What Are Hurricane Shutters?

Hurricane shutters may be a more valuable commodity than ever before. It seems that the weather brings a violent storm somewhere in the country every month of the year. Hurricane shutters are heavy extruded aluminum covers that fit over windows or glass doors to protect them from damage. There are several types of shutters designed to fit in with the style of the house as much as possible and still perform as intended.

Accordion shutters are vertical slats that roll on heavy duty nylon wheels and take about 15-30 minutes to close per window. They cost about $15-25 per square foot. They can wrap around a large expanse of glass, and many high rise apartments/condos use them for all their units. They stay attached to the window or door all the time and simply fold back when not needed. They can also be used to keep out the sun on non-stormy days and for security measures. They are mostly out of sight when not in use. They do not require vertical braces or supports and lock securely when shut. This type of hurricane shutter withstood wind load tests of over 230 miles per hour.

Bahama hurricane shutters look like traditional window covers seen in tropical climates and are also made of heavy aluminum. They are approximately $15-30/square foot and an entire house can be closed up in 15-30 minutes. They are also used as sun protection and are resistant to forceable entry. There are sixty or ninety degree support arms to hold them away from the window when open.

Colonial hurricane shutters withstand winds up to 140 mph, as do Bahamas. They can be any color, and are ventilated to let in air and light while protecting windows from storm debris. The entire house can be closed up in about 45 minutes with Colonials. They have the appearance of shutters on colonial houses in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Roll-downs are the most expensive hurricane shutters at $20-55/square foot. They are made of the same kind of aluminum as the other kinds of shutters and have chromium and powder finishes so as to be colored to match the house. Also good for home or business security, they are for medium to large windows. Roll-downs can be operated by electric motor or crank and close from inside the house. People inside the house can see out, but outsiders cannot see in.

All of these hurricane shutters are available online and installed by the seller. They would all add to the value of a home or business with multiple uses of storm protection, security and cooling/heating control.