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Positives:
Permanently hooked up next to, or above the window, don't require storage.
Easily deployable by one consumer whereas they are needed.
Since they may be locked, they make an outstanding theft deterrent.
Storm Prep: 30 minutes to an hour for an whole home
Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters ($35 - $55 / sq. ft.):
Positives:
Easily deployable by one consumer whereas they are needed.
Permanently hooked up next to the window, don't require storage.
Some can be locked and should be used as a theft deterrent.
Window film can reduce the sun's damaging rays into your home and it is promoted to be a theft deterrent. It may also very nicely reduce the chance for shards of glass to go flying via your home in the event of a hurricane, but do you really assume slapping a skinny piece of film on your existing windows goes to keep your roof on in the event of a hurricane? By comparison, impact windows are almost three times as thick as steady window glass. Hurricane windows are made up of two layers of glass and sandwiched between those layers of glass is a strong tear resistant interlayer (film) that keeps the glass together in the event it is broken. They are a lot just like the windshield of automobiles.
Storm Prep: 20 " 25 minutes per window (if pre-cut); 5 to eight hours for an average home
Myth Buster- Window Film and a little info on Impact Windows:
Negatives:
Require storage, but can be stacked
Can be heavy and difficult to manipulate, hanging may require more than one consumer
Time consuming - except for plywood, those require the 2d most time to install
Have sharp edges " can be hazardous
Not a convenient option for 2 story homes
Storm Prep: Minimal, least difficult of the hurricane shutter methods
A key factor in the strength of impact windows is how the glass & interlayer are VERY securely hooked up to a reinforced frame (both mechanically and thru the use of industrial adhesives) so the impact glass does NOT detached even under excessive pressure. The goal is to establish hurricane window safety for all openings (whether or not one does this via the use of hurricane shutters or hurricane windows, or a mixture of the two) and keep the openings sealed in an effort to not cause a transformation in pressure inside the home thus blowing off the roof. The theory of putting hurricane window film on a steady window with its lightweight frame and expecting it to even remotely resemble a Miami-Dade approved impact window is ridiculous. Yes, it would be higher than not by any means, but your money would be higher spent on plywood.
Once you have narrowed your choices to what style of hurricane window safety system is best for your state of affairs, talk to a professional to help you in your final selection. Depending on which of the above methods best suits you, be it hurricane shutters or impact windows, there are a selection of favor choices, and manufacturers who offer different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How to locate one? Ideally, get one who's referred to you by a family member, neighbor or a friend. If they have done an exceedingly good job for them, this consumer can provide you with a wealth of skills that has been learned over the years. If you should select a contractor you locate online, take a analyse their references (as a minimum 5), name them, and go analyse the contractor's work.
First, know what it is your overlaying: or not it is not only the shards of glass from the broken window which are hazardous - having your roof blown off will really get your realization. During a hurricane, the strong wind that blows over your home creates a 'lift' effect on your roof. If a window or door opening is blown open during the storm, this creates an additional upward 'push' on the roof, thus doubling or tripling the lifting effect. This is how roofs are blown off.
Your considerations: Cost, look, and convenience (this one is usally under estimated).
Negatives:
Bulky and never pleasing. Seriously assume aesthetics beforehand purchasing those.
More mechanical parts, so may require more repairs than other devices.
Positives:
Permanently hooked up next to, or above the window, don't require storage.
Easily deployable by one consumer whereas they are needed.
Since they are ornamental they may beautify the home to boot as protect it.
Storm panel hurricane shutters ($5 - $eight / sq. ft.):
Positives:
Most inexpensive of all hurricane protective methods
Strong and will provide ultra good safety
Hurricane shutters are probably the most economical, therefore probably the most popular solution chosen by householders. However, hurricane impact windows and doors are also highly regarded due to the added benefits of convenience, security enhancement, higher energy efficiency, sound proofing and its elegance over shutters. The least expensive system is plywood or panels; those offer wonderful safety, but take tremendous amounts of time to install.
Negatives:
Require storage, but can be stacked
Heavy and difficult to manipulate, hanging may require more than one consumer
Require probably the most time to install
Not a secure option for 2 story homes
Accordion hurricane shutters are hooked up without delay to your home at the window or door opening, folded up whereas they are not in use and smoothly unfolded, accordion-style whereas it's essential to cover and protect the opening during a storm.
Plywood Shutters ($2 - $4 / sq. ft.):
Positives:
Most inexpensive of the 'permanent' hurricane shutter methods
Strong and will provide ultra good safety
Can be installed by a handy DIY
Storm Prep: 30 minutes for an whole home
Another popular and favourable choice, those hurricane shutters have a tendency to be steel or aluminum corrugated panels that attach to the walls around windows and doors. There are several mounting methods utilizing either pre-mounted tracks and bolts or just bolts.
And don't underestimate the hassle of installing shutters every time there is a hurricane warning. I usually go out to do estimates for impact windows on homes that have shutter panels as the homeowner is tired of dealing with installing them.
Here are the vitals on your choices for hurricane window safety for your home.
CONCLUSION:
Negatives:
One of probably the most expensive methods.
Requires a battery backup so they may be operated during power outages.
Negatives:
Cannot be used as safety for doors, should be combined with a further system.
Designs and style may limit their use.
Storm Prep: NONE
Accordion Hurricane Shutters ($15 - $18 / sq. ft.):
A popular and favourable choice, installing plywood shutters to fit snugly inside the window or door frame is a good and affordable option for householders. These shutters were favourable even in the very best winds of Hurricane Andrew, and are relatively simple to install. If you are going to use this method, the plywood needs to be 5/eight" to 3/4" thick, and since it takes heaps of time to prepare, it should be cut to size way beforehand we have a storm bearing down on us.
Hurricane impact windows can withstand hurricane debris and most likely do away with the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more to retrofit an existing home, but is most cost favourable if a homeowner is considering replacing old windows anyway. This is probably the most value added of the hurricane window safety methods, since impact windows also improve energy efficiency, are an outstanding theft deterrent, provide sound deadening from outside noises, to boot as give your home hurricane window safety in the event of a storm. Further, adding new impact windows is likely to increase the value of your home, more so than with any of the other hurricane protective methods.
Keep in mind that if the aesthetics of shutters is bothering you, but the cost of impact windows is nearly out of reach, you will be able to continuously combine the two. Install impact windows on the front, and possibly the sides of your home. Then protect the window openings which are shouldn't be seen from the street with shutters.
Storm Prep: 15 - 20 minutes per window; 4 to 6 hours for an average home
Negatives:
Like roll-down shutters, this is one of probably the most expensive methods.
Colonial and Bahama Hurricane Shutters ($18 - $28 / sq. ft.):
These hurricane shutters attach permanently above the window in an enclosed box whereas they are not in use and roll down, either manually with a hand crank or electronically by motor, whereas you would like to have them.
These are louvered hurricane shutters that attach without delay to the wall beside or above the windows
Positives:
Eliminates the need for hurricane shutters
Great for people with 2d homes- the home is hurricane ready all the time.
Excellent theft deterrent, nearly impossible to break thru the glass.
Added value of sound deadening & energy efficiency over steady windows.
Impact Windows ($forty - $55+ / sq. ft.):
