There are several different hurricane screen manufactures – each offering a different type of fabric (at different price points). Some companies offer several different colors of fabric screens to match your home.
The types of woven fabric used in creating hurricane screens include:
Polyamide and polypropylene screens are also coated in a synthetic PVC material to enhance tensile strength and protect the fabric from damaging UV rays.
Hurricane screen works like a large trampoline, distributing impact forces across the screen to the mounting points so that wind, rain, and debris bounce off. They block most water but are not waterproof. Hurricane screen is approved by Florida and Miami-Dade building codes for use in residential and commercial hurricane preparedness.
Florida Building Code approved, storm screens protect your home from winds over 200 miles per hour and can also withstand large missile impacts (which doesn’t mean a warhead will accidentally be launched during the next storm – just that large objects flying through the air at a high velocity are also called missiles).
Storm screens are made from tightly woven materials to protect your home or business from wind borne debris impacts, hurricane force winds, and intense rain. Although they are very lightweight, they provide the same protection as other types of hurricane shutters.
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:
The average cost to purchase a storm screen from the local big box home improvement store is about $75 for a 44”x72” screen. Screens larger than 88”x156” can cost over $300. These types of screens are typically attached using clips and fasteners which are sold separately for an additional cost.
Other options for installing hurricane screens include:
With professional installation the cost for storm screens ranges between $20-$30 per square foot.
The easiest hurricane screen for DIY homeowners is the grommet method. The storm screen is attached to windows or doors with grommets.
Hurricane screens with straps and buckles are another installation method. Each screen panel has sewn-on straps and buckles which fit around eye hooks or can be strapped around the columns in your lanai or entryway. The strap and buckle hurricane screen allows easy exit in case of emergencies.
Other storm screens include rolling screens and slide screens. Rolling screens are permanently attached to your home above windows or doors and can be lowered when needed either manually or by electric motor.
Slide screens are made of screen panels which slide into brackets mounted on either side of the opening to be protected.
There are DIY kits available at big box home improvement stores. We might be biased, but we think protecting your home from the devastating effects of a hurricane should be left to the professionals. We’d be happy to talk about what kind of hurricane protection you would like for your home and the best options to prepare your home for the next hurricane season.
After the initial installation by expert storm shutter installers, it might take a homeowner about an hour to install hurricane screens on an average size residential home. For larger homes or commercial buildings, installing hurricane screens may take a small crew a few hours to complete. This varies based on the type of hurricane screens that were installed, but they are still easy to handle and put in place.
Here are the steps to maintaining your hurricane screen to protect your investment. After use,
The National Hurricane Center recommends putting up your hurricane shutters when a hurricane watch is issued for your area.
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.
Hurricane screens should be stored in dry areas, out of direct sunlight. Be sure to wash the storm screens after use to remove debris and dry them completely before storing to prevent mildew. Do not store under heavy objects or in high-traffic areas.
The best hurricane shutters:
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 of Accordion Shutters
Cons of Accordion Shutters
Pros of Bahama Shutters
Cons of Bahama Shutters
Pros of Colonial Shutters
Cons of Colonial Shutters
Pros of Roll Down Shutters
Cons of Roll Down Shutters
Pros of Hurricane Panels
Cons of Hurricane Panels
