May 3rd, 2012
Clear panel plastic hurricane shutters are a great alternative to metal and wood bringing with them several advantages. Visibility, ease of use, and a light weight are advantages with these shutters. Cost is not. These shutters are expensive. But you get good value for your money because of the attributes that these shutters possess. You can choose from two primary types – Lexan and Protexan.
Before putting up these shutters, make sure that they are approved by the building code authorities of your state and county. As mentioned above, these clear panel shutters allow sunlight into the house while blocking UV rays. That’s a health benefit right there for you. So not only do these panels protect you from wind, rain, and airborne debris they do so without encumbering vision or making you feel like you are inside a dungeon. Plastic as used in clear Lexan and Protexan panels does not rot, cannot be attacked by insects, will not crack, yellow, or get affected by mildew. It does not rust either. Thus, it is free from all the things that reduce the useful life of wood and metal shutters. Lexan panels are available as corrugated sheets for added protection against high speed winds. Choose a thickness that you feel is appropriate for your use and the extent of exposure for that portion of your property. These panels can integrate with metal panels. You can leave these panels up all season. Businesses get the advantage of letting people know that they are open.
Made from tough polymer resin these shutter types do not have any sharp edges. These panels can be installed from the inside and as mentioned above they can be installed quickly. Check with your local installer if he stocks these shutter types and what these shutters can do for your property value and also if there is any reduction in insurance costs.
Tags: plastic hurricane shutters
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March 12th, 2012
Rolling shutters are by far the most versatile when it comes to hurricane shutter protection. They have a number of advantages that makes them a favorite with not only residential but also commercial establishments in not only regions susceptible to hurricanes but also in other parts of the country. These shutters are made from aluminum. They can be added to protect openings during the construction phase or you can have them retrofitted. They are unobtrusive and hardly visible in the rolled-up state. These only need to be pulled down and this can be done manually or via electric motor. This facility is a special feature with rolling storm shutters and makes them a great fit for homes where aged folks and invalids stay. Remote operation is also a possibility. As we can see, roll-down shutters score big when it comes to ease of use.
Apart from hurricane protection, these shutters provide an excellent means of security and hence are favored by business premises. These shutters in front of the door prevent miscreants from forcing their way in. Roll-down shutters can be used on openings 16-feet wide and up to 15-feet high. You can always check with the manufacturer if special sizes are available. Light control and sound insulation are other advantages with these shutters. They can help you save on heating costs in colder months. Your privacy is not compromised. Aluminum roll-down shutters with vents allow light to come in.
There are no drawbacks to roll-down shutters except that they cannot really be installed on curved surfaces. And they are expensive, but then we get what we pay for and in the case of these shutters, we get excellent hurricane protection.
These shutters are best installed during the construction phase so that you know exactly about the space considerations for the railing and shutter housing. It also allows you to plan for other things such as electrical wiring, lamps, doorbells, decorations, etc. If the surface is not smooth then special installation techniques are required.
These shutter types are usually compliant with the building codes of a state and meet requirements to withstand hurricane force winds. All the same, you should check that the shutters you decide to install satisfy these requirements.
Tags: rolling storm shutters
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March 9th, 2012
Aluminum soffit panels have their own advantages. The presence of soffits depends upon the type of roof. Soffits, if you do not already know, are the underside of an architectural structure such as arches and roof overhangs. Aluminum soffits have the advantage of being leak-proof and rust-proof. They can last for years, even decades. They suffer very little from exposure as compared to wooden soffits. You can also get a continuous hidden vent soffit for ensuring better air circulation in the attic.
Because aluminum does not rust, it does not get weak nor does it discolor the boards that it comes in contact with. This eliminates the need for frequent painting of the gutters and exposed wooden boards.
Soffits and fascia can be installed as a DIY job. Prefinished aluminum panels are easy to fit on to the underside. You can easily place them over existing wood soffits in far less time than it would take to repair, paint, and replace the wood. The most important thing to do is to ensure that the roof is not suffering from any kind of water damage. Do not cover any part of the roof if there are leakages or where ice formations can happen. Once covered, the ice formation and water damage will accelerate roof damage. So, repairing the roof before placing aluminum soffits is not just recommended, it is essential. Consider using wide width panels, you’ll be using fewer of them. Perforated or vented panels are preferred by installers as they allow of circulation of air while keeping the insects out.
Preparation work for aluminum soffit panels is important and may involve removing the gutters, remove these carefully as they may be reusable. Many home owners replace the fascia and soffits at the same time but it does not have to be that way. Look up DIY forums for detailed information on how to install aluminum soffit panels.
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March 8th, 2012
Exterior Bahama shutters stand out from other shutters because they are perhaps the only type that doesn’t take away from the aesthetic appeal of a construction. Instead, they often add to it.
These shutters are often called Bermuda shutters. Traditional Bahama shutters are made of wood and therein lies their appeal. Wood has its own texture and elegance that cannot be quite matched by synthetic materials such as aluminum and extruded polymers. However, wood is not without its drawbacks. It can chip and rot; it is attacked by insects and may not be able to withstand hurricane force winds unless it is reinforced.
The basic construction of bahama shutters can explained as slats on side supports and the piece is hinged at the top. For a wide window, the bahama shutter may have a stile running through the center for extra support. The slats can be movable or rigid. The shutters can open by means of an arm, often a telescopic arm that can extend ninety degrees. Check if the installer is able to install them such that they can be worked from the inside. Exterior bahama shutters will protect your property from heat, wind, sun damage and also from particulate matter entering crevices and corners.
Aluminum exterior shutters are resilient and not given to any of the drawbacks associated with wood bahama shutters. Bahama shutters cannot be placed on doors but wherever they can be placed they function as multifaceted protectors against the elements. You can have them installed fully assembled or install them as a DIY job. These shutters can be retrofitted quite easily.
You will have to ensure that the shutters confirm with the state and regional building codes. Alternatives to bahama shutters that are similar in construction and only a little different in installation include louver shutters, raised panel, B n B, etc. Woods used can be pine, cedar, or hardwoods depending upon the area and region. Now-a-days, along with aluminum and PVC you can also get fiberglass bahama shutters.
Compare products on product and paint warranty, some companies offer a lifetime warranty on the product and up to 15 years on the paint.
Tags: Bahama shutters, home
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March 7th, 2012
Miami residents in the state of Florida cannot do better than installing hurricane shutters given that the state faces the threat of hurricanes every year. The internet has made a wealth of information available to prospective hurricane shutters customers and you should make use of this information.
Today, apart from the traditional shutter types such as roll on and accordion, you can avail new shutter types that are lightweight, resilient, and do the job admirably. These include impact resistant glass and hurricane fabrics.
The benefits of hurricane fabrics include more scope for fitting these where the old types won’t fit. Even on odd-shaped openings these transparent membranes will hold against wind pressure of up to 276 miles per hour. This makes it eligible for areas even where extreme storm winds are possible.
Polypropylene is the material of choice; it is 100% UV resistant and therefore protects you from the harmful rays of the sun. Its elasticity and stretchability increase its performance against high force impacts. Because the material is translucent you get sunlight inside, a big plus that is not available with traditional shutter types. These shutters are easy to install because of the sewn seams. You should check with the installer about the usefulness of these shutter types for sharp debris because once there is a tear in a structure, it rapidly loses its resistance to hurricane winds. These are low weight solutions that weigh as less as 1/10th the weight of corresponding aluminum solutions. Also check if this is available in different thicknesses. These shutters may not be most suitable for covering wide widths.
Impact-resistant glass that may crack but will not shatter is another alternative. You get the advantage of sunlight and breeze with this type. The glass acts as a sound, noise, and heat insulator.
You should check with your local Miami installers about the latest in hurricane shutter technology. Also don’t forget to check with your insurance company about their acceptance of any particular type of hurricane shutter protection. You stand to gain from lower premiums when you install the appropriate protection.
Tags: Hurricane Shutters, miami
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March 6th, 2012
Accordion shutters are wonderfully suited to protect Florida homes from the effects of hurricanes. These are fixed to the sides of the windows and they open and shut accordion-style, hence the name. Once installed, you don’t have to take them down and put them up again every time hurricane season approaches. Installing them can be carried out as a DIY job if you are so inclined to such activities and can manage the installation of tracks; getting an accordion shutter ready for an approaching hurricane takes a minute or two. These shutters will also your property from theft by acting as the first line of defense. This is a useful attribute as incidents of theft in the aftermath of a hurricane are not uncommon.
Accordion storm shutters can be operated from inside or outside of the house and are available in unlimited widths, as one-piece or two-piece shutters. To operate these shutters from the inside you should be able to open the windows sufficiently to reach out to the shutters.
Basically, if you have a concrete or masonry structure, particularly one having a curved contour, then you should consider this shutter type. These shutters are not without their drawbacks and the most common one is that they spoil the appearance of the property. The installation of tracks has to be done correctly so that the shutters slide properly on the tracks. Because these shutters slide on tracks, they can sometimes come off tracks or get stuck. Proper alignment of shutter wheels and lubrication of track and wheel is essential.
These shutters cannot be installed during construction; and because they are stacked at the side of the windows, you need to have space for them. Unlike roll-down shutters this type does not support centralized operation and choice of colors can be a little limited. When going for this shutter type, choose a company that offers accordion storm shutters in a powder finish and having a low profile that does not take a lot of space when stacking, thereby lessening what is euphemistically known as the “visual impact”.
Expect to pay anything between $16-$20 per square foot for this shutter type.
Tags: accordion storm shutters
Posted in Florida | View Comments
March 5th, 2012
Hurricanes are an unavoidable phenomenon that are unleashed on the coastal state of Florida every year during the hurricane season. Therefore hurricane shutters in Florida are a common sight and are present on houses across counties and cities in the state. The state’s building codes are among the strictest in America and hence if you plan on taking hurricane shutter protection in Florida make sure that the shutter of your choice is compliant with the county code for hurricane shutters.
You are not going to be faced with a category four hurricane every year; but the fact is that you don’t have to experience a massive hurricane to undergo big damage to life and property. It can happen with a smaller hurricane as well. Hurricane shutters in Florida will not only protect your life and property but also help you bring down insurance costs. Your insurance company will give you a discount on your house insurance if you have hurricane shutters installed. Over the years, this adds up to substantial savings and lets you easily recover the cost of the property. The shutters should fulfill dual requirements of functionality and aesthetic appeal. And of course, it should be a good fit for your requirements. You cannot install accordion shutters on second floor windows as these have to be operated from outside; but you can install roll-down shutters in such a scenario because these can be operated through electric motor. Similarly, accordion shutters find use where the contour to be covered is not flat. On the same lines, wood Bahama shutters are the most pleasing in terms of aesthetics but cannot withstand big winds unless reinforced. Also, they cannot be placed on doors.
Permanent or removable is another factor to consider. And finally there is the question of cost. Roll-down shutters are the most versatile and also the most expensive. On the other hand, a piece of ply of the required thickness will also serve admirably for hurricane protection and will cost a lot less. With removable shutters you have to see that you prepare ahead of time; particularly if you are installing panels as these can take time to place.
Remember that the areas around Key West, Miami, Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale have experienced some of the most belligerent hurricanes recorded in the history of America. You will only be doing your duty towards the lives of your family and also towards your assets by installing hurricane shutters.
Tags: hurricane shutters in florida
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January 20th, 2012
Clear hurricane panels bring at least one very apparent advantage of other hurricane shutter types. These panels are clear; they don’t block your view and allow sunlight to come in. They don’t give you the feeling of being trapped inside a place to sit out a hurricane. The shutter glass won’t yellow with age and you get 100% UV protection as well.
These shutters, usually made of high grade polycarbonate sheets, cover the external façade of a structure. They don’t splinter or warp like wood and they sure don’t look like eyesores that many metal hurricane shutters appear to be. These shutters are easy to install. They won’t envelope your property in darkness and you don’t need difficult to manage accessories when you are putting up these shutters. In other words, these shutters are easy to install.
If you are using twin wall polycarbonate sheet plastic then you are assured of hurricane protection because this material is two hundred times stronger than glass and very durable. It is very light; in fact it is five times lighter than plywood. But the lightness in no way compromises on the strength of the material. These shutters are more expensive than metal shutters but they add to the value of your house, apart from the undeniable protection they offer.
Look up between the different types of clear hurricane panel shutters. Lexan and protexan are two types you can choose from. It is easy to get price quotes online. Compare quotes and check for adherence to your state hurricane building codes.
Check if the sheets are made from recycled plastic, these will work out cheaper. Your county and your insurance company might extend you benefits in one form or the other for using recycled plastic. Do you want the panels corrugated? Corrugated sheets will be stronger but may affect visibility. Does the manufacturer take requests for custom sizes and styles? What is the best way to install the shutters? Stapling, nailing, folding, drilling, stitching, etc are some of the techniques used.
What are the different thicknesses in which these shutters are available? Does the installer have a thickness ideal for your use? Ultimately you should, for the money you spend, get complete protection from hurricane winds and airborne debris.
Tags: clear hurricane panels
Posted in Hurricane Shutters | View Comments
January 18th, 2012
Window rolling shutters offer the dual benefits of security and protection from hurricanes. These shutters offer solid protection which is not always the case with other shutter types. If made of aluminum composite then depending upon the inner core, which is very often polyurethane, you can get excellent thermal insulation as well. You save on energy costs in this manner.
Window rolling shutters are best installed at the time of construction though these can be retrofitted as well. Roller shutters of any type cannot compare with Bahama shutters when it comes to beauty and elegance but they outscore all shutter types for sturdy protection against the elements and against theft.
Moreover these shutters can be installed on almost any opening. You can operate them manually or have them operated via motor. Security thus provided not only gives you peace of mind but also helps you bring down the cost of insurance for your property. Window roller shutters are unique also because they can be installed on windows in commercial settings such as box office windows, ice cream parlor windows, windows on vans selling stuff. They provide security and can be operated from inside as well as outside. You can get quotes for these shutters online. Compare quotes for the sizes of the openings that have to be covered. Compare installers for the cost of installation and after-sales services. You always have the option of installing these yourself if you fancy yourself as a bit of a handyman.
Tags: window rolling shutters
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January 17th, 2012
Aluminum Bahama shutters take the traditional wood Bahama shutters to a new level. Bahama shutters, as you may know, are the most aesthetically pleasing shutters out there for windows. They add to the charm of bungalows or basically any property. Although wood Bahama shutters are pleasing to look at and have their own advantages such as protection against wind, rain, sun, and dust they are not truly hurricane proof. Moreover, in a coastal environment or even otherwise wood suffers from rot, chipping, warping, and attacks from insects that can bore holes in the wood and compromise its ability to withstand hurricane force winds. The installation and maintenance costs for wood Bahama shutters is increasing with time and even historical districts in many of America’s coastal towns have okayed the use of aluminum Bahama shutters.
Aluminum bahama shutters come with a three year warranty with most manufacturers. They can be powder coated in 100 colors or more. These shutters have the advantage of a low initial cost and low maintenance expenses. Aluminum metal Bahama shutters do not rot in cold, the paint does not flake, they don’t warp in the heat, or crack with extreme cold. The metal is not attacked by insects and salty air is tolerated fairly easily with a coat of protective paint. Many manufacturers will also make the side support and framing of aluminum so that there is no corrosion because of difference in metal bodies. The arms manipulating the shutters can be of fixed or variable length. You may wish to choose shutters with movable slats that allow the sunlight to come in. Most shutters can be opened from the inside in the range of a 45 degree – 60 degree angle.
You can get a costing for aluminum shutters from an online seller. Compare prices before committing to an installer. Or you may wish to go for a do-it-yourself job and have these fitted yourself.
Tags: aluminum, Bahama shutters
Posted in Bahama shutters | View Comments
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