Living in a region that may see storms and hurricanes means having a little extra protection for your house. And one of the best ways to prevent Mother Nature from wreaking havoc on your home is ensuring your windows aren’t vulnerable to high-speed winds and flying debris. So read about some things to know before buying hurricane shutters and see what goes into owning these protective fixtures.
Your Material Options
Before you invest in hurricane shutters, it’s wise to select ones made of materials best suited for your home. In the past, the options for these shutters were few. Lackluster aluminum panels were the only ones most people could obtain. But recently, aesthetically pleasing options, such as Bahama, accordion, and roll-down shutters, have proven that these fixtures can look natural and beautiful while protecting your home from inclement weather. So when you make your selection, ensure that you’re picking materials that align with your style and are capable of preparing your home for tropical storms or hurricanes.
The Benefits of Professional Installation
Installing hurricane-proof shutters isn’t always a DIY task. You could probably mount panels or fabric shutters on your own. However, if you’re opting for styles like the accordion or roll-down shutters, you’ll want to have them professionally installed. This is because this type of installation is the most labor-intensive one to carry out. Plus, qualified installers have a more nuanced understanding of how to situate your shutters so that they will stay in place, even in the event of gale-force winds. Moreover, they’ll likely be able to produce more precise measurements for the installation, ensuring that your new fixtures fit perfectly on your windows.
The Cleaning and Maintenance Process
Without a doubt, hurricane shutters can offer an extra layer of protection to your home. But if you don’t keep them clean and well-maintained, they won’t work correctly. So, it’s prudent to have them inspected annually to ensure that they’re still in good shape. Furthermore, you’ll want to make a habit of having them taken down for a few months at a time, as they don’t need to be up all year. Doing this will help them retain their longevity and durability. Finally, it’s always a good idea to wash them with warm water and mild soap. Keeping them clean will offset the effects of wear and tear and keep them functioning at their most optimal levels for much longer.
Hopefully, reading this quick overview has provided you with valuable knowledge about the things to consider before buying hurricane shutters. You can see how these window fixtures can help protect your home.