During hurricane season you need to be prepared to protect your home or business from hurricanes, tropical storms, etc. If you have (or are considering) corrugated panels on your Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Southwest Florida house you should know how to install your storm panels. The biggest question on homeowner’s minds is “HOW do I do my hurricane shutter installation!?” This guide gives step-by-step instructions for how to complete your storm panels installation easily. These instructions are specifically for Eurex Shutters brand storm panels. But they can also be used as a general guide for other brands of panels as well.
You may also like: Hurricane Shutter Cost Guide.
Table of Contents:
Precautions and Things to Note Before Starting
Keep the following in mind before starting.
TIP: Safety first
You must wear protective gloves when handling your panels. Storm panels, especially metal ones (and to a lesser degree aluminum ones) are heavy. Eurex Shutters Storm Panels (like others) are treated with a protective oil coating and may cause allergic reactions. Additionally, the corrugated panels have SHARP corners and edges. In turn, you should always wear cut-resistant gloves, protective gear, and use extreme care when handling them at all times.
Two story homes will require proper ladders and equipment. Ensure that you have suitable and functioning ladders, know how to properly use them, and feel comfortable using them.
TIP: Practice and be prepared
This might seem like a waste of time. But doing a “dry-run” is extremely helpful when it comes to getting used to putting up your panels. Trying to put them up for the first time as a major storm is approaching can become a bad situation. So practice is important if you have never installed your panels before. We recommend that you install all panels before hurricane season starts to familiarize yourself with the installation process.
At the very least, take time to familiarize yourself with what opening each panel belongs to. This also gives you a chance to label and/or organize them so you know where they go.
If you want an easier way to protect your house, you can install permanent hurricane shutters. These shutters can be deployed in a matter of minutes, not hours or days.
TIP: Install your panels early
You should put your panels up early in the event of a storm. Depending on your home and physical capabilities, it may take you a few hours, or 1 or 2 days to install. Make sure you have plenty of time before the storm hits. It is better to be done early than scrambling to get it done.
Make sure to read our guide on when to put your hurricane shutters up.
TIP: Have your hurricane panels hardware ready
Make sure you have all necessary shutter fasteners and hurricane shutter hardware ready. Eurex Shutters Storm Panels include hurricane shutter tracks, which help with installation, but having your hardware readily available is necessary. If your panels do not have tracks then make sure you have the fasteners handy to reduce the burden of attaching them to your house. This will make your installation much easier and faster.
It is also strongly recommended that you buy and have ready extra hardware. The anchors or hardware you used last year may be broken or damaged and unusable. Hardware stores sell out of the needed hardware, such as anchors and bolts extremely fast when a storm is coming. In other words, buy your hardware early or you may not have it when you need it.
TIP: Hire someone if you don’t want to or cannot install your panels yourself
Installation and removal should be done by an able body adult. If you do not have the time, ability, or desire to do the installation you should consider hiring someone to install your storm panels for you. In fact, we recommend that you use the services of a competent storm panel installation company.
Be wary of “pop-up” services on places like social media marketplaces or classified ads, as these individuals may not be reputable. Often times they may not show up, which will leave you with limited options as the storm is heading your way.
Installation Instructions: How to Put Up Your Storm Panels: Step 1
Prepare for the installation.
For any doorways, you must first install the bottom track at the bottom of the doorway. If you have Eurex Shutters storm panels then the bottom f track for your window panels is already in place.
Some other brands of storm panels may not have a track system. In this case you may have to install your storm panels without tracks. If you need help with this, see our guide on how to install storm panels without tracks.
See image 1 for what the track looks like.
Next, carefully slide the bolts into the track chamber and get them into position (see image 1). If your bolts are permanently installed, this is not necessary.
How to Put Up Your Hurricane Panels: Step 2
Carefully slide each storm panel up in to the top track (see image 2) as you line up the hole at the bottom of the panel with the bolts.
Secure the panel with the wing nuts. Place each additional panel, left to right, one after the other, overlapping them as you slide up each panel.
Installing Your Storm Panels: Step 3
After all panels are placed tighten each wing-nut bolt firmly and snugly by hand (see image 3).
You want the wing-nuts tight, but make sure not to over-tighten them. Never use a power tool to tighten. Each wing-nut bolt should be firmly in place so the panels do not rattle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Panels Installation
Although not hard the process can take some time and be tedious. Aluminum and metal storm panels can be heavy. Depending on the size of your home the project can take 2-3 hours up to 2-3 days. Make sure you are able and willing before you start. There are several installation services available if you want or need help.
Have Questions or Need Hurricane Shutters in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Southwest Florida?
Do you need hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida? Or do you need help repairing or maintaining them? Trust the experts at Eurex Shutters! We’ve been protecting homes and business in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Sarasota County, and throughout Southwest Florida since 1986. We would love to help you too! Give us a call with any questions or to start your project now.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
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How to Put Up Storm Panels: Installation Instructions
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Florida Disaster Relief: How to Get Help When You Need It Most
