Protecting your Florida home or business is important. Hurricane shutters offer an effective solution to high wind and blown debris. They’re also available in a wide range of styles, including accordion shutters, roll-down, Bahama, Colonial, and more to suit pretty much any aesthetic.
However, Florida’s environment is uniquely challenging. No matter where you live, there’s high air salt content thanks to the proximity of the coast. It’s also incredibly humid, particularly during the rainy season, which runs from June through November. That unique climate makes it important but difficult to maintain your hurricane shutters. But what can salt and humidity really do?
In this guide, we’ll explore what you need to know about the impact of humidity and salt on your hurricane shutters and how to protect them.
The Impact of Salt on Hurricane Shutters
Let’s kick the discussion off with the impact of salt on hurricane shutters. Some styles are made from metal, and some shutters have metal components. Metal is great when it comes to strength and damage resistance. However, metal reacts poorly when exposed to high levels of environmental salt and will corrode quickly.
Ferrous metals like steel will rust. And even though aluminum doesn’t rust it will corrode if left unprotected. That white build-up is oxidation. Regardless, corrosion can quickly turn beautiful hurricane shutters into eyesores, but the problem is more than aesthetic.
Rust and oxidation can compromise shutter hinges, making it more difficult to operate your shutters. Rust erodes the surface of metal, eating into the metal and eventually weakening it over time.
Hurricane Shutters That Resist Salt Corrosion
There’s no escaping salt in Florida because it is in the air. So it’s better to understand the types of metal hurricane shutters that can withstand salt damage. These include the following:
- Stainless steel withstands corrosion much better than conventional steel, so it is important to use stainless steel components and hardware
- Aluminum will not rust, but it will slowly oxidize over time if unprotected
- Powder-coat finishes can help extend the lifespan of aluminum hurricane shutters
- Anti-corrosion coatings can help extend the life of metal hurricane shutters
- Fabric storm panels won’t rust or corrode and can be an affordable alternative to more expensive metal hurricane shutters
Wood is a traditional material for both Bahama and Colonial hurricane shutters. It won’t corrode. So you may be thinking it is a good choice. However, wood shutters are not hurricane-rated and do a poor job of protecting your home or business. This is why hurricane shutters are not made from wood.
It’s also important to note that all hurricane shutters should be cleaned and maintained over time. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation when the time comes to deploy them.
The Effects of Humidity on Hurricane Shutters
Florida is incredibly humid during most of the year. In fact, humidity levels average 75% to 90%. Even the dry season is pretty humid. And the closer to the coast you live, the more humid it is. Humidity is more than just an annoyance, however. It can have a serious effect on your hurricane shutters.
Moisture Buildup
The most important consideration when it comes to humidity is the potential for moisture buildup on your hurricane shutters. That can lead to a host of problems, including an increased risk of rust and corrosion. It also leads to mold and mildew growth, which not only looks unsightly but can compromise the operation of your shutters.
Deterioration and Swelling
If you have wood shutters (not recommended), high humidity causes even more problems. Wood swells when inundated with moisture. That can lead to warping that leaves your shutters inoperable. It can also lead to rot and deterioration. This is also true for plywood boards used for window covers that not kept in temperature controlled storage.
How to Prevent Humidity Damage
In a state inundated with humidity, how do home and business owners defend against moisture-related damage?
First, make sure you choose hurricane shutters made from moisture-resistant materials. Powder-coated aluminum shutters with stainless steel components and hardware are our recommendations. Second, make sure you invest in regular maintenance to keep your shutters free of mold and other buildup that can compromise operation or lead to deterioration.
The Combined Impact of Salt and Humidity
We’ve explored the impacts of salt and humidity on their own, but what do they do to your hurricane shutters together? When combined, the result is accelerated wear and tear, leading to premature failure and potential damage during hurricanes –– definitely not what you want.
Salt and humidity-related corrosion will slowly compromise the structural integrity of your shutters. They’ll become harder and harder to operate, and there’s also the chance that the hinges or rollers will freeze up. You’ll face increased maintenance and repair costs and ultimately have to replace them much sooner than would be optimal.
This is why it is key to buy shutters made to withstand such conditions. Specifically, your hurricane shutters should be:
- Made of quality aluminum
- Coated with quality powder-coatings
- Constructed with durable components and stainless steel hardware
Maintenance Tips for Florida Homeowners and Business Owners
Regular maintenance is important to preserving the function and protective capabilities of your Florida hurricane shutters. But what maintenance steps are really needed? Here’s a quick breakdown of our recommendations.
Cleaning and Inspection
We recommend regularly inspecting your hurricane shutters for signs of salt and moisture-related corrosion or damage. Regular cleaning will help remove salt buildup, as well as mold and mildew. It will also, in the process, help to remove other dirt and crud ensuring your shutters work correctly.
Lubricate Those Moving Parts
All functional hurricane shutters have moving parts, although the type will depend on your style. You could have hinges, rollers, or something else entirely. Regardless of the type, all moving parts need regular lubrication. Properly lubricated parts will help reduce the chances of corrosion.
Seasonal Maintenance
While you should inspect, clean, and lubricate your shutters twice a year, you also need to spend time preparing them for the rigors of hurricane season. You also need to protect them during the off-season if they’re not permanently installed on your structure. At the very least make sure you do the following:
Every May, check to make sure that your shutters are in good condition and work properly. Clean and lubricate them as necessary. Every December, perform this task again after hurricane season is over.
Learn more about Hurricane Shutter Maintenance: 5 Tips for Hurricane Season
The Right Hurricane Shutters for Florida’s Environment
Ultimately, all hurricane shutters will need regular care, cleaning, and maintenance to keep them lasting for years. However, choosing high quality shutters made from the right materials is critical for durability. The wrong choice could mean dealing with storm damage or even premature failure due to salt and humidity-related corrosion.
At Eurex Shutters, we’re Southwest Florida’s oldest hurricane shutter installer. We’ve served residents and businesses in our area for 38+ years. And with over 25,000 satisfied customers, we know hurricane shutters inside and out and can recommend the right material and style for your home or business, and for your budget. Get in touch today for a free on-site quote!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
