Hurricane shutters remain the most economical solution for most homeowners to protect window openings in a storm, although impact  glass is increasingly popular. Preparing ahead of time, say experts, particularly with panels and other manual deployment options is key. Make sure the right tools and hardware are on hand before the storm nears. Here are just a few tips to help you decide which shutter may be best for your home or business.

Storm panels ~

Steel or aluminum shutters attach to the walls around windows and doors on bolts or tracks. Storm panels are corrugated, and each piece overlaps the next for maximum strength. There are several styles of storm panels to choose from.

• The first style incorporates both tracks and bolts. The top of the panel is slipped into a track above the window, and the bottom of the panel is secured to bolts that are permanently attached beneath the window.

• The second style uses a set of C-shaped tracks above and below the windows and doors. Bolts slide into the tracks from either side and must be manually aligned with the holes on the panels.

• The third style uses only bolts permanently set into the wall beside the windows and doors. They can be loosened as the panel is hung horizontally, and screwed down to secure it.

Storm panels are the most inexpensive options of the permanent shutter systems. They are removable, so they don’t change the aesthetics of the house when not in use and provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.

Accordion shutters~

These one or two-piece hurricane shutters are housed beside the windows or doors when not in use. They unfold accordion-style to cover and protect during a storm.

The benefit of accordions is that they are permanently affixed beside the windows and don’t require any extra storage space.  They can easily be deployed by one person and most models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.

Roll-down  shutters~

These shutters attach above the window. They roll up and store in an enclosed ‘header’ or ‘housing’ box when not in use. They are lowered either manually by a hand crank or automatically by push button or remote, and lock in place for storm protection.

Aluminum rolling shutters are permanently affixed above the windows/doors and don’t require any extra storage space. They too can easily be made storm-ready by one person with very little effort. These type of shutters also offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.

Hurricane / Impact glass~

This glass can withstand hurricane debris and eliminate the need for hurricane shutters.  Modern code requirements, which already require hurricane shutters or other protections on new houses, make the glass a more practical option at the time of new construction or remodeling. By having impact resistant windows installed professionally, in most cases it eliminates the need for additional shutters.

Call us today for a complimentary, no-obligation consultation to find out what works best for you and your home or business!

Rolf A., ~ Punta Gorda, FL

Duval & Elizabeth E., ~ Pelican Landing, Bonita Springs, FL

Mike, the installation guy, was on top of his game~ measuring and installing perfectly.  We are really happy with the color of the Bermuda Shutter, it worked out perfectly and the roll down shutter is great.

Many thanks to you and your team.    We will certainly recommend Storm Smart to our friends.

Jennifer & Kevin M., ~ Cape Coral, FL

Moira H., ~ Spanish Wells, Bonita Springs, FL

Starting this month and each month during hurricane season (June to November), our Selection Committee will select a nominee to receive storm protection for their home or business and install the products at no cost to them!

Previous We Care “winners” have included the Animal Refuge Center, a first response emergency rescue employee, a homeowner who contracted with another company that closed down before her job was completed and many others in our community that needed assistance protecting their property from the devastating storms.

We encourage anyone interested in nominating a person, family or even a non-profit organization in the Southwest Florida area who may be in need of assistance protecting their home or office, to submit their entry here.

Nominations can be based upon need, merit or circumstance. Once your entry has been approved, we will post it on our web site giving your friends and family an opportunity to vote for your entry. (For more details and the rules rules that apply, please read here.)

You can help us make a difference in someone’s life, so please send your entries today!

Bill & Joyce M. ~ Pelican Sound, Estero, FL

Thomas F., ~ Action Bolt & Tools, Ft. Myers, FL

Besides having complete faith in the honesty and integrity of Mike and Storm Smart, we have confidence in the choices of the shutter for the different locations.  We not only have a hurricane screen on the lanai but also a wind/rain screen on a north elevation. The motorized front door metal shutter will provide security against glass breakage; and the windows have accordion or lexan panels.  Even the inspector was impressed with the quietness of our front door shutter!

We could not be happier with this COOL job!  Thanks Storm Smart, Howard, and Mike.

Bob & Barbara V. ~ Bonita Springs, FL

Thanks again!

Chris – Kings Gate, Port Charlotte, FL