Best Material for Strong Shutters

Hurricanes and other storms can cause damage from high winds, rain, and flying items that smash glass and let precipitation, dirt, and debris into your property. This can then lead to catastrophic damage as well as mold and mildew.

That's where hurricane shutters can save you a lot of grief.

Hurricane shutters are made to shield your windows from shattering and shield your roof from potential harm brought on by the pressure change from broken windows.

For many people, plywood has been the customary material to stock up on for hurricane season. Unfortunately, while nailing plywood over windows before a storm can help a little, plywood is frequently insufficient to stop the type of severe damage brought on by powerful winds. A better choice would be to use commercial hurricane shutters designed to endure harsh weather.

Commercial hurricane shutters make more and more sense with the weather getting more extreme these days. Consider:

• Plywood lacks the aesthetic appeal of hurricane shutters.
• Hurricane shutters can be reinstalled yearly, while plywood must be thrown out after a single use.
• The installation and removal of plywood take about the same amount of time.
• Storm panels are simpler to remove and are attached with gear designed for the purpose. This means no more nails unnecessarily damaging your home's exterior.
• Storm panels are made to stack, making storage a breeze.

Different Types of Hurricane Shutters

Selecting the best material for your hurricane shutters will depend on your budget and needs. Although many materials are used to make hurricane shutters, steel, aluminum, and polycarbonate are the most common.

• Steel hurricane shutters are one of the more affordable metal panel solutions and provide good protection in bad weather. In addition to being heavier than other types, steel shutters may be challenging to install if your property is large and has many windows that need to be covered.
• Hurricane shutters made of aluminum are substantially lighter than those made of other types of metal, making stacking them simpler. Although they are lightweight, they are frequently thicker than steel alternatives.
• Polycarbonate hurricane panels are much stronger and, in many respects, simpler to handle and install than plywood or metal. These storm panels also allow light through, which is useful when putting up shutters before a storm or during a power outage.

Do Hurricane Shutters Increase Home Value?

The presence of hurricane shutters helps homeowners save money by lowering insurance premiums, reducing the chance of burglary incidents, and protecting the home itself. In addition, homeowners will save time, money, and aggravation by limiting the potential damage to a home following a storm. No broken glass means no expensive replacement glass and no rain or debris entering one's home or business.

In addition, installing hurricane shutters on your property can significantly raise the market value of your home. Potential buyers will feel more at ease buying a home in a storm zone if they see you've invested in hurricane shutters. This demonstrates to potential purchasers that safety and security are significant issues.

Benefits of Polycarbonate For Hurricane Shutters

When storms are imminent, polycarbonate hurricane panels are preferred over wood and other types of protective panels. Polycarbonate's notable strength and impact resistance make it ideal for withstanding storm damage, and that it lets in light makes it valuable in cases of power failures. Some manufacturers have developed entire product lines of polycarbonate hurricane shutters specifically for homeowners in storm-prone areas.

And, because it's so light and easy to work with, corrugated polycarbonate sheets, such as one might see used in roofing for sheds, carports, and greenhouses, are also popular for storm protection.

Hurricane Shutters Tips

Here are a few essential things to remember when purchasing storm panels for a home or business:

• Storm panel installation usually requires at least two people. So ensure you have the assistance you'll need when needed.
• Check to see if all the required hardware (screws, washers, etc.) are present and that you have the necessary tools. If not, you'll have to acquire them before beginning installation.
• Purchase your hurricane shutters well before hurricane season begins. Planning ahead will help you avoid having to make a last-minute purchase or not being able to find what you need. You will also have more time to install the shutters correctly and securely before a storm arrives.

Learn More About Polycarbonate Hurricane Shutters

If you have more questions about how polycarbonate sheet can help with your hurricane shutter and other storm protection needs, give us a call. The materials teams at Piedmont Plastics have extensive knowledge of what plastics work best for specific applications and how to get them into your hands.

Contact us today for more information.