Atlantic hurricanes are scary and daunting. Unfortunately, they are a very real possibility in Florida. Tropical storms and other severe weather conditions are to be expected from June to November. This prompts Florida residents and business owners to prepare their homes against the threat of high winds, floods, and potential storm surges. Power outages, downed trees, and home damage are par for the course. However, you can prevent damage to your home with proper hurricane protection products. Impact windows and hurricane shutters are great ways to protect your windows. And front door hurricane shutters are a great way to protect your entryway from damage.
Windows are considered extremely vulnerable during hurricanes. But front doors and entryways are also susceptible to flying debris and hurricane damage. Any entry point into your home is at risk during a devastating storm, so preparedness is essential. That means protecting your front door and entryways is just as important as your windows.
Hurricanes are categorized to determine the speeds and strengths of winds and possible damage that they may leave behind. In the past decade, Florida has experienced seven Category 4 and 5 hurricanes. Each of these storms have weaved a path of destruction up the Florida coastline. Some of these packed intense wind speeds of 120 to 160 miles per hour and flooding wrecked homes, streets, and business buildings within minutes. These storms are fierce and powerful, making preparedness and protective methods absolutely necessary.
Read on for information about front door hurricane protection, shutters, and professional installation as proactive measures to keep yourself, your family, and your home safe against hurricane damage. Then, contact Eurex Shutters to schedule an appointment for a walk-through to determine the best shutters for your front door and windows.
Why Front Door Hurricane Protection is Crucial
Your front door is an entryway to your home and a solid part of your Florida home’s infrastructure. Taking away your front door would compromise the integrity of your house’s structure. And this of course makes it more susceptible to further damage or collapse. Protection is crucial when high winds have the potential to send tree limbs and debris slamming against your front door.
At Eurex Shutters, we are a trusted name in front-door hurricane shutters. We emphasize the importance of proactive prevention, helping you with long-term preparation to combat Florida’s threatening hurricanes. We also know that you need comprehensive protection, so we offer Florida approved hurricane shutters and impact windows and doors to reinforce the strength of your Florida home.
Types of Hurricane Shutters for Your Front Door
There are several kinds of hurricane shutters you can use to protect your front door. For instance, accordion shutters are one of the most popular styles. These shutters are permanent fixtures that fold out on either side to shield your entryway from damage.
Common types of front-door hurricane shutters include:
- Accordion hurricane shutters are permanent shutters that are quick to deploy and can be operated from the inside, allowing easy exit from your home.
- Roll-down shutters are available with either manual or motorized operation for maximum protection and optimal security. They can also be operated from inside your home.
- Colonial shutters sit on the sides of your front door. They have hinged sides for easy open-close operation that adds both protection and a decorative element.
The Benefits of Installing Front Door Hurricane Shutters
The most significant benefit of installing front-door hurricane shutters? It is the protection against high winds and dangerous flying debris experienced during hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricanes with 100+ mile-per-hour winds can launch debris through glass and many doors —that’s how intense and powerful they can be. Front-door hurricane shutters are designed (and tested) to withstand hurricane-force winds. This helps to prevent your front door from being blown in or destroyed.
Other benefits include:
Impact absorption
Hurricane winds don’t stop. They can remain at high speeds for hours, sending the same projectiles flying from one home to another, causing damage throughout a Florida neighborhood. Front door hurricane shutters can take the impact of projectiles, making them less dangerous to your home.
Reduce water damage
Shutters help to protect your doors from breaking. Broken windows and doors during a severe weather situation can lead to water intrusion and water damage. Storm shutters on your front door prevent them from breaking, providing a first line of defense against water intrusion in your home. Also, flood damage can harm your home’s structure. And while shutters are NOT designed as flood protection, many can create somewhat of a barrier between water and your house’s interior, slowing down water’s path inside your home.
Extra security
While hurricane and storm protection are the purpose of this article, front door shutters can also deter intruders and would-be criminals. When closed, the shutters create a hard-to-disconnect barrier around your door. This is especially true with shutters that lock. These shutters make it very hard for anyone to get through.
Extra insulation
Front-door hurricane shutters, and any shutters for that matter, naturally insulate your home when closed. Certain styles, such as roll down shutters can be closed and the slats adjusted to allow light and air through while also providing shade. Energy efficiency and extra insulation save you cash in the long run.
Installation of Front Door Hurricane Shutters
Proper installation of your front-door hurricane shutters is a must. Your shutters are only as good as they are installed. That is because a bad installation will result in the shutters being detached or worse.
You may be tempted to DIY an installation. However, professional installation is more effective and maybe even less expensive in the long-run. At Eurex Shutters, we are knowledgeable and well-equipped to handle professional hurricane shutter installations. Our team follows specific guidelines, using accurate measurements, quality hardware, and attention to detail. We pride ourselves on meticulous installations.
With the expertise and experience of Eurex Shutters, you can customize your front-door hurricane shutters to maximize protection and maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, professional installation is done right the first time, boosting marketing value with high marks in hurricane preparedness. So if you ever decided to sell your Florida home, you could ask more because your house is more protected against natural disasters.
Maintaining and Storing Your Hurricane Shutters
Upkeep is simple but necessary once your front-door hurricane shutters are installed. Check your shutters every 3-4 months for wear and tear, especially after a hurricane or severe storm. If you find damage, call Eurex Shutters immediately for necessary shutter repairs. Hinges, frames, and tracks are easily fixed (and shutter parts and hardware are available for sale at our parts store), but entire replacements can be more expensive. Routine care ensures your shutters work as they should and last for years.
What about cleaning your front-door hurricane shutters?
Living in Florida means salty air, which can damage shutter materials. Use mild soap and water to clean the shutters gently. Avoid harsh chemical cleansers like bleach. Also avoid hard bristle cleaning tools that can scratch your shutters’ finish!
Front-door hurricane shutters are a proactive approach to damage prevention. With the help of Eurex Shutters, you can outfit your Florida home with the best hurricane preparedness, ensuring safety for yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!