When a hurricane is on the way, every second counts. If you live in Florida, you know the importance of protecting your property. You also know quick a storm can increase in intensity and change direction.
You know your evacuation route and when you need to get on the road to evacuate to safety. You’ve also installed hurricane shutters to protect your home. But have you secured your home?
The right lock can mean the difference between a shutter that holds firm and one that rattles loose in the wind. Hurricane shutter locks also keep your home secure when you are not at home.
In this helpful article we break down different locks available for hurricane shutters. We will also cover how they keep your home secure.
Why Do Locks Matter?
Hurricane shutters can withstand high winds, flying debris, and intense pressure changes. But even the strongest shutter may not work be compromised without locks. A weak or faulty locking system can lead to failure during the storm. And shutters that do not lock are vulnerable to intruders. Both of these leave your windows and your home vulnerable to damage.
Not all hurricane shutters have or need locks. For ones that do, such as roll down shutters, make sure they work as they should. For shutters where they are an option (not required), it is a good idea to get them (and ensure they are working).
Hurricane shutter locks matter a lot. But chances are you, like most people, do not know much about them. Below, we’ll take a look at the different types of hurricane shutter locks and how they work.
Types of Locks for Hurricane Shutters
Different types of hurricane shutters need different locking mechanisms. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Accordion Shutter Locks
Accordion shutters fold open and closed like a fan (or an accordion). They offer quick deployment and strong protection. These shutters also pack a lot of value, which is why they are so popular.
While accordions do not need locks, they are an option and are a good idea. This is true for two reasons. First, they add another layer of storm protection. If flying debris hits where the two sides of the shutters meets they have the potential to pop open. Second, locks help secure your home if you evacuate. Unlocked shutters do not offer any home security protection.
Learn more in our guide on Do Accordion Shutters Need to be Locked?
Common Types of Accordion Shutter Locks
Some of the most common installed locking options include:
- Push-Button Locks: These locks engage with a simple push. They secure both sides of the shutters in place with minimal time and effort required.
- Keyed Locks: Keyed locks provide added security. These locks prevent unauthorized access. They do take a little more time to engage, but the stronger protection is usually worth it.
- Thumb-Turn Locks: You can lock these easily from the inside. They are a popular choice for homes and businesses alike.
2. Roll-Down Shutter Locks
Roll-down shutters move on vertical tracks. These shutters provide strong, seamless protection against storms and intruders. There are locks that you can incorporate into the system for added security.
Common Types of Roll Down Shutter Locks
You have a few options when it comes to roll shutter locks, and they include:
- Manual Slide Bolts: These locks engage by sliding a bolt into place at the bottom of the track. They’re super simple to use and take almost no time to engage.
- Keyed Locks: Some roll-down shutters come with keyed mechanisms. This helps prevent forced entry, both before and after a storm. That can offer extra peace of mind, especially if you’re not around right after the storm to protect your home.
- Motorized Locking Systems: Electric roll-down shutters are self-locking in a sense. They may have an automatic locking system that engages when you close the shutters. You need to have access to the remote or switch to open them. This is one of the strongest locking solutions out there.
3. Colonial & Bahama Shutter Locks
Bahama and colonial shutters offer a blend of beauty and protection. But without the right lock, someone can force them open. Or if they are or become damaged, a strong hurricane may blow them open. In this case, a secondary locking mechanism can help keep them secure.
Adding locks can add more security and another layer of storm protection. You can consider installing one of these locking options:
- Locking Pins: Locking pins secure the shutters in place. They slide through pre-drilled holes. This system prevents movement in high winds and provides a secondary locking mechanism. These will help with storm protection, but not so much security protection. They’re basic but work well and take only a little time to install.
- Keyed Latches: For added protection, many homeowners opt for latches that lock with a key. Keyed latches are stronger and give better protection during storms and against intruders.
- Storm Bars: Colonial shutters rely on storm bars to secure them during a hurricane. They are usually horizontal or vertical bar that reinforces the shutters. Their sole purpose is to make sure they don’t swing open under pressure. You may be able to find storm bars with locking mechanisms, or keyed latches that lock.
4. Storm Panel Fasteners
Storm panels are removable and the cheapest option outside of plywood. So they are a cost-effective option for hurricane protection permanent shutters. You fasten the panels to your home.
Although panels are not easy to remove, they are by no means impossible for intruders to get through. As such, storm panel fasteners help secure your panels during storms, but do not do as much for security.
Common Fasteners For Panels
- Track/Sidewalk Bolts: Panels slide into tracks and fasten with bolts at the top and bottom (or sides).
- Wing Nuts and Washers: This is a simple but effective way to keep your panels in place.
- Panel Clips: Quick-lock clips offer an easy installation and removal process but keep your panels secure.
As you can see, there are lots of options when it comes to hurricane shutter locks. Choosing the right one is easier said than done. Thankfully, we can help.
Considerations of Choosing the Right Hurricane Shutter Locks
Consider the following before choosing a lock for your hurricane shutters.
- Ease of Use: There is a balance between security, time, and ease of use. You want to be able to secure your shutters quick when a storm is approaching. Every second counts. Remember, closing up your windows is one of many steps you need to take to protect your home.
- Security and protection: Does the lock keep intruders out and withstand strong winds? Remember that the storm is one of the threats you and your home will face. The right lock will provide peace of mind against both hurricanes and intruders.
- Durability: Pick locks that are durable and built to last in Florida’s extreme climate. Cheap materials, low-quality protective coatings, and other cheap components are a bad idea. Cheap price usually means sub-par performance. They may seem affordable but will break down quick.
Have you ordered or installed your shutters yet? If not, you should consider these things when picking your shutter type. For example, is security critical? If so, you may opt for roller shutters or accordion shutters with robust locks over another.
Final Thoughts
Your hurricane shutters protect you and your family from the worst hurricanes. But in some cases they are only as strong as the locks that hold them in place. Effective locks add another layer of storm protection and prevent intruders. Whether you have accordion, roll-down, or colonial shutters they need to be secure. That is why it is important to invest in the right locking system. Locks ensure your home stays protected when the next hurricane hits.
Unsure what locks you need? Check with the Eurex Shutters team. We can help to make sure you have the best lock for your specific shutter type. We have been manufacturing, installing, and servicing hurricane shutters in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida since 1986. For more information on hurricane shutters and to get a free estimate, get in touch with us today.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
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