There are several different types of hurricane shutters. Be sure to choose a hurricane covering that has been approved by the Florida Building Code and/or Miami-Dade County Building Code. Plywood is not an approved protective hurricane covering and is not guaranteed to protect your home from small or large missile impacts during a hurricane.
Here is a list of the different kinds of approved hurricane coverings for protecting your home or business during a hurricane:
Storm shutters are made of a few different types of materials, depending upon which covering you choose. They might be made of aluminum, fiberglass, galvanized metal, polycarbonate, or wood. These materials are very strong and durable. Some are used to make space shuttles, body armor, military vehicles, etc.
For example, accordion shutters are generally made of aluminum. Bahama shutters can be made of either aluminum, fiberglass, or wood. Colonial shutters, roll down shutters, and storm panels are generally made of aluminum. However, storm panels can also be made using a see-through polycarbonate material which is just as strong and durable as aluminum. Finally, hurricane screens can be made of laminated or cast PVC, polyamide (used to make body armor), or polypropylene.
We proudly install top quality storm shutters in all of Volusia county, including:
The number one cause of loss of life and property damage from a hurricane comes from the high winds generated by the storm. According to hurricanescience.org, hurricane strength winds can destroy buildings, topple trees, bring down power lines, and blow vehicles off roads. Storm shutters protect your Volusia county home or business from intense winds and wind-driven debris.
The National Hurricane Center rates hurricanes according to sustained wind speed.
Sustained Wind Speed
74-95 mph
Damage Expected from Storm
“Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.”
Sustained Wind Speed
96-110 mph
Damage Expected from Storm
“Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.”
Sustained Wind Speed
111-129 mph
Damage Expected from Storm
“Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.”
Sustained Wind Speed
130-156 mph
Damage Expected from Storm
“Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
Sustained Wind Speed
157+ mph
Damage Expected from Storm
“A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.”
We believe everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. It is our duty and privilege to help you protect your Volusia county home or business the best way possible while sticking to your budget. Before you get discouraged thinking that you simply cannot afford to protect your home from hurricane damage, give us a call.
We can customize a storm protection solution that’s just right for you.
Ask about our financing options.
For senior citizens, the most important thing to consider is the ease of deploying hurricane shutters when a hurricane watch is issued. The next most important consideration is budget.
When it comes to deploying hurricane shutters, the most convenient option are electronic roll down shutters. Roll down shutters come in motorized and non-motorized options.
Motorized roll down shutters can be deployed with the push of a button making storm preparation in Volusia county fast and easy. Of course, this is one of the most expensive options and may not fit into the budget.
The next best options include accordion shutters or Colonial shutters. Both of these types of storm shutters can be deployed easily by one person within about 30 minutes. As always, this depends on the size of the home and where the windows are located. If all the windows are located on the ground floor, then deployment is fast and simple.
We do not recommend hurricane panels for our older clients. Although they are the cheapest option available for approved hurricane protection, they also require much more time and effort to install – anywhere from 15-30 minutes per opening. If budget is the biggest factor in protecting your home, you may need some help putting up and taking down hurricane panels.
