The
hurricane season of 2005 was the worst that we’ve
seen in history.
I grew up on the North Carolina coastline in an
area where the majority of homes have storm shutters,
which are used to protect windows and homes from high
winds and flying debris.
Working
exterior storm shutters are a permanent alternative to
the frenzied rush of having to install plywood over
windows in the stressful hours before an approaching
storm. Then
once the danger has passed, you have to remove the
plywood and find a place to store it.
For individuals who live away from the threat
of coastal storms, working storm shutters are away to
protect windows on cabins, cottages, and your home
while you are away.
Manufactured
storm shutters are available in several traditional
styles including louvered, raised panel, and
board-and-batten.
Other styles of storm shutters include rolling
shutters, which adjust to any position to protect
against storms.
To
determine the dimensions for traditional style storm
shutters, first measure the height of the window
opening. Because
windows may not be squared, it is to measure both the
right and left side of the window.
You want to subtract ˝” from the actual
height to allow for clearance.
To find the width of each shutter, measure the
width of the window between the inside edges of the
window jam, divide by 2, and subtract 3/8”
for the hinge clearance.
There
are also other types of storm shutters that are
available. Rolling
shutters can be controlled manually or automatically.
The next kind are Bahama-style shutters.
These function as sun awnings when opened and
provide wind and impact protection when they are
closed.
Many
Insurance companies are revising their policies for
coastal areas and are offering discounts to property
owners who install hurricane shutters that meet the
ASCE-7-88 wind-load test and the S.F.B.C. impact test.
However, several Insurance can increased
deductibles, if the shutters do not conform to these
new standards.
