When preparing for hurricane season, timing matters the most. August is an important month for testing your hurricane protection. At this time, you should thoroughly check whether your hurricane shutters and impact windows are functioning smoothly or not. Let’s understand how you can use this time to your advantage and keep your home well-protected.
1. Peak Storm Activity
Officially, the hurricane season starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. The peak period is from early August to the end of October. Before the peak storm season begins, you should take action by inspecting your home’s hurricane protection.
2. Avoid Last-Minute Panic
By the time August starts, the hurricanes are almost here, so waiting too long can be risky. Most impact door and window companies see a huge increase in installation and repair requests at this time. Delaying maintenance or replacements any longer can leave you waiting for a long time. By preparing in August, you can ensure your home is well-protected before the weather turns harsh.
3. Annual Testing
Experts suggest testing hurricane windows and doors properly before the hurricane season starts. You should try closing and opening them to make sure that they are smooth and secure. Check their seals and look out for any cracks or locking issues. In case you notice any problems, get them fixed promptly, so that they remain durable even during the harshest of storms.
4. Insurance and Compliance
Getting annual inspections done before the storm season can help reduce insurance premiums and ensure compliance with local safety requirements. Instead of waiting for a hurricane warning, get the annual inspection done early to stay worry-free.
5. More Protection
Impact windows offer comprehensive protection. You don’t need to deploy them in a hurry before the storm, they are always there. All you need to do is check their seals, frames, and latches occasionally. While shutters also provide good protection, they need to be actively deployed. By installing both shutters and impact windows, you can get two layers of protection and keep your home safe at all times.
6. Extend Longevity
Annual maintenance helps increase the lifespan of impact windows, doors, and shutters. During maintenance, remember to inspect the hardware, look for rust and bent frames. Clean the tracks and lubricate the hinges using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant. Get repairs done ahead of time so that all slots don’t get booked. By doing all this beforehand, you can make sure your home is storm-ready and avoid last-minute panic. Speak to your insurer to finalize inspection paperwork before premiums increase.
Contact 1st Choice Hurricane Protection
Check your home’s hurricane protection ahead of time to keep your loved ones safe and secure. Get in touch with 1st Choice Hurricane Protection today for installation and repair of shutters, impact doors, and impact windows in Fort Myers, FL. Our expert team provides top-notch services to make sure your home is ready for whatever this hurricane season brings.