There are a couple different types of products that are considered shutters that can be used to protect your home during a hurricane. All of the following options meet building codes in Florida, so the choice that is best for you will depend on your unique situation. It is a good idea to consult with building contractors in order to find out which option is best suited to you.
Accordion Hurricane Shutters
These are designed to protect your windows and sliding glass doors. They can also be used to cover a balcony. Openings that are difficult to keep secured such as sliding glass doors, rounded windows, and aquarium style windows. These are made from aluminum. Tracks along the top and bottom guide the movement of the shutters and keep them from moving. Accordion hurricane shutters are operated manually. Once the panels are locked shut, you will be kept secure, but you will not be able to see outside. They should be cleaned and lubricated every year. They can be left in place so they don’t need to be stored anywhere.
Manually Installed Aluminum Hurricane Panels
These panels are made of corrugated aluminum and they are installed when a storm threat is present and removed after the storm passes. They are custom made to fit the opening, and they can either be attached directly to the home or attached through tracks. This will completely obscure the outside view. In most cases, this is the least expensive option. They are somewhat easy to carry although they can be awkward to install in front of a large opening. Since they are not permanently attached they need to be stored throughout the year.
Manually Installed Clear Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels
Similar in design to aluminum hurricane panels, with the exception that they are transparent, meaning that you will be able to see outside when they are installed. Again, they are only installed when there is a hurricane warning, so they must be stored year round. Again, they are cut to fit the opening and they are fairly easy to carry but awkward to install in front of a large opening.
Impact Resistant Hurricane Windows and Doors
As an alternative to shutters, these are built to withstand hurricane debris so that shutters are unnecessary. This is generally the most expensive option, although if you need to replace your windows and doors it can be just expensive to buy a normal window or door in addition to a shutter as it is to but hurricane resistant windows and doors. A licensed profession is required in order to install them. Their primary benefit is that they are unobtrusive and keep you protected at all times of the year.
Electric or Motorized Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters
It is easy to consider these to be the most convenient option available. They protect your home from a hurricane at the flip of a single switch. Oftentimes they come with a manual option as well in case there is a loss of electricity. They can easily be installed to cover an entire lanai, allowing you to leave patio furniture in place during a storm. They also offer use for every day applications by providing security and privacy. A small box installed at the top of an opening is always in place. Since they are always installed they don’t need to be stored, but they are not considered aesthetic to everybody.
Manual and Electric Roll-Down Hurricane Screens
These are a newer option. The screens are designed to protect your home from debris. A certified contractor is required in order to install this type of hurricane screen. These are similar to other roll down shutters except for the fact that they are designed to allow you to see through them when they are rolled down. While the material is transparent, it is designed to withstand hurricane force winds, debris, and water. They are good for protecting large areas, and can be used during mild storms to protect against rain.
Hurricane Fabric
This is a fabric material that is coated with PVC, is transparent, and resistant to debris. It is good for protecting large areas. Buckles, straps, or grommets are used to hold them in place.