If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, you know how important storm shutters are. Storm shutters protect your home from flying debris, heavy rain, and high winds. You’re likely to see a variety of shutters after a heavy storm. Everything from ineffective X’s taped over windows to plywood to aluminum shutters will be seen affixed to homes.
When considering a storm shutter upgrade, there are many options to examine, but the first question is this: automatic or non-automatic? Each choice has advantages and disadvantages, so let’s explore the differences between these shutter types and the pros and cons of each. Making the right shutter decision could mean the difference between keeping your home safe and having extreme damage after each storm.
Why Automatic?
The reasons to install automatic shutters are simple: convenience and security. Automatic shutters are permanently affixed to a box above each window, meaning no need for additional storage space. You won’t need to pull out the ladder and attach each shutter before every storm. Manually cranking each window shut or attaching removable shutter panels can take an hour or more, the time you may not have before a storm. Multi-floor homes pose an additional problem. You’ll need a ladder, and likely another person, to get every window storm-ready. In comparison, automatic shutters can be operated by a single person. No need to worry about older relatives trying to nail plywood over windows, they can protect their homes with the click of a button.
Automatic shutters make your home more secure anytime, not just during storms. The shutters are made of heavy-duty aluminum and are affixed with stainless steel hardware. Lowering the shutters can provide an additional sense of security and comfort anytime; they can be used for security, shade, and even noise control.
Why not Automatic?
The main concern with installing automatic storm shutters is a power outage. If the power goes out before a storm, what then? Many users install a BMO, a backup manual override, or a battery backup. This is an important step to ensure you can protect your home. Battery backups can be expensive in addition to the cost of shutters, but a hand crank can cost in the $100 range. A battery backup may be a better option in homes with more than one floor.
Another concern is cost. Non-automatic shutters are less expensive and effective in homes with one floor. If a non-automatic shutter is a better choice for you, you have options. Folding, Bahama, and Colonial shutters are all permanently affixed options that will just need to be pulled across the window. Removable storm panels are also a possibility with a pre-installed mount and detachable shutters.
Whether or not to install automatic shutters is a decision that will affect your home for years to come. If you’re tired of hand cranking or nailing up boards every time a strong wind blows, automatic shutters may be for you. When making this decision, weigh the cost against convenience and security. A larger investment now could mean being able to stay securely in your space no matter what storm rages outside. Your home’s resale value may even go up with such a coveted upgrade. Automatic shutters add value and safety to your home, and peace of mind to your life.""If you live in an area where hurricanes are common, you know how important storm shutters are. Storm shutters protect your home from flying debris, heavy rain, and high winds. You’re likely to see a variety of shutters after a heavy storm. Everything from ineffective X’s taped over windows to plywood to aluminum shutters will be seen affixed to homes.
When considering a storm shutter upgrade, there are many options to examine, but the first question is this: automatic or non-automatic? Each choice has advantages and disadvantages, so let’s explore the differences between these shutter types and the pros and cons of each. Making the right shutter decision could mean the difference between keeping your home safe and having extreme damage after each storm.
