3 Ways To Manage Your Storm Shutters
Storm shutters are a must if you live in an area of the country with hurricanes or other powerful storms. However, not everyone has the same requirements for storm shutters, and some house styles may be less conducive than others to shutters that stay in place year-round. Here are three options for managing your storm shutters.
1. Keep them in storage until needed
Some types of shutters that offer sturdy storm protection may go well with your home's exterior, or may even not be very attractive when installed. These include aluminum or fiberglass shutters that don't fold up or roll up. If you want to safeguard your home's curb appeal by keeping the exterior look unified, these types of shutters can stay in your garage or storage shed until a storm approaches.
If you always have plenty of warning before storms, this option could work well for you. However, keep in mind that the more windows you have, the longer installing your shutters before a storm will take. If you have physical limitations or dozens of windows (including windows on the second or third story), this may not be the best option.
2. Use roll-down or accordion shutters
Accordion shutters and rolling shutters can both install unobtrusively by your windows until you need to extend them for storm protection. Accordion shutters install next to the window and unfold lengthwise while rolling shutters install above the window like a pull-down shade.
Both types of shutters can stay folded up by the windows year-round if needed, and since you don't have to get them out of storage to install them before a storm, they can save time and effort.
3. Choose shutters with decorative value
If your home has an old-fashioned style, you may not want to install roll-down shutters above every window. In this case, you'll want to look for a type of shutter that can serve both protective and decorative uses. Colonial shutters and Bermuda shutters are two examples of shutters that have both storm shutter and decor applications. Paint the shutters to match the trim, ensure they're installed with heavy-duty hardware, and they'll be ready to deploy when a storm comes.
If you choose shutters that stay in place year-round, be sure to look for a material that won't break down when exposed to the weather and the elements. For example, if your shutters are wooden, they could start to rot in the months between storms, compromising your window protection. Products made of fiberglass or aluminum may be a better option.
These are just a few options for how you can handle the need for storm shutters on your house. For more information about hurricane shutters or other types of storm shutters, contact your local contractor today.
