Install Window Shutters1
Unprotected windows are one of the most common locations where storm damage takes place. As covered in our document, "How Safe is Your House?", broken windows can allow wind and rain inside the house and even lead to roof failure.
What Makes a Safe Window?
People often tape their windows to protect them. Taping windows does NOT increase the strength of the glass and it will NOT protect your home from flying debris.
Even shatter resistant windows can fail when the entire window frame is under enough pressure from wind and debris. Similarly, window films alone are not a complete protective measure. The best way to protect your windows is to install shutters.
How Do I Choose the Right Shutter?
Each homeowner should install shutters that best meet their individual needs. Factors such as cost, ease of installation, and degree of protection are important considerations.
Shutters provide protection from flying (wind-borne) debris impacts and/or wind pressure for windows, French doors, sliding glass doors, and other openings. No matter what type of shutter you choose, proper installation is important to ensure best performance.
Additional Issues to Consider
If maximum protection is your goal, be sure to select products approved by the very thorough Miami-Dade County standards (see product search link below). But simply installing shutters is not enough. It is important to use proper construction techniques to maintain your shutter strength and reduce the potential for missile debris. These issues include:
Securing loose outdoor items including patio furniture, garbage cans/recycling bins, plant pots, etc.
Attaching shutters to your home's structural framing, NOT window or door frames.
Using corrosion resistant materials for all exposed parts of the shutter system, including shutter panels, fasteners, etc.
Other Resources
Miami-Dade County | Building Code Compliance Product Search
http://www.miamidade.gov/buildingcode/ online_product_search.asp
NOAA & AOML | Hurricane Shutters FAQ
http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/shutters/index1.html
What Shutter Options are Available?
Automatic Rolldown $$$$$
These shutters roll down tracks from a box above each protected opening. They are generally made of metal and lock at the bottom.
Pros: preinstalled, easy to use, can be motorized.
Cons: very expensive.
Source: St. Lucie County Extension
Accordion $$$
These shutters are pulled together from the side of each protected opening. They are generally made of metal and lock together or to a middle divider.
Pros: preinstalled, easy to use.
Cons: somewhat expensive, architecturally less appealing.
Source: www.hurricaneshuttercompany.com
Awning $$$
These shutters are dropped down and locked in place. They are made of metal or fiberglass and provide full window shade when not in use.
Pros: preinstalled, easy to use.
Cons: somewhat expensive, architecturally less appealing.
Source: Florida Coastal Monitoring Program
Bahama Awning and Colonial Shutter $$$
These louvered panel shutters are either Awning (which provide partial shade when not in use) or Colonial style.
Pros: preinstalled, easy to use, architecturally appealing.
Cons: somewhat expensive, strength varies greatly by design.
Source: www.stormshutters.com
Hurricane Screen $$ - $$$
These shutters are made from a partially porous reinforced fabric that reduces wind pressures and debris impact damage.
Pros: fairly inexpensive, allow light through, easy to store.
Cons: somewhat new technology, debris impacts can break windows in contact with screen, best for non-glazed openings.
Source: www.stormshutters.com
Storm Panel $$
These shutters must be stored and installed temporarily for a storm. They are made of steel or aluminum panels that are locked into a preinstalled steel channel above/below the protected opening, or they can be anchored or bolted directly to the house.
Pros: inexpensive, strong.
Cons: often heavy, difficult to install and store.
Source: Florida Coastal Monitoring Program
N/A
Plywood $
See our “Protect with Plywood” document for more information.
Footnotes
This document ABE375 is Part 2 of 5 in the Education + Action = Wind Damage Mitigation series. Publication date: November 2005.
Hal S. Knowles, III, Coordinator, Program for Resource Efficient Communities; Kathleen C. Ruppert, Associate Extension Scientist, Florida Energy Extension Service; Karla A. Lenfesty, Windstorm Damage Mitigation Program Specialist, St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida; Barbara Haldeman, Editorial Assistant, Florida Energy Extension Service.
Publication partially funded from a Florida Department of Community Affairs Residential Construction Mitigation Program Grant.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal
Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions
that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed,
color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital
status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.
For more information on obtaining other extension publications,
contact your county Cooperative Extension service.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative
Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer, Interim Dean.
