|
This
page is designed to answer some basic questions about
hurricane shutters.
Should I tape my windows
when a hurricane threatens?
No, it is a waste of effort, time, and tape. It offers
little strength to the glass and NO protection against
flying debris. After the storm passes you will spend
many a hot summer afternoon trying to scrape the old,
baked-on tape off your windows (assuming they weren't
shattered). Once a Hurricane Warning has been issued
you would be better off spending your time putting up
shutters over doors and windows.
Should I put shutters
over my doors ?
Obviously sliding glass doors, french doors or any door
with considerable glass in it should be protected. Some
double doors or garage doors should either be shuttered
or reinforced. In Hurricane Andrew many of these type
doors gave way.
Why should I get hurricane
shutters ?
People who live in coastal counties from Texas to Maine,
and those in other hurricane prone areas, such as most
of the Florida peninsula, will find shutters an excellent
investment for protecting their lives and property.
They protect against wind and wind-borne debris. These
shutters protect not only the windows or doors they
cover, but also possessions and people inside the building.
Once a window or door has been breeched by hurricane
winds tremendous pressure is brought to bear on interior
walls and upward pressure on the building's roof. This
can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents
of the building to the storm. Shutters are a first line
of defense against the hurricane. Much of the damage
and building failure in Hurricane Andrew could have
been prevented by well installed hurricane shutters
over windows and doors.
Why should I bother
with shutters if I live in an evacuation zone?
Shutters will protect your house and possessions from
wind damage whether you are there or not. If the storm
surge should reach your home then the shutters won't
protect against the flood of water. But not every place
in the evacuation zone will flood. You should take every
reasonable precaution to protect your property.
What are the best kind
of shutters ?
The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy
to install, and offer the greatest protection.
What about the plastic
film and shatter resistant windows I've heard about
?
Although these are remarkable products that are being
improved every year, they are no substitute for shutters.
If you have windows that for some reason, such as access,
can't be shuttered then you may wish to consider using
the film or installing the shatter resistant glass.
Remember that the film only protects the glass, and
the frame is still under pressure and the whole window
could fail. Windows with these treatments will still
suffer damage from the impact of debris and may have
to be replaced after a storm, whereas a shutter would
take most or all of the energy of such an impact. Films
and special glasses also might not meet the building
code for your area.
How do I choose an
installation company I can trust ?
The same way you go about choosing any company that
performs a service. Make sure they are licensed, get
references, and then check the references. Ask your
neighbors and friends about who installed their shutters
and if they had any complaints or recommendations.
When is the best time
to get my shutters installed ?
The best time to have shutters installed is when the
house is built so they can be a part of the design.
If you own a house without shutters have them installed
as soon as is practical. Keep in mind that the beginning
of hurricane season may be a busy time for most installation
companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued
for your area.
At the start of each hurricane season you should test
out your shutters. For permanently installed shutters
try closing each one to make sure they work smoothly
and lock tight. For panels and plywood shutters try
a couple of windows and doors to ensure the hardware
works and check the time you need to complete the job.
Repair any problems at this time so that everything
is ready when a storm threatens.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area check
all mechanisms and hardware again, and maybe install
the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation
zone and it will take 2 or 3 hours to complete your
shutter installation, you may want to start during the
Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone you
should time your installation early in the Warning phase
so that you are not struggling with panels during high
winds.
What if I can't afford
commercial shutters ?
The least expensive, effective method of protecting
windows is probably using plywood. The key to plywood
shutters is thickness and installation. Use at least
5/8 inch exterior grade plywood, it makes the shutters
heavier but safer. They should be cut to fit inside
the window frame, installed prior to hurricane season,
marked for which window they are made for, and stored
with their hardware, preferably in a dry location. Heat
and moisture over time will warp plywood, and a good
fit is essential to their effectiveness. For full instructions
on how to make these shutters click here.
If even these shutters seem too expensive consider making
them for two or three windows at a time, starting with
the most vulnerable. After a time you will have your
whole house ready.
|