Archive for the ‘Florida’ Category
Tuesday, 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
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Friday, August 19th, 2011
Hurricane shutters are as much a need for Broward County residents as it is for other residents in the state of Florida. This particular county gets hit or brushed by a hurricane every two and half years. If you stay in these parts, then you need protection from hurricane winds and strong lashing rains that can happen during the period from July-September. It goes without saying that the shutters you install should have the Miami-Dade County Product Approval or a Florida Building Code Product Approval. It is advisable to get shuttering done from a contractor that has a presence in your locality; this way you know who to go to in case something goes wrong.
And if you already happen to have shutters installed then you should see that these are in prime working order. Accordion shutters should open and close smoothly. You will have to clear obstructions in their tracks and see that wheels are lubricated. If the shutters have been stacked away and kept then get them out and check for any wear and tear. Do this in advance so that you don’t get caught napping when the hurricanes arrive. Remember, there is no alternative to hurricane shutters except maybe a sheet of plywood that is at least 5/8th of an inch thick. Don’t take a casual approach. Covering your window with tape is no protection against hurricanes. Once a window or a door is breached, it can compromise the entire structure and leave its inhabitants at the mercy of high winds and wind-borne debris.
Tags: hurricane shutter broward
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Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
If you’re a home owner in Sarasota, Florida then chances are that you already have hurricane shutters installed. You know the value of your property and the kind of damage that hurricane can inflict if given half a chance to enter inside the house. Choose shutters that are missile-impact tested and confirm to the building codes of your city. Sarasota residents actually have the luxury to call up hurricane shutter contractors in the area and get a quote that they can get reconfirmed once the contractor visits the premises. There are distinct advantages in going for a shutter from a local supplier. Apart from the sales and installation you are assured of timely service as well.
Take a call on the type of hurricane shutter based on what you want and the shape and profile of openings to be covered. Roll-down shutters provide protection not just against hurricanes but also act as a second level of security. Bahama shutters add appeal to the windows. Are you comfortable with shutters that will be in place permanently or do you want removable shutters that you can put away once the hurricane season is over. Accordion shutters and storm panels are best suited for very wide widths. Colonial shutters and accordion shutters lend themselves nicely to curves, arches, angles, and other custom shapes. Almost all shutter types, be they accordion, Bahama, colonial, roll down, or storm panel can be made to fit custom sizes. Roll shutters and storm panels are best suited to be built-in during the construction process. Not possible to do so with others, these have to be installed once the structure has been constructed. In terms of price, this is how the different shutter types would stack up – Roll shutters > Colonial shutters > Bahama shutters > Accordion shutters > Storm panels > Plywood.
Glass with film on it is a bit of a fancy option; it will not be of much help against flying debris. Take expert opinion if considering this option. Keep in mind that the extent of protection offered by the film is limited by the strength of the glass.
Tags: hurricane shutters sarasota
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Monday, August 15th, 2011
Tampa, Florida is home to some of the best hurricane protection gear that you can purchase. And with good reason, Tampa residents are vulnerable to hurricanes every year when the season arrives. The ideal hurricane shutter contractor will not only install but also provide good after-sales service. Of course, it all begins with giving the customer a proper quote. You can get quotes from local hurricane shutter installers directly, via phone, or through the internet. Shutters are made of different materials, each offering its own distinct advantage. For example, wood is pleasing to look at, aluminum is durable, and polymers offer strength and durability both. One such polymer material available for use in Tampa hurricane shutters is Thermalite. This is a polymer foam that is completely synthetic with insulation properties that are twice as high as those of wood.
These shutters complement the appearance of any interior; they can control the light and add to the brightness of the room; you do not compromise on natural sunlight when you install these shutters. It’s a good way to save on energy bills. These shutters are very durable. They will not warp, bend, peel, or lose strength as wood shutters are wont to do. They are almost zero-maintenance as compared to wood shutters. Their resilience against moisture makes them ideal for installation in kitchens and bathrooms.
When installing shutters in your Tampa, Florida residence know that whatever you invest will be paid back many times over, so do not scrimp unnecessarily. Don’t think that if high winds come from the south side of your house, you only need to secure that section. You need all-round protection.
Tags: hurricane shutters tampa
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Monday, August 15th, 2011
Hurricane shutters are definitely a necessity for residents of Fort Lauderdale. The area comes under the hurricane zone and you don’t have to experience a Category 5 hurricane for damage to your property. Hurricane shutter contractors in Fort Lauderdale will provide you with a free estimate for putting up shutters at your place. Here are some shutter types that you can consider. Remember that hurricane shutters can pay back the investment you make on them very fast; and each year they can hand you a potential saving of around $500.
Removable panel storm shutters are the most economical of the lot. The hardware used is heavy duty and tested to withstand hurricane force winds. You can store the panels when not in use. 10 panels will not take more than an inch to stack. Colonial shutters can also be bought and installed in the Fort Lauderdale area, along with Bahama shutters these shutters offer excellent aesthetic appeal and great functionality. They protect not just against the howling winds and driving rains but also against theft, heat, sun, rain, and dirt. Bahama shutters are easy to install and are fixed; they have a very distinctive look and will add to the class of your residence, especially if you opt for wood Bahama shutters. Larger openings such as garage doors or big windows are best covered with roll-up / roll-down shutters. These shutters operate on tracks and can be manipulated manually or through a motor. Impact shutter doors and windows are the most elegant alternative but cost appropriately more. If you’re on a strict budget and have some DIY skills, you might as well put up some ply that is at least 5/8″ thick. You’ll be protected, rest assured. Folding shutters are another option, you cannot notice their presence in the closed position. They are easy to use and deploy.
Tags: shutters fort lauderdale
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Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
If you reside in the coastal U.S state of Florida then your home and property are annually at risk from hurricanes. The hurricane season is on right now and will be in full swing till the end of September. Hurricane shutters are the best protection against hurricane damage;of course a hurricane like Katrina or Andrew is not expected to occur every year but broken windows and water damage to the insides of your house can occur even with category one hurricanes.
Florida hurricane shutters are available in different shapes and designs but all should have one thing in common – the ability to withstand hurricane force winds and offer protection. You can choose from Bahama, colonial, accordion, and roll-up shutters. The shutters can be removable or permanently installed, hand operated as well as battery operated. Any type of shutter that you install has to concur with Florida building guidelines.
Storm panels are the cheapest option out there. These are nothing more than simple corrugated metal sheets that are very easy to install. These are removable and can be used for heights of up to 12 feet. Accordion shutters are durable and versatile. They are great value for the dollars you spend on them. You can open or close these shutters from inside or the outside depending upon the window type. These can be added to concrete, masonry, and frame construction and are also ideal for curved surfaces. Accordion shutters are removable and can be stacked discreetly. Bahama hurricane shutters offer storm and shade protection and are a throwback to the 60s when they were a huge favorite with Florida home owners. You can control ventilation with these shutters. These are permanently installed shutters suited for stucco and brick constructions. Colonial shutters are made of heavy aluminum; these are relatively easy to install and use and offer excellent storm protection. Best installed when professional installers are consulted during house manufacture stage.
Tags: florida hurricane shutters
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Friday, July 29th, 2011
If you’re a resident of Miami then you need hurricane shutters. The region falls under the hurricane zone and there are a number of established Miami hurricane shutter manufacturers. You can choose from storm panels, accordion shutters, colonial shutters, Bahama shutters, or roll down shutters. Keep in mind though that this is a one-time investment and not an unsubstantial one. You should put in money in the project only after taking several points into consideration.
Always remember that your house is one of your biggest investments that needs to be protected. Real Estate isn’t exactly cheap in Miami and with proper hurricane shutter installation you not only will protect your property but also add value to it so that if you ever put up the house for sale. Given that the cost of installing a hurricane shutter can go up to as high as $400 / panel, you owe it to yourself to do some research on the subject before you go ahead with the project. You need to compare installers and products for ease of installation, minimum maintenance, durability, and of course cost. Choose wisely because at stake are goods and property worth thousands of dollars. An installer’s credentials are crucial for another reason. Only a properly installed shutter will be able to last through a storm and be in good condition to weather out other hurricanes in the years to come.
In most cases, it also works out cheaper to hire an installer rather than trying to do it yourself. Check out shutters installed by people in the neighborhood and consult them on their experience; it will help you avoid unnecessary wastage of time and money. The internet is of course a great place to look up hurricane shutter installers and get references. You can also ask a hardware store owner for a dependable local installer. The Yellow Pages are a handy source of information; these are actually available online . Quality of workmanship is a very important consideration; don’t relegate this factor into the background and focus more on cost.
Tags: hurricane shutters florida, miami
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Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Florida natives have to face the threat of hurricanes every year during the season which as you may know is already on. One of the first infrastructural casualties of a hurricane is power. And without power, the human race is handicapped. We need light and power. It’s hard to imagine to be without light during night even at the best of times, the situation becomes compounded many times over during a hurricane. Home-owners need to have a generator installed and see that it is in working condition, especially when hurricane season arrives. You will be using it for light, for cooking purposes, for running the refrigerator, and maybe the radio, charging mobile phones, and sundry other uses. A generator capable of keeping these gadgets running as and when you want them is very necessary.
A wall-mounted generator may serve you better than a portable generator. At this point it is worth mentioning that you should also have a supply of torches and batteries. Eat such that your use of the refrigerator is minimized; if you choose canned food your cooking needs will be minimized and you may have to use power only to boil water in order to purify it. When choosing a generator, add up the wattage of all the items to get an idea of energy required. If the startup wattage is higher than running wattage then consider that instead of running wattage. Portable generators too are not without their benefits; you can move them around; maybe even take them to a safe camping site to wait out the hurricane. Avoid using matches and using gas for cooking. Do not touch power lines and try to maintain hygiene. Non-electric can openers and chlorine bleach should be kept handy.
A $600 generator should be of immense help to see you through the hurricane season.
Tags: Florida, Hurricane
Posted in Florida, Hurricane Season | View Comments
Monday, July 11th, 2011
As the hurricane season approaches; it is time to understand a few basic things about hurricanes. The Atlantic Hurricane season begins to take shape in August / September and yet if one was to go by the word of hurricane shutter companies, business is slow? Why? Could it be because people have forgotten the damage from earlier hurricanes or they are betting on this year being a safe one. According to observers, a scare is perhaps the only way to jog people out of their lethargy and when a scare actually comes along, supplies often fall short and many people are left struggling to purchase and install hurricane shutters and generators in their homes in time before the storms come.
When wind and water both combine to lay waste our habitat the least we can do is to be as prepared as we can. But what hurts more? Statistics show that a storm surge is easily the most deadly aspect of a hurricane. It is not as frequent as floods that come with the heavy rains but when it happens, it is a real killer and destroyer of property. This single biggest cause of fatalities is a clear danger to all cities along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. Tropical cyclones can lead to drownings both in the sea and inland. And if you check the figures, then storm surges account for half the losses since the past 40 years.
This is not to say that floods are to be treated lightly. Inland river systems can swell and flood very fast in case of a heavy downpour. If you’re caught in such a situation, your best bet is to get out before the river, lake, stream really swells up. When winds hit speeds of 110 miles per hour, then even securely anchored boats can capsize, make no mention of those unmoored boats in the sea. Often people seem to be unaware of their own vulnerability, which perhaps leads them to venture out in spite of storm warnings.
If you are living in an area that is at risk from storm surges, then you need to do more than just have hurricane shutters installed. Keep rations for five days ready, do not venture close to water till the storm warnings are lifted.
Tags: Florida, Hurricane Season
Posted in Florida, Hurricane Season | View Comments
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
If you live in Coconut Creek, Florida and you are thinking of getting replacement windows for your home or business, or are in the design stage of building a new home, hurricane impact windows are the best answer to your search. Coconut Creek bills itself as ‘The Butterfly Capital of the World’ and is located in Broward County, South Florida. It is a charming city, well landscaped and settled with numerous butterfly gardens throughout the city. But like all cities in South Florida, they are prone to hurricanes and your home must be protected if you live there.
Hurricane impact windows on your Coconut Creek home gives you easy, faultless hurricane protection and are available in an extensive variety of window sizes, shapes, frames, and even glass colors. And if you are particular about your home (as we all are), hurricane impact windows can be customized to flatter any type or style of home. No more worrying about fitting hurricane shutters to odd sized or shaped windows, no more struggling with putting up or closing shutters in the event of a storm, no more darkened homes when the shutters are closed.
Hurricane impact windows combine heavyweight aluminum frames with impact resistant glass, a winning combination in protecting your home. They’re double paned, with a special inner layer that protects you further. A specially designed finishing procedure – just like the kind that goes on windshields of cars – keeps the glass from shattering on impact. Even if the outer layer of the glass cracks (and it takes a very, very hard hit to make this happen), the special inner layer keeps the glass in one piece, preventing flying glass shards and debris from entering your home or business. Hurricane impact windows have been designed to meet the strictest wind codes (meaning they will withstand high winds during hurricanes) and are approved for protection under the Miami-Dade County building codes, Florida Building Codes, and International Building Codes.
Hurricane impact windows give you absolute protection – not just against hurricanes, but against intruders, as well. If you can’t break the window, it’s harder to get in to steal or vandalize. They also keep out 99% of UV (ultraviolet), the damaging rays of the sun, and this keeps your furnishings, rugs, and beloved belongings from fading or sun damage. Because of the double paning, outside noises are also reduced, making your home quieter and more enjoyable.
Hurricane impact windows keep you safe and give you peace of mind, because after all, hurricane safety isn’t expensive, it’s invaluable.
Tags: Florida, hurricane impact windows, impact resistance windows
Posted in Florida, Impact Hurricane Windows | View Comments
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