Benefits of Hurricane Shutters vs. Plywood
High winds, rain and flying objects that result from hurricanes or other types of storms can destroy windows and allow rainwater, dirt and debris to enter your home, causing severe damage as well as mold and mildew. Hurricane shutters are designed to protect your windows from breaking and prevent possible roof damage incurred due to the pressure shift from shattered windows.
While it's traditional to nail plywood over windows before a storm, plywood is often not strong enough to prevent the type of serious damage caused by high winds. Commercially available hurricane shutters are specially designed to withstand severe weather. Here are a few other points to consider:
- Plywood is only useful for a single application, while hurricane shutters can be reinstalled year after year.
- Hurricane shutters look nicer than plywood.
- Plywood takes as long to remove as it does to install, and pulling out the nails can damage the exterior of your home. Loose nails can also become ballistic objects during high winds. Storm panels are attached using purpose-built hardware and are easier to remove.
- Storm panels are designed to be stackable, so they’re easy to store.
Hurricane Shutter Types
The best type of hurricane shutters for your situation will depend on several key factors, including your budget and your individual needs. Hurricane shutters are made of different materials, but the most popular are comprised of steel, aluminum or polycarbonate.
Check local building codes to make sure the shutter type you’ve selected is approved for your area. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation recommendations.
Aluminum Hurricane Shutters
Aluminum hurricane shutters are much lighter than other metal varieties, which makes them easier to stack. However, despite their light weight, they're often thicker than steel options.
Steel Hurricane Shutters
Steel hurricane shutters offer excellent protection in rough weather and are one of the less expensive metal panel options. Steel shutters are also heavier than other varieties, which may make installation more tiring if you have a large home with a lot of windows that need covering.
Polycarbonate Hurricane Shutters
Polycarbonate hurricane panels are very strong and, in some ways, easier to handle and install than plywood or metal. These storm panels have the added advantage of letting light through, which helps in the event of a power outage or when putting up shutters in advance of a storm.
Other Tips for Choosing the Best Hurricane Shutters for Your Home
Here are a few important considerations when purchasing storm panels:
- The best time to purchase hurricane shutters is before the storm season hits. Avoid having to make a rushed purchase or not being able to find what you need by planning ahead. Purchasing ahead of the storm season also allows you more time to install shutters before a storm hits.
- Installing storm panels is a two-person job. Make sure you have the help you need when the time comes.
- Determine whether the necessary hardware is included. If not, you'll need to purchase that separately.
Want to know how to prepare for a hurricane? See How to Prepare for a Hurricane for help getting your home ready and Hurricane Tips for information on staying safe during and after the storm.
For help with hurricane panel installation, check out How to Install Storm Shutters.