solution for your home or business. So call today!

Pros & Cons of Each Type of Hurricane Shutter