MENU

AskIFAS Powered by EDIS

Español|Haitian Creole

Install Window Shutters 1

Hal S. Knowles III, Craig Miller, Kathleen C. Ruppert, Karla A. Lenfesty, and Barbara Haldeman 2

This publication is part 2 of 6 in the Education + Action = Wind Damage Mitigation series. For the rest of the series, visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_wind_damage_mitigation.

Unprotected windows are one of the most common locations where storm damage takes place. As covered in the first document in this series, How Safe is Your Home?, 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 shutters?

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.

Issues to Consider

If maximum protection is your goal, select products approved by the 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 the following:

  • 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: Permitting, Environment and Regulatory Affairs—Product Control Search: https://www.miamidade.gov/building/pc-search_app.asp

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Hurricane Research Division: Flyers. Instructions for building plywood hurricane shutters: https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/flyers/BuildingWoodenShutters.pdf

What shutter options are available?

Automatic Rolldown

Price $$$$$

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

 

Figure 1. Automatic rolldown shutters.
Figure 1.  Automatic rolldown shutters.
Credit: UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County

 

Accordion

Price $$$

These shutters pull 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

 

Figure 2. Accordion shutters.
Figure 2.  Accordion shutters.
Credit: http://www.hurricaneshuttercompany.com

 

Awning

Price $$$

These shutters drop down and lock 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

 

Figure 3. Awning shutters.
Figure 3.  Awning shutters.
Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Hurricane Research Division (HRD)

 

Bahama Awning and Colonial Shutter

Price $$$

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

 

Figure 4. Bahama awning shutters.
Figure 4.  Bahama awning shutters.
Credit: http://www.stormshutters.com

 

Hurricane Screen

Price $$$$$

These shutters are made from a partially porous reinforced fabric that reduces wind pressure and debris impact damage.

Pros: Fairly inexpensive, allow light through, easy to store

Cons: Debris impacts can break windows in contact with screen, best for large non-glazed openings

 

Figure 5. Hurricane screen.
Figure 5.  Hurricane screen.
Credit: http://www.stormshutters.com

 

Storm Panel

Price $$

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

 

Figure 6. Storm panel.
Figure 6.  Storm panel.
Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Hurricane Research Division (HRD)

 

Plywood

Price $

For more information, see the publication Protect with Plywood (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae412).

 

Also Available in: Español, Haitian Creole

Publication #ABE375

Release Date:January 29, 2021

Related Experts

Haldeman, Barbara M.

University of Florida

Miller, Craig R

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Knowles, Harold S III

staff

University of Florida

Ruppert, Kathleen C

Specialist/SSA/RSA

University of Florida

Related Topics

    Fact Sheet
    Homeowner

    About this Publication

    This document is ABE375 (it is part 2 of 6 in the Education + Action = Wind Damage Mitigation series), one of a series of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date November 2005. Revised July 2013, November 2016, and May 2020. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. This publication is partially funded from a Florida Department of Community Affairs Residential Construction Mitigation Program Grant.

    About the Authors

    Hal S. Knowles III, lecturer and charge agent, Sustainability and the Building Environment and Department of Urban and Regional Planning, College of Design, Construction and Planning; Craig Miller, associate professor, Program for Resource Efficient Communities; Kathleen C. Ruppert, professor emeritus, Program for Resource Efficient Communities; Karla A. Lenfesty, family and consumer sciences agent, retired, UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County; and Barbara Haldeman, editorial assistant, Program for Resource Efficient Communities; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

    Contacts

    • Craig Miller