Living in Southwest Florida means enjoying beautiful year-round sunshine and coastal breezes. However, it also requires you to be prepared for hurricane season. It extends from June to November, with tropical storms and hurricanes building in the Atlantic Ocean and often making landfall on the Florida shores. So how do you protect your Florida home from the damages of high winds, storm surges, floods, and debris impacts? Hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida offer critical storm protection. But they also offer have additional benefits that can enhance your home’s value, curb appeal, and energy efficiency. So if you are a Florida homeowner than keep reading. We discuss some key hurricane shutter considerations and benefits to keep in mind before shutter installation.
Remember to call Eurex Shutters for your hurricane shutter needs. We can pencil you in for a professional consultation and installation before the next big storm hits.
1. Transform Your Home’s Exterior for Curb Appeal
The first of the key hurricane shutter considerations is design and curb appeal.
When selecting hurricane shutters, consider how the color and design will integrate into your home’s exterior. You don’t have to sacrifice style for protection—you can have both. That is because today’s hurricane shutters can be both functional and beautiful.
Colonial shutters offer a traditional design, while roll-down shutters are sleek and modern in appearance. There are various options to match and enhance your home’s aesthetic. Choosing the right hurricane shutters can give your home a fresh, polished appearance, and many South Florida homeowners use shutters to boost curb appeal. For example, Bahama shutters add a coastal, tropical vibe to your home, while accordion-style shutters are streamlined with a contemporary look.
2. Maximize Home Protection and Value
The second of the key hurricane shutter considerations is home value implications.
Hurricane shutters are vital for protecting your home from the destructive force of storms. But they also add marketable value to your home, which makes them an investment for sure. In hurricane-prone regions of South Florida, homes with hurricane protection features are more desirable to potential buyers.
The result is two-fold. Installing storm shutters will help you safeguard your current home from damage while you are living there. And it also increases market value, allowing you to sell for more when you do sell your home.
This is because buyers will not have to make the investment themselves, which saves them time and hassle. And it also gives future buyers peace of mind. By reinforcing vulnerable points like windows and doors, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage during a hurricane. Shutters provide extra protection, enhancing the value of your home and ensuring you don’t have to shell out for costly repairs after a storm.
This makes your home more valuable and attractive in the real estate market.
3. Boost Your Property’s Marketability and Competitiveness
Another key consideration when deciding if you should install hurricane shutters is their ability to improve the marketability of your home in the area. Potential buyers in South and Southwest Florida understand the importance of storm protection. That is why homes with pre-installed shutters are more appealing than those without. Offering built-in hurricane protection attracts a broader range of potential buyers, increasing the resale value of your property.
The real estate market is competitive in Southern Florida. And features like hurricane shutters or impact windows help set your home apart. At the very least, it checks the box with an important requirement.
Many buyers are willing to pay more for a home that already has hurricane protection, saving them the hassle and cost of installation. In hurricane-prone areas, pre-installed hurricane shutters are a great selling feature. Homes prepared for big storms significantly impact buyers and fetch higher selling prices.
4. Achieve Energy Efficiency and Financial Savings
Another one of the key hurricane shutter considerations is if you want your shutters to help with your home’s energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency is a big deal in Florida. The sweltering sunshine and intense heat can penetrate your home almost year round. This makes it uncomfortably hot while your HVAC system works harder to keep up. With roll-down hurricane shutters or Bahama hurricane shutters, you can block sunlight and combat heat transference. This allows your air conditioning to regulate indoor temperatures more efficiently, decreasing utility costs.
During hurricane season, when power outages are a risk, hurricane shutters can help to keep your home cooler and more comfortable. They provide extra insulation so you can rely less on air conditioning systems while cutting costs and lessening your carbon footprint.
5. Reduced Insurance Costs
Insurance discounts are another big consideration when deciding if shutters are worth it. That is because hurricane shutters can help lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums by reducing the risk of storm damage. Insurance companies offer discounts to Florida homeowners with approved hurricane protection, like shutters or impact-resistant windows. Your home becomes less of a liability for major repairs in the event of a storm.
Lower insurance costs may not be earth shattering, but the savings will really add up over the life of your ownership of a home.
After hurricane shutter installation, provide your insurance company with a wind mitigation report and proof of installation to qualify for potential discounts. These discounts can help offset the initial cost of hurricane shutter installation.
6. Enjoy Long-Term Durability and Minimal Maintenance
You also want to take into consideration the different maintenance requirements of different shutter types. Designed to last for several years, hurricane shutters can withstand harsh South Florida climates and storms. However, even the best, most durable shutters need maintenance and care for optimal longevity and durability.
However, most types of hurricane shutters require only minimal, periodic cleaning with mild soap and water to remove debris and grime. Perform routine inspections of the frames, hinges, tracks, and locking mechanisms to ensure top-notch working conditions.
Hurricane Screens Fort Myers, Cape Coral, NaplesCertain types of hurricane shutters, such as motorized roll down shutters and hurricane screens may require regular maintenance. This is because they have moving parts, such as motors. However, keeping up with routine maintenance will ensure your shutters are working as they should when you need them.
If you find damage or signs of wear and tear, get your hurricane shutters repaired immediately. Minor issues can become significant problems over time. And you don’t want your shutters’ integrity to be compromised for the next big storm.
Learn more about Hurricane Shutter Maintenance Tips.
7. Elevate Your Home’s Value and Safety with Hurricane Shutters
Lastly, if you are on the fence about adding shutters you should consider how they can help your home value.
Hurricane shutters are an essential South Florida investment. The benefits go far beyond just storm protection. They range from boosting curb appeal to increasing energy efficiency and lowering insurance costs. So whether you’re looking to safeguard your home for the next decade or enhance its resale value, hurricane shutters are a wise choice.
Come to Eurex Shutters for Superior Storm Protection!
Installing hurricane shutters is a job you want done right the first time. Eurex Shutters is your trusted partner for the highest-quality hurricane protection. We offer 38+ years of experience and expertise, serving Southwest Florida homeowners. And our dedicated team is here to provide the best shutters tailored to your specific needs. From roll-down and accordion-style shutters to Bahama shutters, we offer various options that combine style, affordability, and durability.
Call Eurex Shutters now or visit our website to schedule an appointment for a consultation. Start protecting your home with the best hurricane shutters on the market. Invest in your South Florida home’s safety and value now!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
Sources:
- https://browardhomewatch.com/hurricane-shutters-south-florida-guide/
- https://www.laffertyfl.com/blog/when-to-put-up-hurricane-shutters-in-florida
- https://www.varnumlaw.com/insights/new-florida-law-requires-hoas-to-adopt-hurricane-protection-measures/
- https://www.shutterland.com/best-hurricane-shutters/
