There is an array of companies in coastal areas that sell and install storm shutters. Check your local yellow pages and internet listings for “shutters”, “storm windows” and “storm doors”.
- Storm shutters offer two kinds of protection. They can be designed to protect against wind pressure, debris impacts, or both. It is important to know what kind of protection you are getting.
- To minimize the potential for wind borne debris around your house, secure lawn and patio furniture, garbage cans, flower pots, etc.
- If the shutter is designed to withstand debris impact, look for the Dade County, Florida standard. It is a very tough standard developed for the extreme wind conditions found in south Florida. It is also appropriate for use elsewhere along the southeast and gulf coasts on barrier islands, other highly exposed sites or in locations with a particularly high potential for airborne debris. Shutters designed to a lesser standard may be sufficient for locations without these highrisk factors and be a more cost-effective alternative. Standards to look for include the SBCCI Test Standard for Determining Impact Resistance from Windborne Debris or the ASTM Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Glazed Curtain Walls, Doors and Storm Shutters Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes.
- Shutters should be attached to the structural framing of the house and not the window or door frames. Window and door frames may be inadequately attached to the structural framing to withstand extreme pressures caused by severe winds.
- Make sure all exposed metal fittings (including screws, embedded anchors, etc.) are weather resistant.
- For the do-it-yourselfers, design and installation guidelines for plywood storm shutters are available. These shutters provide some level of protection and are typically the least expensive option. However, they also require a significant amount of time to mount; and the process can be difficult. Plywood shutters are heavy, typically require at least two people to mount, and for upper story windows, require the use of a ladder. Even moderate winds exacerbate the danger of working with heavy plywood on a ladder. For these reasons, plywood storm shutters are best suited for lower story windows.
- Homeowners with garages, especially attached garages, should also ask their shutter dealer about retrofitting their garage doors for high winds. If a garage door fails due to high winds, it can cause the interior of the house to become pressurized and increase the chances of losing all or part of the roof. Garage doors designed for high winds have reinforced door panels and tracks. Grab your garage door track. If it can be twisted at all by hand, it is not wind resistant. Garage door retrofit kits may be available at your local building supply store.
Important Notes:
1) While properly selected and installed storm shutters could add to the safety of a home in high winds, it is important to remember, however, that NOTHING IS HURRICANE PROOF.
2) Every home is unique and there are no general recommendations that are applicable to every home. For specific advice about recommendations for your home and small commercial structures, owners are urged to contact a licensed, consulting engineer in their area.
3) A good source of information on home retrofit for hurricanes, including shutters and other building elements is available through the Institute for Business and Home Safety at: www.ibhs.org