The short answer is yes, you can install hurricane shutters yourself. With that said, this should only be done if you have experience with home improvement projects or are a professional handyman. Installing hurricane shutters is a complex project and requires careful planning and consideration of local building codes.
Additionally, specialized tools may be needed, and you should have a full understanding of necessary measurements and steps.
If this is your first time installing hurricane shutters, it might be best to call a professional for installation. They know the process well and can quickly get the job done correctly. If you do decide to install them yourself, make sure you do a lot of research beforehand to understand the local codes and best safety practices.
Be sure you understand the right tools and materials to use as well.
If you are confident in your DIY installation project, then hurricanes shutters can be a great way to add extra protection from storms and keep your home safe.
Do you need a license to install hurricane shutters in Florida?
Yes, in the state of Florida, a person must be licensed to install or replace hurricane shutters. A person or entity that participates in the sale, installation, or replacement of any hurricane shutters in the state must first obtain a Hurricane Shutter Contractor license from the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
The license requirements for a Hurricane Shutter Contractor license includes having at least 4 years of experience in the field of hurricane shutter installation or with a related field, and successfully completing either a hurricane shutter installation related examination or a continuing education course related to the installation of hurricane shutters.
Furthermore, all licensees must comply with all applicable Florida Statutes and Administrative Rules.
What are the easiest hurricane shutters to install?
There are a variety of easy-to-install hurricane shutters available. Roll-up shutters are the easiest type of shutter to install. These consist of a heavy fabric or plastic sheet that can be quickly unrolled and affixed to the exterior of a building.
Panels are also usually very easy to install as they are relatively light and are usually mounted directly to the outside of the house with brackets, bolts, and screws. Bahama shutters, which are typically made up of horizontal slats, are also relatively easy to install.
They typically mount directly to the wall and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Accordion shutters are a good option as they are easy to open and close but can require more time and effort to install.
Lastly, Colonial shutters generally aren’t difficult to install and provide good storm protection.
How long does it take to put up hurricane shutters?
The amount of time it takes to put up hurricane shutters on a house depends on several factors, such as the size of the house, the type of shutters being used, and the amount of help available. For instance, if only a couple people are available to help and the house is large, it could take several hours.
On the other hand, if a larger group of people is available to help, it could take a much shorter period of time (e. g. , 1-2 hours). Additionally, the type of shutters being used also matters. For instance, accordion shutters can be opened and closed faster than panel shutters.
In any case, it is advisable to call a professional installer if the homeowner is not experienced with installing shutters, as it can help ensure they are correctly and safely installed.
What wind speed requires hurricane shutters?
When deciding whether your home requires hurricane shutters, it is important to consider the wind speeds that your area is likely to experience. Generally, hurricane-force winds of 74 miles per hour or above require hurricane shutters to protect your home.
However, high winds of 55 miles per hour or greater are sufficient to cause extensive damage to unprotected windows, leaving your home exposed to wind, rain, and other debris during a powerful storm.
If your area is prone to hurricanes or other severe storms, it’s important to install hurricane shutters regardless of the wind speed. Installing hurricane shutters can also provide additional peace of mind from the constant threat of strong winds and storms.
When selecting the appropriate hurricane shutters for your home, consider the materials, wind rating, and ease of installation before making a purchase. Take into account the frequency of storms in your area, as well as the design and age of your home.
Once you’ve taken these factors into consideration, you’ll have a better idea if hurricane shutters are the right choice for your home.
When should I put up shutters?
Putting up shutters is a great way to add extra protection to your home, especially if the area you live in is prone to bad weather. The best time to put up shutters is typically before the beginning of hurricane season or before an unusually severe storm is expected.
This can help to mitigate the potential damage that these sorts of storms can cause. Shutters can also provide additional security from potential intruders, so this should be considered as well. When choosing shutters, it’s important to understand the local building codes and regulations in your area, as some shutters may not be approved for particular areas or for specific windows or doors.
It’s also important to think about the physical requirements of putting up shutters. You should estimate how long it will take to install each window or door, and also make sure that you have the necessary tools and hardware to do so safely.
Additionally, some shutters will require special measurements and specific installation procedures, so it’s a good idea to make sure you know how to do these procedures properly.
Do you need hurricane shutters on all windows?
Whether or not you need hurricane shutters on all windows ultimately depends on where you live. Areas that are frequently affected by high winds, flooding, or other forms of extreme weather may require hurricane shutters on all windows due to building codes and local regulations.
These hurricane shutters can help protect your windows from windborne debris and wind pressure if a hurricane does occur. Additionally, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, you may opt to install hurricane shutters in order to receive a discount on your home insurance premium, so it is worth looking into.
To determine whether or not you specifically need hurricane shutters on all of your windows, the best thing to do is reach out to your local building code department or your insurance agent.
Do hurricane shutters increase home value?
Yes, hurricane shutters can increase home value. In areas where hurricanes are common or expected, having hurricane shutters can be a major selling point for potential buyers. Homes with hurricane shutters can be seen as more resistant to the potential damage that may be caused by a hurricane, making them more attractive to potential buyers.
Since hurricane shutters can provide protection against high winds, flying debris, and storms, buyers are more likely to feel secure in the knowledge that their home is better protected from the destruction caused by a hurricane.
Additionally, the installation of hurricane shutters may result in reduced insurance premiums since having them reduces the risk of damage to the home. This can be very attractive for homebuyers looking to save money on their home insurance costs.
Ultimately, having hurricane shutters can provide a great benefit to homebuyers, making the home more attractive, more secure, and more affordable.
Are hurricane shutters worth the cost?
Hurricane shutters can be worth the cost in certain circumstances. They offer additional protection for your home in the event of a hurricane, helping to protect your windows and doors from strong winds and flying debris.
Additionally, hurricane shutters can be used to reduce energy costs in warmer areas as they keep out the heat from the outside and help reduce air-conditioning bills. They also act as an additional layer of security for your home, deterring intruders by making it much harder to break into the property.
On the flip-side, hurricane shutters can be expensive to install and maintain, especially if you don’t have the correct tools or expertise to install them. It’s also important to note that although hurricane shutters can offer good protection in the event of a hurricane, they can’t guarantee the safety of your property.
For instance, if the windows or doors beneath them aren’t well-sealed, they may become loose in strong winds and eventually be blown away.
Overall, whether or not hurricane shutters are worth the cost depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you’re in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, then investing in hurricane shutters may be a wise decision.
However, if you live in an area with few hurricanes or if you’re on a budget, it might be better to explore other options for protecting your home.
What is the least expensive window protection for a hurricane?
The least expensive window protection for a hurricane is using storm shutters. This form of window protection is relatively inexpensive and can be installed by the homeowner with basic tools. Storm shutters work by covering the window and providing a barrier against high winds and flying debris.
Some of the most common types of storm shutters are panels, accordion shutters, and Bahama shutters. Panels are thin and made of aluminum or plywood and attach to the outside of the house and cover the window completely.
Accordion shutters are made of metal and can be folded and stored away when not in use. Bahama shutters are made of solid vinyl or wood and have an angled shape that provides an overhang from the second story windows.
All of these types of storm shutters can be very effective in protecting windows from high winds and flying debris in a hurricane.
Which is better hurricane windows or shutters?
Hurricane windows are generally considered the better option when compared to shutters in terms of both safety and aesthetic purposes. Hurricane windows are designed to be impact-resistant, meaning that they can withstand the intense pressures from hurricane-force winds.
Additionally, this type of window can also be fitted with extra protection that includes hurricane film, which acts as a shield against debris and other small flying objects. Hurricane windows also have the added benefit of being aesthetically pleasing, as they often come in a variety of styles, making them an attractive option when compared to shutters.
Shutters are also an option when considering hurricane protection, but they come with some drawbacks. Shutters can be difficult and time consuming to install, as well as expensive. Additionally, they can be unsightly, and may detract from the overall look of a home due to their bulky and heavy appearance.
Furthermore, shutters cannot offer the same level of protection against storms as hurricane windows do, as they are not designed to bear the same weight and pressure from debris and wind.
Ultimately, when considering hurricane windows versus shutters, hurricane windows are the better option due to their impact-resistant nature, stylish options, and ease of installation. They also offer far better protection against the hazards of hurricanes and other storm-related dangers.
Can I make my own hurricane shutters?
Yes, you can make your own hurricane shutters. However, it is important to note that if you want to stay hurricane-safe, it is best to purchase shutters that are specifically designed for that purpose.
Homeowner-made hurricane shutters should be used only as a temporary protection measure.
When building your own shutters, consider using plywood, as it is strong, impact-resistant, and easy to cut. Plywood is also lightweight, making it easy to install and uninstall. Additionally, make sure to use galvanized wood screws so the shutters are securely fastened.
You can paint or decorate your shutters as desired.
Keep in mind that if you make your own hurricane shutters and need to use them, you should always check for proper installation and make sure the openings of the shutters are protected by a fabric mesh, such as tarps or cloth, to help prevent debris from entering your home.
It is recommended to consult a professional or certified contractor to verify that your shutters are installed correctly and safely and that they comply with your community’s local building codes.
What is the code for hurricane shutters in Florida?
The code for the installation of hurricane shutters in Florida is based on the regulations of the Florida Building Code – Residential. Generally, when installing shutters, they must be made of materials that are durable and have the ability to withstand impacts from wind-borne debris.
Additionally, they must meet the requirements set forth in ASTM E1886-00 (Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm Shutters Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to cyclic Pressure Differentials).
The Florida Building Code is divided into administrative rules that address the requirements to successfully install hurricane shutters on a building. Specifically, regulations state that hurricane shutters must be bolted or securely fastened to the primary structure of the building.
This includes having an operator that can open and close the shutters from the inside and having safety levers or brackets in place to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the shutters in the event of a hurricane.
Finally, it’s important to note that professional installation is required in Florida when installing shutters. Professionals are able to correctly assess the specific needs of the building and properly install the shutters to ensure that they adequately meet the regulations of the Florida Building Code.
Are impact windows stronger than shutters?
Impact windows are much stronger than shutters. Impact windows are typically made up of laminated glass, which is sandwiched between two sheets of glass that are fused together. This type of glass is even stronger than tempered glass, which is commonly used in windows.
The added robustness of the laminated glass helps to protect the window from objects that may be blown by the wind, such as rocks, branches, and other debris. Shutters, on the other hand, are less effective at safeguarding against the impact of projectiles.
Shutters are usually made from wood, aluminum, or vinyl, which provide limited protection from exterior elements. That said, shutters can be a more affordable option for home window protection and might be the healthier choice for homeowners on a budget.
Should you put shutters over impact windows?
Whether or not to put shutters over impact windows is an individual decision that depends on your needs and preferences. Impact windows are primarily designed to provide protection from extreme weather conditions and home intrusion.
Shutters can expand upon that protection and provide an additional layer of protection from the elements. Shutters can also allow you to control the amount of light entering the home, provide privacy from outdoor passersby, and offer a decorative look.
Additionally, shutters may increase security against burglars making it difficult for them to penetrate the windows. However, shutters can be costly and installation may require additional materials, labor, and cost.
Therefore, you should consider the cost, your security needs, and weather conditions in your area to determine if adding shutters to impact windows is appropriate for your home.