Living in hurricane-prone areas makes it necessary to take some proactive measures to safeguard homes and keep your loved ones safe. One of the best ways of protecting your home from hurricanes is by installing hurricane shutters.

These shutters act as barriers against strong winds, debris and water infiltration that may affect the house during hurricanes and severe storms. They safeguard doors and windows and help maintain your home’s structural integrity.

Types of Hurricane Shutters

1. Accordion Shutters:

These shutters are permanently attached to windows and door sides and can be easily folded. These shutters look like an accordion when folded and not in use, thus the name. Usually, they are made of strong aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate and can be easily opened for quick protection against hurricanes. 

They are relatively low-maintenance, can be easily opened or closed, are durable and offer improved security due to their sturdy build.

They are versatile and suitable for most home styles like traditional, modern and even contemporary designs.

2. Roll-Down Shutters:

Roll-Down shutters are permanently installed shutters that can be rolled up or down based on the requirement. They provide good hurricane protection and are available in two types – manual roll-down shutters and motorized roll-down shutters. In summers they can be rolled down to keep the house cool and in winters they can be rolled up to keep the house warm, thus improving the home’s energy efficiency too.

They require professional installation and regular oiling for smooth performance and offer excellent protection against hurricanes while being energy-efficient and easy to operate.

They are suitable for modern homes and buildings which have a sleek design.

3. Bahama Shutters:

Bahama shutters hinge at the top and prop open at an angle, offering shade and ventilation when not in use. They can be easily lowered and secured during storms and can protect windows and doors. These shutters add a tropical touch to homes, especially coastal ones. While they make the house look more stylish, they offer limited protection compared to other types of shutters.

They are suitable for coastal and tropical-style homes and may not suit all architectural styles.

4. Colonial Shutters:

Colonial shutters are louvered shutters that attach to your home’s exterior wall beside the window. They have a traditional look and offer moderate protection against hurricanes and strong winds. They can be easily and quickly closed during hurricanes, but need regular maintenance to prevent dust and sand buildup. 

These shutters come in a limited variety of styles and colors. They are best suited for traditional and colonial-style homes, adding a classic touch to their appearance.

How To Choose The Right Hurricane Shutter?

Several factors influence your choice of hurricane shutters:

• Budget – Decide what your budget is and based on that see what will be the best option for you. Remember that quality and durability matter a lot when selecting hurricane shutters, so keep these things in mind to ensure long-term protection for your home.

• Architectural Style: Select shutters that will go with your home’s architectural style and improve its overall look. Whether your home has a more modern, traditional, or coastal style there’s always a hurricane shutter style that will go perfectly with your home’s design. 

• Protection Level: See how hurricane-prone your area is and by considering the risk levels choose shutters that will provide you with the necessary protection and keep your family safe.

• Easy To Operate: Consider how easily you can open and close the shutters, especially during emergencies like storms and hurricanes. Choose shutters that can be simply and quickly operated to ensure timely protection.

Take the first step towards securing your home’s safety today! For installation of hurricane shutters in Fort Myers, FL, visit 1st Choice Hurricane Protection. We offer a wide variety of hurricane shutters to suit your needs and budget. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive hurricane protection solutions.