With the Atlantic hurricane season quickly approaching, now is the time to start thinking about ensuring your home is protected if you live in a hurricane-prone area such as Florida. Oftentimes, the best way to protect your home will be through the use of hurricane shutters. However, there are a few things you will need to know in order to achieve maximum protection using these window coverings.
Hurricane Shutters Are Not Designed For Last Minute Installation
In order for hurricane-resistant shutters to be effective, they will need to be properly fitted to your windows and installed by a professional. This is a process that can take some time. Certainly more time than you will have after a hurricane warning has already been issued for your area. This is why it is so important to plan ahead and have shutters installed on your home prior to the start of hurricane season.
While you will want to have your shutters installed well in advance of a storm, this does not mean that the shutters should be deployed early. In fact, leaving your shutters deployed throughout the year can be a hazard as they can block vital access to your windows in the event of a fire. This is why the shutters should be installed before hurricane season but not deployed unless a storm warning is issued.
Simply Having Hurricane Shutters Is Not Enough
If your windows are already equipped with hurricane shutters you may assume that you are ready for anything mother nature may throw at you. The truth, however, is that you may not be as protected as you think. This is because hurricane shutters need to be inspected and maintained over time in order to ensure they are working properly. Even a small crack in your shutters can greatly reduce the amount of wind they can handle before giving way. This is why it is so important to have your shutters professionally inspected at least once a year prior to the start of storm season. If any damage is found, you will need to have this damage repaired quickly in order to ensure your home is protected in the event of a hurricane.
In addition to having your hurricane shutters professionally inspected and repaired if necessary, you should also take the time to clean your shutters and ensure everything is still working properly at least once every few months. This will allow you to quickly spot any potential problems before you find yourself in a situation where you don't have the protection you need when you truly need it.
For more information, contact a hurricane shutters supplier.
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