Florida Approved Hurricane Storm Panels

Value: Hurricane Storm Panels are approved by Florida building code to meet and exceed wind load and impact testing for window glazings and openings. The benefits of storm panels over plywood are the panels are precisely cut to the exact size and have the cutouts for hardware pre-cut and are numbered for the specific window. Hardware is installed professionally with a variety of different hardware depending on the substrate. All of our hardware is also rust resistant or stainless steel. This makes installation much easier than plywood. The panels are 15" wide with 12" or 12.5" bolt to bolt spacing. So you can carry what feels comfortable.

Hurricane panels can be installed by one person or a team. All insurance companies are giving discounts for homes with storm panels. Our panels have a Florida approved product label stamped into the panel for home inspections and wind mitigation inspections.

Materials used to manufacture the panels are:

Galvanized steel panels
Aluminum panels (lightest)
Polycarbonate panels (most expensive, also very light)

Optional track systems include h-tracks and f-tracks, which can make the installation ladder free in most cases.

All panel installations include a map and instructions on how to attach and maintain your hurricane shutters. Warranty is 10 years on installation.

Strap and buckle fabric systems are also available. These are removable and can be deployed very similarly to hurricane panels without the weight. These fabrics are good for large openings.

Accordion shutters are one of the easiest to use permanently attached shutters. They are designed to be pulled close and locked with either a keyed lock or a latch lock. Accordion shutters can be unlocked from the inside which makes the 2nd and 3rd floor shutter closure ladder free. Their compact design makes them able to be attached in a variety of windows and entry-ways. Due to the simplicity of the design the accordion shutter is also not that expensive. They are powder coated from the factory and tested to meet all Florida building and insurance requirements for protection for windows and rooms.

Available colors:

White
Beige
Ivory
Bronze

Accordion shutters are a good option or upgrade from storm panels because the shutters can be locked up in a few minutes.

Maintenance: Keep the shutters cleaned and lubricate the locks and wheel carriages. Once a year, wash the accordion shutters with fresh water or power wash them and clean the tracks. If installed directly on the beach, this should be done twice a year to rinse off salt. A maintenance program is available to ensure smooth operation. In certain situations, the accordion shutter can be mounted in-frame to reduce its appearance and help your home keep its intended look.

Roll down shutters and screens are one of the best shutters made for ease of use and long term reliability. These shutters are more expensive due to their design, but can be automated to work with remote control and home automation systems like Alexa and Google. Lighter duty shutters are also available for small windows and doors.

One of the biggest advantages of the roll down shutter is that the shutter is contained in a housing that keeps it out of the elements. Another advantage is the optional electric motor that powers the shutters up and down with ease. On large entryways and rooms with open walls, these shutters can provide storm protection and security to the whole room. Security roll down shutters are also effective at deterring theft.

Materials used:

Aluminum double wall extrusions
Polypropylene textiles
Polycarbonate view ports
Some Kevlar materials

All roll down shutters meet insurance and Florida building code regulations for retractable walls with the ability to withstand violent hurricane force winds. They can also enhance your space for privacy, storage, sun shade, bug protection, and security.

Maintenance: Rinse off and power wash or scrub to keep dirt and debris from interfering with operation. In coastal areas, more frequent maintenance is necessary to prevent salt damage. Only stainless and aluminum are used for installations to help, but in coastal areas maintenance is essential for long term durability.

Bahama and Bermuda style shutters are favorites for adding curb appeal and definition to a home, thanks to their powder coated paint finish. While easy to operate, they are among the more expensive shutter options. They work especially well on the front of the house for visual impact.

These shutters can also be used as valence shutters, suspended above your window to reduce sunlight while creating a pleasing visual appearance of color, privacy, security, and sun shade. A powder coat color palette called RAL is available to match most paint schemes.

Bahama and Colonial shutters are tested for Florida building code and insurance requirements for impact and debris protection. Several different louver designs are available.

Maintenance: Fresh water and lubricant applied to all threaded pieces on the retractable arms, and cleaning dirt and debris from shutters, once a year. In coastal areas, more frequent cleaning is recommended to keep salt off the paint.