Do you live in an area like Southwest Florida? If so you are definitely familiar with tropical storms and hurricanes. It&#;s no secret. The coastal areas of Florida are prone to severe weather. So, as you know, having proper storm protection in place is critical in order to protect your home and family. But when it comes to hurricane protection there are a slew of options to pick from. In fact, there are so many options of hurricane shutters and impact windows the choice can seem overwhelming.
For more information, please visit gaite.
One hurricane protection product that is popular in Florida, especially for outdoor spaces are hurricane screens. In this guide we&#;ll discuss the Pros & Cons of Hurricane Screens so you can decide if they are the right choice for your home and family.
You may also find the guides below helpful if you are considering other products:
The Pros & Cons of Roll Down Shutters
The Pros & Cons of Hurricane Fabric
Table of contents
Hurricane screens are a type of permanent hurricane protection, which are installed on your home or business.
They are typically used to cover larger areas, such as openings near your pool and other outdoor spaces. This is because they are more suitable for large (wide) openings vs on individual windows and doors.
So how do they work? Hurricane screens work similar to roll down shutters. They move up and down smoothly and quickly on a track. The motors and fabric (when the screens are in the open position) hide away nicely in a clean, sleek housing box.
You can choose between automatic hurricane screens or manual ones.
Automatic hurricane screens are open and close via electric motors. They are very easy to use and can be operated with a switch, remote or mobile app depending on the installation. They also have a manual override in case you lose your power.
Are they the same as shutters? Sort of, but not exactly.
You could technically call them a type of hurricane shutter because they serve the same function as shutters. That function, of course is to act as a barrier to protect your property&#;s vulnerable areas from hurricane force winds and flying objects.
But they are uniquely different than shutters.
For instance, they are flexible vs. solid. This is because they are made from flexible fabric (read below) vs rigid metal or plastic.
Also, they are screens so you can see through them unlike hurricane shutters (except for clear hurricane panels). On a side note this makes them very effective at providing shade control to your outside spaces. In other words, they are great at making your outdoor space more enjoyable and comfortable. But we&#;ll talk about that more below.
Eurex Shutters PTX&#; Hurricane Screens are made from DuPont KEVLAR®. DuPont KEVLAR® is an extremely tough yet flexible, light-weight and impact resistant material. And while it is lightweight and flexible it is unbelievably strong. The Dupont website says Kevlar has a &#;tensile strength 10X greater than steel on an equal weight basis.&#; So you can feel really confident that it will protect your home effectively.
If you are an appropriately licensed contractor in your city or county you can consider installing the screens yourself. However, they are precisely designed and engineered systems that do require proper measurement, fabrication, and installation.
So if you are not a licensed contractor or you just want to let the experts do it you may consider having a trusted hurricane shutters company do the install for you.
Below are some of the Pros & Cons of hurricane screens.
Hurricane screens open and close quickly and easily. This is true whether you have automatic screens or manual screens. Opening and close them can be done in less than a minute in most cases. This means you can prepare your home quickly. It also means you can get shade or sun quickly.
One of the biggest PROS of hurricane screens vs most types of shutters is that you can see through them. This is because they are made of a mesh vs a rigid material. This is helpful because you can see what&#;s going on outside when they are closed. It is also helpful because it lets natural light through, even as they are providing shade and blocking out UV. This makes screens more functional and enjoyable than many hurricane shutters that black out your space when they are closed.
Storm screens are a great fit for wide openings. They can be used for openings as wide as 360&#; depending on the location of the installation. That means you can create some pretty sleek protective coverings with minimal breaks, even when used for very large openings.
Screens have a smaller housing box vs. other rolling type shutters. This is because they are thinner and made from fabric vs solid aluminum. This is great for people that do not favor the look of big housing boxes. They are less visible and take up less real estate on your house.
Hurricane screens are not the cheapest hurricane protection. But they are also not the most expensive. The thing that should be noted is that they offer a lot of value (bang for the buck). They are attractive, easy to use, and super effective in terms of hurricane protection. But they also serve as outdoor shade screens, which many folks install on their homes anyways. In turn, you are getting two products, with two separate functions for the price of one.
You want your hurricane protection to look good. At the very least, you want it to match or blend with the look of your home so it doesn&#;t detract. And this is easy to accomplish with Eurex Shutters PTX&#; Hurricane Screens. This is because they are offered in several color options, which means they will match your home&#;s style and color scheme nicely.
You can choose from black, beige/white, beige/black, and all white. These combinations should work well with most homes in Southwest Florida. This is true regardless of your paint color scheme or home&#;s style.
Some hurricane shutters help protect your home from intruders. Screens offer other benefits and functionality. But they do not offer as much in terms of security protection. While this may not be a big concern for many it is still something to consider.
Hurricane screens have some flex (they are flexible). In other words they are not tight and rigid. They also roll up and down. These factors mean they experience wrinkling over time. Again, while not a huge concern for some it is something to take into consideration.
Some types of hurricane protection can be used on every openings on your entire home. Others cannot. Hurricane screens fall into the &#;cannot&#; bucket. They are best suited for wide openings, such as lanais and outdoor spaces vs individual windows and doors. But if your windows and doors are behind your screens they will be protected.
There is not shortage of options when it comes to storm protection. So how do you pick the right option? Do your research and understand the pros and cons of each type. Choosing the right one for your Florida home will depend on your needs and preferences. But regardless of which storm products you choose make sure you have the necessary protection in place to keep your home and family safe.
If you need help picking which type is right you can check out or guide on how to pick the best hurricane shutters. Or feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
Fill out the form below to request an in-home/business consultation and estimate.
Full Name*
address
*
number
*
City
What product(s) are you interested in?
Click to open drop down box and select.
Comments:
Check The Box
*
Please verify you are a person.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit hurricane screen mesh.
This field should be left blank
Please wait...
Or call (239) 369- for immediate service.
Various types of hurricane shutters exist, each with unique protection levels and aesthetic appeals. They can be customized to suit your home&#;s specific needs, and include motorized and manual rolling shutters, Bahama shutters, and motorized retractable hurricane screens for large openings.
Retractable and Bahama shutters both provide solid protection for windows against shattering during storms and enhance home security by covering and locking over windows and doors. Meanwhile, hurricane screens offer protection for large openings like lanais, balconies, and boat docks. All these shutter types also provide an additional layer of insulation, improving a home&#;s energy efficiency and help maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Motorized and manual roll up hurricane shutters differ slightly. The former presents ultimate convenience with instant deployment at a button&#;s touch and remote control via a mobile app. Conversely, manual roll down shutters, while providing the same protection level, necessitate physical effort through a hand crank system for operation.
Among the best in this realm is the Nautilus shutter, our flagship product, which is part of our most complete collection. It&#;s made of heavy-duty aluminum alloy, one of the top shutter materials, approved by Miami-Dade and Florida Building Code for wind and impact, ensuring it can protect your home. The Nautilus shutters feature a unique slat design that rolls up tighter than other shutters, making it aesthetically superior to others and an excellent choice for custom exterior shutters with raised panel options. With its outstanding features, the Nautilus shutter can be considered the perfect shutter for your home.
Beyond storm protection, they also offer additional security and can keep your rooms dark and cool, helping you save on energy bills.
Consideration of ease of use is pivotal in choosing between motorized and manual exterior shutters. With motorized shutters, users can easily operate them with a remote control, contrasting with manual shutters that require physical operation. It&#;s not difficult or heavy to operate the hand crank, just time consuming and a little tedious. The convenience of the motorized option becomes significant during storm preparations, when time is of the essence and manual shutters could be time-consuming to close. Depending on the size of the shutter, you could get the best of both worlds, a motorized shutter with a manual override. That way, if you do lose power during and after a storm, you can still operate your shutters as needed.
This factor alone could tip the balance in favor of motorized shutters for many homeowners. However, other considerations such as access to electrical outlets, the shutter type best suited for your home&#;s style and protection requirements are also significant.
When it comes to versatility and aesthetic appeal, Bahama shutters stand out as decorative shutters. These shutters provide:
Even when shut for storm protection, custom Bahama shutters offer the following benefits:
With these features, you can be confident that your home is secure.
Our complete collection offers a variety of products made from high quality materials, including custom sizes for a decorative option. These items not only enhance your home&#;s curb appeal but also provide excellent protection.
For those with large openings in their homes, hurricane screens are an excellent option. Our top-tier motorized hurricane screen systems have undergone testing and approval for the Florida Building Code and Miami Dade High Velocity Wind Zone for wind and impact. They are made of a patented combination of PVC and ballistic-proof materials like Kevlar, offering strength and durability while still allowing visibility.
In addition to storm protection, hurricane screens block 91% of the sun, helping to keep your outdoor spaces cool and improving your home&#;s AC efficiency. They also serve as insect screens, turning your patio into a pest-free environment when needed.
The process of choosing the appropriate hurricane shutter for your home is multifaceted. It involves assessing your home&#;s vulnerabilities, understanding local building codes, and balancing cost and protection with what your home needs.
The installation of hurricane shutters should be done with the correct hardware and secure attachment to the house to maintain their effectiveness during a storm. Professional installation of these types of shutters is recommended. When choosing which protection is best for your home, Florida homeowners need to consider the location of their home and how they plan to use it. For example, if you are in the central Florida area, you may be more concerned with flying debris than wind speed. You also may want to consider covering just certain openings with the highest possible impact, while closer to the coast you will want to cover all openings, not just the ones facing the water.
Other considerations for the perfect shutters is for security purpose. Many of our Florida residence only live here part time. Hurricane shutters provide an excellent security barrier to your home buy covering all the windows and large openings. This will also help keep the electric bill down by offering significant shade and blocking the suns rays before they can penetrate your home.
Local building codes and regulations can help determine your selection of hurricane protection. For instance, in high wind-borne debris regions like Miami-Dade, Broward County, and Coastal Palm Beach County, buildings are subject to high-velocity hurricane zone (HVHZ) building codes.
Products used in these areas must meet the Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) regulations, ensuring they comply with the highest industry standards of hurricane protection. The Florida building code also mandates that all windows and doors must be covered entirely with high-impact storm shutters or replaced with impact-resistant glass.
Striking a balance between cost and protection is another crucial factor in selecting the appropriate hurricane shutters. The average cost for installing hurricane shutters varies based on size, style, and products used.
While both motorized and manual hurricane shutters offer the same high level of protection against severe weather conditions and flying debris, there might be a difference in cost due to the complexity of installation. Moreover, investing in hurricane shutters may lead to home insurance discounts for wind mitigation, offering a long-term financial incentive beyond the primary protection purpose.
After selecting your hurricane shutters, ensuring their correct installation and maintenance is essential. This not only ensures their effectiveness during storms but also extends their lifespan, providing you with a limited lifetime warranty.
Regular lubrication of hurricane shutters & hurricane screens, especially before hurricane season, is crucial to prevent undue stress on mounting screws, brackets, and motors. Cleaning hurricane shutters & screens with soap, warm water, and a soft-bristle brush before lubrication can maintain their condition and ensure smooth operation.
Motorized hurricane shutters require a more complex installation due to additional components such as electrical motors and remote control programming, compared to manual shutters. This can lead to a higher cost due to the need for permits, customization, and the inherent complexity of the installation process.
Alternatively, DIY installation can be more economical but necessitates meticulous planning, precision, and the appropriate tools. However, professional installation is recommended to ensure the hurricane shutters and hurricane screens are properly mounted and secure, which is crucial for protection during storms.
After installation, the condition and functionality of hurricane shutters depend heavily on regular inspection and cleaning. A thorough inspection is crucial to identify issues like loose screws or blockages in the tracks.
Prior to the hurricane season, a &#;dry run&#; is necessary to ensure all shutter components are present, functional, and correctly labeled. Maintenance for shutters includes cleaning, lubricating, and rinsing with fresh water.
Regular lubrication and adjustment of components are essential for smooth operation of hurricane shutters and preventing damage. Lubrication should be applied evenly across the tracks, mounting rails, and slats to prevent debris buildup and ensure their smooth operation.
After lubrication, follow these steps:
Besides their primary role of providing protection during storms, hurricane shutters offer additional benefits. For example, hurricane shutters can be can be used for security, offering an additional layer of home peace of mind. They can also reduce insurance premiums, as the level of protection they provide often comes with applicable discounts.
Hurricane shutters and screens can significantly contribute to your home&#;s energy efficiency. Motorized roll up hurricane shutters and screens facilitate frequent adjustments for shade and insulation, contributing to energy efficiency through effortless operation.
Motorized hurricane screens can help reduce energy costs by keeping the sun from coming through to your home from your patio. They lend a great aesthetic but also provide very practical benefits such as insect control as well.
Only roll up hurricane shutters can aid in reducing noise within the home, thus fostering a more serene living atmosphere because they can be a barrier against the external environment.
Investment in hurricane shutters and screens can also enhance your home&#;s value. Homes with hurricane shutters often receive higher appraisal values, allowing for a higher selling price.
Furthermore, the presence of hurricane shutters on a home is attractive to buyers in hurricane-prone areas, adding to the home&#;s marketability and perceived value. It&#;s an investment that not only protects your home but can also provide financial returns in the long run.
Choosing the right hurricane protection is a critical decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. From deciding between types of protection, assessing your home&#;s needs, considering local regulations, and balancing cost and protection, to ensuring proper installation and maintenance, each step plays a vital role in ensuring your home&#;s safety during a hurricane.
But remember, hurricane shutters and screens offer more than just storm protection. They provide additional benefits like energy efficiency, noise reduction, increased home security, and can even increase your home&#;s value. So, consider your options carefully and make an informed decision to safeguard your home and enjoy the additional benefits.
The best material for Bahama shutters is aluminum due to its long-lasting properties and sturdiness. The aluminum is powder coated with 20 standard colors. You&#;ll be sure to find a color and style that will match your home&#;s curb appeal.
Yes, Bahama shutters are worth it as they provide reliable hurricane protection and offer light control without the need for stowing away when not in use. They function like traditional shutters, making them convenient and effective.
Motorized and manual hurricane shutters offer the same level of protection, but motorized shutters provide greater convenience due to their ease of use.
Bahama shutters are permanently attached at the top of the window and offer continuous shade and privacy. They can be easily deployed in preparation for a storm, allowing for natural light penetration and visibility even when shut.
Local building codes can impact the selection of hurricane shutters, as they may mandate specific types of protection and installation criteria, making it crucial to choose a solution that complies with these regulations. Make sure to understand the local regulations before making a selection.
Hurricane screens can be used year round, not just for hurricane protection. They are an excellent option for shade as they provide between 90-95% UV protection, allowing you to still see out, but locking the harsh summer sun.
Hurricane screens are a perfect option if you are in need of insect control. The tight seal of the hurricane mesh in the side tracks allows you to use this system for insect control, shade and storm protection.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Epoxy Coated Filter Mesh.