Living in Florida comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to hurricane preparation. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, but preparations happen year round. That is because protecting your home from potential damage caused by high winds, torrential rain, storm surges, and flying debris is a top priority. However, not everyone lives in a house. Condos and apartments are very popular in the sunshine state, and they require hurricane protection as well.
Finding the right hurricane shutters makes a significant difference for condo and apartment dwellers. This brief guide covers shutters for high-rise lifestyles, multi-story buildings, and small spaces. These shutter solutions to hurricane protection dilemmas are easy to install and offer effective defenses against raging outdoor elements.
When you’re done reading, give contact Eurex Shutters for more information. Schedule an appointment for a consultation to protect your condo or apartment from Florida hurricanes.
Roll-Down Shutters: Convenient Protection for High-Rise Living
Roll-down shutters offer convenience, insulation, and durability for high-rise living. Their ease of use and sleek design make them perfect for condo and apartment windows and doors. They can be easily deployed with a button (automatic versions) or a crank system (manual versions). These shutters are custom-fitted for permanent installation and blend seamlessly with a building’s exterior.
Aside from hurricane protection, roll-down shutters add privacy while also reducing noise—ideal for the chaotic hubbub of Florida city life. They also insulate your living space to lower energy costs and keep your interior comfortable through every season.
Accordion Shutters: Space Savers for Multi-Story Buildings
Accordion shutters are compact and sleek. They are installed on tracks and compress neatly on the sides of your windows or doors. They are easy to deploy, and just need to be pulled together in an accordion style when needed. When not in use, they can be tucked away, out of sight, to enhance the curb appeal of the condo or apartment building. These shutters are space savers, protecting without taking up too much space.
This is one reason they are quite popular and acceptable as a type of hurricane shutter for condo HOAs.
Accordion shutters are quick to deploy and easily lock in place. They are also a cost-effective, more affordable option than premium hurricane shutters. At the same time they provide optimal protection against hurricanes.
Colonial Shutters: Traditional Look Shutters for Your Condo
Colonial shutters look like board and batten, traditional shutters. They are attractive and charming, perfect for permanent installations where a more traditional or southern look is desired.
These shutters are permanently installed and mounted on either side of a window. They are closed over the window and locked with a bar before a hurricane. To bolster value, the traditional aesthetic adds curb appeal to an apartment building or condo.
Impact-Resistant Windows: An Alternative to Traditional Shutters
Do you want to avoid the need for installation and deployment of shutters? Or maybe your HOA will not allow you to add any shutters that change the appearance of the building.
Impact-resistant windows are a great alternative to hurricane shutters. They look just like regular windows so there is no change to the appearance of the building.
These impact-resistant, hurricane proof windows are solid in terms of hurricane protection performance. They are constructed of impact resistant materials and laminated glass all capable of withstanding the force of hurricane winds and flying debris.
Impact windows in Florida are typically more expensive vs shutters initially. However, they offer year-round protection without shutters.
Your new impact-resistant windows are always in place, so there is no last-minute hurricane prep or installation involved.
You will also find it beneficial that their design improves energy efficiency, reducing heat transfer and insulating your condo or apartment. Plus, there’s significant noise reduction, cutting down outside chaos in busy or noisy urban areas (or even small neighborhoods).
Storm Panels: Affordable, Non-Permanent Shutters
Your HOA may require or allow for non-permanent shutters. If so, storm panels are a budget-friendly option for protection against an approaching hurricane. These panels are made from steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate. They are installed over windows or doors by yourself but usually with the help of professionals. Despite their low cost, storm panels are excellent protection from high winds and debris impact, and they can be taken down and stored away after a hurricane.
Custom Shutters: Tailored Protection to Your Building’s Needs
In some cases, standard shutters, such as storm panels or others may not suit the unique architecture of your condo or apartment building. That is why it is usually a good idea to get custom hurricane shutters. Most hurricane shutter companies, such as Eurex Shutters, offer custom hurricane shutter systems.
What are they?
Custom shutter systems are made to fit specific sizes and window shapes, ensuring your home is well-protected. Some styles even allow for custom colors and other features. These shutters include a combination of different types, giving you the best possible price, protection, and convenience.
Bahama Shutters: Stylish and Functional for Coastal Living
If your HOA will allow it, Bahama shutters are a great way to protect your condo and add some tropical charm.
These shutters are permanently mounted over your condo or apartment windows. Unlike other shutter styles they always cover your windows and rest at an angle. This means they provide privacy and much needed shade.
Bahamas provide hurricane performance, shade, and curb appeal. As a result, these shutters are a favorite among condo and apartment owners, enhancing the exterior of a building to boost value and improve curb appeal.
And yes, they provide excellent hurricane protection to ensure your condo or apartment is safe and protected.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Condo and Apartment Shutters
Installation is Critical
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to performance. This is true regardless of which type of hurricane shutters you choose for your condo or apartment building.
Hire a professional hurricane shutter company, such as Eurex Shutters to ensure a quality permanent installation and maximum protection. Your shutters must be securely fitted and installed to the Florida Building Code requirements. A professional lends experience and expertise to get the installation done right the first time.
Importance of Proper Maintenance
Even the most durable shutters or windows need routine care and upkeep. Clean and inspect them annually, checking for signs of damage or wear and tear. You should also check them directly after a harsh hurricane or bad storm. If there is damage or issues get them repaired immediately to restore and maintain the integrity of your shutters. The most important thing is that they are working as they were meant to when you need them.
Don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to deploy your shutters. Test them before the start of hurricane season to ensure they are in top-notch working condition.
Contact Eurex Shutters Now!
The right hurricane shutters can protect your property and give you peace of mind. This is true whether you live in a home or in a high-rise condo or a multi-story apartment building. Eurex Shutters is here to help you find the perfect solution tailored to your needs. We offer a wide selection of hurricane shutters and a team of professionals available to assist you. As a result, protecting your home has never been easier, more cost-effective, and more convenient.
Contact us using the form below or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let us help you choose the best hurricane shutters for your condo or apartment and enjoy the solace of knowing your home is well-protected when the next storm hits.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
