Ranch homes are an extremely popular home style in the Southwest Florida. They are very popular in cities such as Cape Coral. This style of home is perfect for those wanting single-story living with a priority on comfort. While most ranch home in the area are built from concrete block, they still have components that make them vulnerable, such as their windows, and sliding glass doors. Given that a majority of these homes are older, they need to be retrofit with adequate hurricane protection. There are various storm protection products that homeowners can take to safeguard their properties during hurricane season. In this brief article we provide some storm protection options that match the ranch architectural style nicely. Keep reading so you know the best way to protect your ranch home without ruining its curb appeal.
Characteristics of a Ranch Style Home in Florida
The defining feature of ranch style homes is that they are single-story homes. Other common design characteristics include clean lines and low-pitched roof lines with large, roof overhangs. These large eave overhangs help provide shade. In Florida, ranch homes are typically built from concrete block. This makes the building structure (not the roof or glass) more resistant to hurricanes.
However, ranch homes also have windows and sometimes multiple sliding glass doors. If these windows and doors are original (not impact glass) then the home is vulnerable to significant hurricane damage. Given that many ranch homes have some age, there is a good chance that the windows and doors are not made with impact glass.
As a result, it is important to retrofit your Ranch home with hurricane protection products. Below we discuss some protection options that will stay true to the design of your coastal contemporary home.
Suitable Hurricane Protection for Florida Ranch Homes
Ranch homes may be the most accommodating style of home when it comes to hurricane protection. In some instances, a ranch home may have unique design features, such as arched windows and doors. So there may be exceptions. But in general, most hurricane protection products work well with the ranch style.
That might be good news if you are looking for options. You can pick your favorite style of storm protection with little limitations.
Below we highlight some of the most popular hurricane protection options for ranch homes in Florida.
Impact Windows and Doors
If you are not a fan of shutter or just do not want to change the look of your home you can install impact windows and doors. Impact windows and impact doors looks just like regular windows and doors. This means your home will look just like, well, your home.
Impact glass is also a great option if you have arched, or custom size windows. That is because they are available in every style, shape, and size window imaginable. The same goes for glass doors, entry doors, and impact sliding glass doors, etc.
As a side benefit, they offer 24/7 hurricane protection with no preparation required. That means they are extremely easy and convenient to use.
Learn more about our impact windows in Fort Myers and Southwest Florida.
Hurricane Shutters
There are many styles of hurricane shutters to pick from. Some of the more popular ones for Ranch style homes are Accordion Shutters, Roll Down Shutters, and Bahama Shutters. Hurricane Screens, Accordion Shutters, and Roll Down Shutters work great for your patio, lanai, and outdoor spaces.
You can see each of the hurricane shutter styles below. Click on the link for each to explore them more.
Best in class performance, technology & warranty
- Meet and Exceed Current Florida Building Code
- Custom, highest quality hurricane shutters
- Up to 20 year limited warranty
