Winter storms can be dangerous and harmful to your home if you not prepared for them. When the temperatures begin to fall, it’s time to think about getting your home ready for bad weather. Winterizing your home was probably (or should have been) done in the fall, with things like checking the insulation in your walls and attics, and caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows. You might want to insulate your pipes as well to keep them from freezing during the cold weather. There are many things that you can do to prepare your home for winter weather, and there’s one you probably haven’t thought of: Storm shutters. Storm shutters aren’t just for hurricanes and tropical storms; they can protect you and your home during harsh winter weather, as well.
Some shutters are permanently installed, while others are made just for a single use. If you live in a place that regularly gets winter storms, it is best to install permanent shutters so that you can easily close them to protect your home when bad weather threatens. Looks and cost are the major differences between permanent and temporary shutters; Permanent shutters are much more attractive on your home than the temporary kind, and provide you with much better protection. The initial cost is more but can save you money in the long run, and you may even be able to get a break on your home insurance premiums, so make sure to check with your insurance company when installing. Before installing any type of storm shutters, however, make sure to check with your city’s planning department about building code requirements, and to obtain any needed permits.
Storm shutters on your home keep your windows much more insulated against the cold weather, and will keep heat loss to a minimum. Also, when the winter wind whips through and snow and ice begin to fall from the sky, storm shutters keep out the bad weather and protect your windows and doors from damage.
Trees or tree limbs falling under the weight of ice and snow are always a hazard during winter as well, and storm shutters can keep your windows from shattering when this happens. There’s nothing worse during a winter storm than the cold rushing into your home from a broken window or door, and installing storm shutters can keep you, your family, and your home safe and warm during the cold, cold winter.
