How to Maintain Hurricane Shutters!

Posted on March 20, 2013 by admin

Storm shutters have certainly emerged as an effective way to minimize the damages of powerful storms and hurricanes but not much people gain expert knowledge various aspects of the shutters before buying them. As far as maintenance of the shutters is concerned, in this aspect also, very few people try to gain required knowledge. Few shutters require low maintenance while few require high maintenance.

High Maintenance: As the name suggests these kinds of shutters require high maintenance. Generally, pre-planned actions are required that lead to excessive time consummation. These kinds of shutters are being installed by availing the expert technicians who are not only well versed with the knowledge related to the installation but are also well-versed with the knowledge related to the replacement parts of the hurricane shutters. Since, installation and entire maintenance of storm shutters featuring high maintenance demands extensive labor, they are not user friendly.

Low Maintenance: As the name suggests, the storm shutters that neither demand extensive labor and nor they consume excessive time in installation process are basically known as low maintenance shutters. These hurricane shutters can be installed immediately, that too with much ease. Since no assistance of an expert technician is required for installing these shutters, they are considered as extremely user friendly.

Now, if you are wondering that which storm shutters fall in the category of high maintenance and which do fall in the category of low maintenance, you don’t require slogging hard. Majority of the electronic and manual storm shutters need low maintenance. However, most of the people mistake low maintenance as absence of maintenance. These storm shutters at least demand some maintenance that includes ensuring keeping those foreign materials at bay that may have an adverse impact on the quality of the shutter. Those materials include insect, rodent and bird nests, salt and sand buildup. Normally, shutters are being cleansed by using water hose having normal household pressure. One should avoid using harsh chemicals and power washer because they lead to the deterioration of the quality of the shutters. Periodic rinsing will also play an important role in protecting the painted surfaces from the harmful effects of coastal environments.

One should also take care of the fact that water should not be sprayed on any electrical connection. Roller shutters don’t require lubrication, on another side, manual operators require lubrication but that lubrication should be done by using a quality lubricate roller shutter. The lock and handle mechanism of accordion shutters should be properly lubricated. One should ensure that the operating limit switch is kept in the neutral position while operating electronic storm shutters. If the limit switched would be on then the motor would continue to run and it may probably burn the system. Children should not be allowed to roam around when installation of storm shutter is taking place. Maintaining the storm shutters is no rocket science, provided if one knows the basics of it and if one dedicates at least some time on the regular basis for cleaning the storm shutters.

Hurricane Shutters–How to Gear up for the next Hurricane Season?

Posted on January 4, 2013 by admin

As hurricane seasons approaches people constantly listen to radio and watch television, so they can be updated with slightest climatic change. People residing in storm prone region are aware of the severity of storm and what destruction it may cause. It is important to guard home against the tropical storms if the home is safe then obviously occupants and belongings will be safe, so protecting dwelling is a requirement, not an option.

Why it compulsory?

The hurricane-force winds set off tremendous pressure against windows, doors and other openings in the home. They hardly have any chance to stand this vital blow if they are unprotected; winds over 75 miles per house carrying airborne debris are capable of smashing unprotected windows. Once windows give way wind enters with a gust, builds up tremendous pressure, quickly works up and blows of the roof. This proves absolutely why hurricane shutters are must for home and why it is essential to guard against wind, water and airborne debris for safety.

There are scores of ways to improve house’s hurricane protection.

Some of the effective hurricane shutter protection upgrades are:

Hurricane Impact Windows: They offer remarkable protection not only in the course of hurricane season, but round the year. Moreover, they reduce noise and blocks out harmful ultra violet rays. They are available in an array of elegant colors and designs that simply increases the appeal of the home. All hurricane impact glasses are manufactured in accordance with Miami-Dade building standards which have the highest security standards in the country.
Made from aluminum, Accordion Storm Shutters comes up as durable and sturdy option to cover glass doors, windows and balconies. There locking mechanism is excellent, so also safeguard home from theft and burglary.

Roll-down shutters even though expensive comes across as the most effective and convenient way to guard home against gusts winds. Ease of use helps it score over other shutters available for storm protection. Elderly people, kids and even ladies can operate automatic roll down shutters with a touch of a button. They come up with electricity generators to keep them running during power break. Hand shaft or hand cranks are there if you prefer the manual mode of operation.
Storm panels are ideal for those who would prefer to stick to a budget – they are designed in a way that they easily survive the high velocity winds and flying debris.
Armor Screen: They are translucent and light in weight; provides exceptional protection that you may get from such fabric.

When preparing for coming hurricane season, think about the potential upgrades to enhance the home’s current hurricane protection. Each protection is constituted of different material and methodology of protecting from wind and water damage.

In case you don’t want shutters then impact doors and windows are an effective alternative. If you would like extra shutters for convenience and ease then possibly you can choose accordion shutters, or roll-down storm shutters. There are lots of possibilities you can have for the next hurricane season.

Conclusion – get well equipped for future storms or hurricanes, because you never know next season can have bigger and meaner hurricanes.

Hurricane Shutters–An Effective Way To Protect Your Life & Your Assets

Posted on October 15, 2012 by admin

Hurricane is among those natural disasters which truly cause a huge destruction to human life & other species. Even if human lives are protected somehow, since humans are movable, it is difficult to save precious tangible assets like house, furniture, etc. Both, the time of hurricane & after the hurricane is over; the sight is really painful for those people who see their precious assets being completely wiped off by hurricanes. However, modern technology is truly finding out new ways to minimize the losses due to natural disasters including hurricane. One such example is Hurricane proofing of doors and windows, which is also known as Hurricane shutters. These hurricane shutters are literally no less than any boon for hurricane prone areas. People can really relax even after hearing a hurricane warnings since they need not rush away, leaving behind their property.

These exclusive shutters are mainly used to protect precious assets like home. These shutters can be installed on doors & windows so that flying debris, torrential rains & strong winds, don’t break windows & doors or damage other precious belongings kept in the house. This simply indicates that how useful hurricane shutters are, since they not only ensure protection to human life but they also ensure complete protection to one’s belongings & property.

There is available various kinds of hurricane shutters. One can really choose a shutter on the basis of budget, on the basis of the sensitivity of the residing area & on the basis of installation ease. Few popular varieties of hurricane shutters include aluminum shutter, steel shutter, plastic shutter, plywood shutter, accordion shutter, roll-up shutter, Bahamas shutter, etc. It is pointless to say that steel is among the most sturdy hurricane shutters, while plastic & aluminum are good alternatives for those areas, which are not much hurricane prone. These shutters are installed with the help of various tools like hurricane clips, screws & a track system. A hurricane shutter may be folded and kept aside or it may be motorized.

Before purchasing a hurricane shutter, one must keep few important things in mind, it is recommended to buy a hurricane shutter from a reputed company. Besides that, it is better to learn how to install hurricane shutters in advance so that you don’t become anxious & clueless after receiving a hurricane warning. Purchasing a hurricane shutter alone doesn’t suffice; one should ensure proper maintenance from time to time, which includes proper oiling on periodical basis, checking nuts & bolts of hurricane shutters, etc. Thus, due to the advent on hurricane shutters, those people can really heave a sigh of relief, who are residing in hurricane prone areas.[netinsert=0.0.1.12.20.2.1]

Choosing the right hurricane shutter for your home made easy

Posted on September 14, 2012 by admin

Choosing the right hurricane shutter will not only give the right protection, these will also step up the looks of the house. There are many options available and all confirm with the Florida Building Code standards. But which one to choose is surely an uphill task and largely depends on your lifestyle and your preference. Also, choosing a hurricane shutter product should be the window or door opening specific and it must be assured that it gives the required protection. As there is no trial and error method in this, the shutter should ensure that it protects the house from the flying objects as well as the strong winds.

The wisest thing to do before ordering any shutter for the house is to consult some professional who is licensed to suggest such shutter to people. Also, the shutter should fit in the opening leaving no scope or pace for objects to enter during the hurricane. In addition to it, it is wise to make sure the shutters are fitted as per the codes established so that in case there is a claim, there is no objection from the insurance company. Thus keeping these simple things in mind, one can not only protects the family, the house but also earns peace of mind.

In order to protect the building from getting worn away in looks due to the shutters, it is great to choose the shutters that are not only sturdy but good looking. The house can be prioritized with respect to the front, side and rear. Since the front of the house is what you will least want to get degraded in styling; it is here that you can spend the most on the shutter. Choose the one that are robust and good looking as well as more than sturdy to keep the hurricane debris away. Next in priority aesthetically is the sides and the least is given to the rear where one can order an installation of even average (look wise) shutters.

These days there are a variety of hurricane shutters in place. There are aluminum made hurricane panels which are opaque, Polycarbonate Hurricane Panels which are see through types, Accordion Hurricane Shutters are also opaque and light cannot pass through them. The Bahama Hurricane Shutters are the to a degree aesthetically improved shutters and offer great protection as well. These are also not so expensive. The Colonial Hurricane Shutters are the ones that are also called as decorative shutters and are manually operated but these shutters have their limitations with respect to size and operation. Electric or Motorized Roll Down Hurricane Shutters are the most viable options and can also be operated in case there is a power failure due to the hurricane. Hurricane Screens, Hurricane Fabric, Impact Resistant Windows and Doors are also some of the options available. But the true mantra is get the approved shutter and get it installed by authorized personnel only.

Hurricane Shutters are on the Front-line in Storm Defense

Posted on June 18, 2012 by admin

If strong wind gets in your home, it places intense pressure on walls and can lead to a roof collapse.

BY MIMI WHITEFIELD – Miami Herald

If your home isn’t secured with a shutter system, now is the time to move this item to the top of your to-do list. Shutters are important not only to protect your windows from flying debris but also to prevent your home from being breached with hurricane-force winds if a window breaks. When the wind gets in your home, it places intense pressure on interior walls and can lead to a roof collapse.

Commercially installed shutters generally average $9 to $30 per square foot, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. For do-it-yourselfers, the cost is about 25 percent less per square foot.

But unless you’ve got really good handyman skills, consider professional installation. One reason: it might make it easier to get hurricane credits from your insurance company.

If you protect all your windows, it could be worth a 6 to 7 percent reduction on the wind portion of your insurance. To qualify, most insurers require verification by a licensed engineer, contractor or architect.

Miami-Dade and Broward counties are both considered high-wind-velocity areas, and have the most stringent standards in the state, said Jaime Gascon, Miami-Dade product control section supervisor.

When shopping for shutter systems, make sure the products say Miami-Dade approved — which meets all standards in the state.

Get the product number from a sales person and check it against approved products listed on the website of the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.

Before installing shutters also check if your homeowners association or your municipality city has specific guidelines.

Gascon said a permit is required for installation of shutter systems — a good thing because an inspector will certify that a system is properly installed.

Also do some checking before hiring a company. Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured, check references and see if any complaints have been filed with the Florida Department of Business Regulation, or your county. Most consumer complaints center on contractors who took deposits and then kept putting customers off or never returned to do the work.

Hurricane Storm Shutters from installation by Propertyshutters

Storm Shutters Installation

Take the case of the popular Rolladen shutters. The manufacturer asked consumers to put down deposits of as much as 80 percent and promised installation within three months, but was delinquent on hundreds of orders. Last year the state required Rolladen owner Robert Hoffman to repay clients $730,000. The company can manufacture the shutters, but not install them, as per a settlement with the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

To get a first-hand look at some of the shutter and window options available, The Miami Herald visited a Lowe’s store in Southwest Ranches:

• Aluminum panels: These are your most economical choice. They’re easy to handle and slip into a track that you’ll probably want to have installed before a storm warning is issued. At Lowe’s a 57-by-15-inch panel costs $28 and tracks run $20 per linear foot.

Before a storm threatens, devise a numbering system so you know which window each shutter fits. The panels are also stackable, which makes storage easy.

The problem with these shutters is that once they’re up, you will feel as if you’re living in a cave. Some versions come with a few clear ribs that let the light in, but not all shutters with clear ribs are approved in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, so check before buying them, said Chad Arbaugh, the assistant manager at Lowe’s.

“With a heavy storm, you want to make sure you cover up the right way,’’ he said.

• Clear panels: These panels, made from materials such as polycarbonate, polypropolene or Lexan, solve the cave-like problem. But again, not all are approved in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Many clear panels must be attached on all four sides, making installation more labor intensive.

Lowe’s stocks a clear Storm Busters Clearview panel made from polycarbonate that is code-approved. A 96-by-48-inch panel costs $118 plus $17 for a hardware kit. A metal rail (around $88) also is needed when joining two panels.

• Bahama awning shutters: Current versions of these shutters, which fold down and are locked in place as a storm approaches, are sturdy, but many aging Bahama shutters on older homes will do little to protect from hurricane-force winds.

• Colonial shutters: They differ from Bahama shutters in that they are closed toward the center, much as you would close a curtain. Decorative wooden shutters won’t do the trick, so make sure you are purchasing sturdy impact-rated shutters.

• Accordion shutters: These popular shutters, which close from side to side, are among the easiest to use. At a home improvement store, expect to pay around $15 per square foot for accordions, said Arbaugh. Professional installation is recommended and will add to your bill.

Accordion shutters’ cousin is the roll-up shutter, which pulls down.

Both come in more expensive motorized versions that are convenient for condo dwellers or areas that are hard to reach. A motorized roll-up shutter costs about $60 per square foot installed, according to the state’s Hurricane Retrofit Guide.

To avoid the feeling of being a cave dweller, some accordion shutters come with small clear portholes in one of the pleats, but again, check to see if these versions are code-approved.

• Impact-resistant windows: They are becoming more popular, especially since any new or replacement windows are now required to have shutters.

Though they are expensive (an average-sized window might run around $350), once the cost of buying a shutter system for the window is factored in, prices may approach that of a non-impact window-shutter combo.

“If you’re replacing windows, I would always recommend impact-resistant, It will give you some soundproofing and some energy savings as well.

Double-layer impact-resistant windows will still shatter if hit hard enough by debris but they will not break and allow wind to get into your home.

Now that you’ve purchased your storm shutter system, you’re still not done.

If you don’t have a newer home built after hurricane codes were strengthened in the 1990s, you may not have wind-rated doors and garage doors.

“If it’s a retrofit situation, it’s common to forget those areas,’’ Gascon said.

But there are solutions. Garage door braces, which run about $165 apiece, will strengthen older garage doors. You’ll need one brace for a single panel garage and two to three for a double garage.

Front and side doors that aren’t wind-rated and open in, instead of out, should be covered with panels or other shutter systems.

If you’re a procrastinator and the hurricane warning flags are flying, no one will hold it against you if you use plywood panels to board up on an emergency basis, Gascon said.

It’s helpful to have the hardware needed to install the plywood sheets on hand. And remember, those panels must be at least 5/8-inch thick to provide protection equivalent to Miami-Dade-approved factory shutters. Plywood sheets are also heavy, so you’re going to need some help putting them up.

Whatever type of shutter system you have, now is the time to dust off the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you know how to properly deploy them. “This is not something you want to be figuring out when you’ve only got hours to spare,’’ Gascon said.

Where to go for help

• To see if a product is approved in the high velocity wind areas of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. If you find the product here, it will also meet codes elsewhere in the state.

http://www.miamidade.gov/development/product-control.asp

• To file a complaint if you have an installation problem involving a Miami-Dade contractor or unlicensed contractor in Miami-Dade County, you’ll find an online form at:

http://www.miamidade.gov/building/contractors/complaint.asp

• To file a complaint involving a Broward County contractor

Other helpful websites

Florida Retrofit Guide

http://www.floridadisaster.org/hrg/content/priorities/priorities_index.asp

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes

Insurance Institute for Businesses and Home Safety