When you live in a hurricane-prone area, keeping your home well-protected from storm damage becomes vital. Two of the most popular options for hurricane protection are hurricane shutters and impact doors. While both these options offer great protection, they come with different benefits and limitations. So, which is the right choice for your home? Let’s take a closer look at their benefits and limitations to help you decide.

Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters are designed to cover windows and doors, offering comprehensive protection from the harsh winds and flying debris that come with hurricanes. These shutters are available in various styles such as accordion, roll-down and storm panels. 

Benefits:

• Affordability: Hurricane shutters are usually less expensive than impact doors, which makes them a great budget-friendly option.
• Versatility: They are quite versatile and come in several styles, so you can choose the type that best fits your home’s style and needs.
• Effective Protection: These shutters provide a strong defense against flying projectiles and high-pressure winds, protecting your windows and doors from shattering.
• Easy to Replace: If your shutters get damaged during a storm then you can easily replace them as their replacement cost is more affordable than replacing regular windows or doors.
• Temporary Solution: These shutters provide a flexible option, you can quickly deploy them when necessary and remove them afterward, making them a great option for seasonal protection.
  

Limitations:

• Blocked Visibility: When shutters are deployed, they block out the natural light and reduce outside visibility, This can make your home feel closed off during a storm.
• Manual Effort: You have to install and remove shutters every time a hurricane approaches, this can be time-consuming and physically demanding.
• No Long-Term Benefits: Shutters only offer protection during hurricanes and don’t provide any insulation or energy-saving benefits for your home.
• Storage: If you choose to opt for removable shutters such as storm panels, you’ll need to make some space to store them when they are not in use.

Impact Doors

Impact doors are a more permanent solution, these doors are built to withstand the force of hurricanes while also offering year-round benefits. These doors are made from reinforced materials such as laminated glass and heavy-duty frames to provide superior protection.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Protection: Impact doors protect the entire entry point, including the door and frame. They act as a strong barrier against high winds and flying projectiles.
• Year-Round Benefits: These doors help improve insulation, thus reducing energy bills and elevating your home’s security. These additional benefits make them beneficial even when it’s not hurricane season.
• Aesthetic Appeal: These doors are available in a wide range of styles, you can look at the available options and choose a style that adds both beauty and value to your home.
• Convenience: As they are a permanent solution, once these doors have been installed, you don’t have to worry about deploying them just before a storm. Impact doors are always there to protect your home.
• Insurance Savings: Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes that have impact doors installed as these doors keep homes well-protected.
  

Limitations:

• Higher Initial Cost: Impact doors are more expensive than shutters, so they might not fit everyone’s budget, especially for larger homes that have multiple entry points.
• Complex Installation: Installing these doors is complex and requires professional expertise, which can add to the overall cost.
• Repairs Can Be Costly: Although these doors are extremely durable, repairs and replacements after a severe storm can be more expensive than fixing damaged shutters.
• Not Fully Indestructible: While impact doors are known for their robust build, they can still get damaged during extremely severe hurricanes, thus requiring maintenance over time.

Which Option Is Best for You?

The best choice between hurricane shutters and impact doors depends on your unique needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective, seasonal solution then installing hurricane shutters would be better for you. However, before installing them you must consider whether you mind the effort of installing and removing them before each storm season.

If you are seeking year-round protection, energy savings and convenience then impact doors are better suited for you. Although they are more expensive up front, these doors offer continuous security and insulation benefits, thus making them a smart long-term investment.

Contact 1st Choice Hurricane Protection for the installation of high-quality hurricane shutters and impact doors in Fort Myers FL. Our professional team is here to provide professional installation and advice to keep your home safe during storm season.