Hurricane Shutters in Florida: How Homeowners Benefit from Storm Protection

When you think of Florida, chances are good you picture gently swaying palm trees and sandy beaches, drenched in warm sunshine. Or perhaps citrus farms come to mind, or Florida’s incredible state and national parks. From kayaking on crystal-clear waters flowing from the state’s gorgeous natural springs to dining on the waterfront in cities like Miami and St. Augustine, there’s something for everyone.

However, there’s something else that should come to mind, particularly if you’re a Florida resident: hurricanes. Florida experiences more hurricanes than any other state in the country, with over 120 of the storms making direct landfall in the state between 1851 and 2022, according to Statista. A total of 37 of those were major hurricanes that wreaked massive damage across large swathes of the state. That is why hurricane shutters in Florida are important for homeowners. Below we explore what hurricane shutters are and why they are so beneficial for Florida homeowners.

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Primary Damage from Hurricanes

Hurricanes pack immense power and can cause havoc on entire cities depending on where they make landfall. For Florida homeowners, it’s important to understand the primary types of damage from these storms. In most cases, you can break that down into several categories:

• Wind damage
• Inland flooding
• Storm surge

Water-related damage varies drastically depending on the location affected. But hurricanes are capable of maintaining sustained high-velocity, damaging winds as they track inland from the coast. This means that even homes located well inland can see major wind-related damage from any hurricane. We have seen this recently in the state, with Hurricane Ian travelling across the entirety of the state, from Southwest Florida to Orlando and beyond.

A home’s roof and windows and doors are the most at-risk elements in these situations. And, while there’s little that can be done to protect an exposed roof, there is a lot you can do to prevent damage to your windows and glass, such as installing hurricane shutters in Florida to protect your home and family.

Why Are Hurricane Shutters Necessary in Florida?

The threat of hurricanes is real

Hurricane shutters in Florida offer vital protection from wind and wind-borne debris. Even small pieces of debris can become airborne missiles when wind speeds are high enough. These projectiles have the potential to break glass windows and doors, among other damage.

Consider how powerful hurricanes can be (using the Saffir-Simpson Scale):

• Category one hurricane can have sustained wind speeds of up to 95 miles per hour
• Category two hurricanes can reach sustained wind speeds of 110 miles per hour, causing extensive damage
• Category three storms are categorized as up to 129 miles per hour sustained wind, causing devastating damage
• Category four storms can reach up to 156 miles per hour, causing catastrophic damage
• Category five storms can see sustained wind speeds in excess of 157 mph with catastrophic damage

When faced with immensely powerful winds, anything left outdoors can become a major threat to your home’s windows, doors, screened in areas, and more.

You can see the type of damage each category is capable of in the video below (courtesy of The COMET Program/MetEd).

Why hurricane shutters are important for Florida homeowners

Hurricane shutters in Florida do more than protect your home’s glass openings from flying debris. They also prevent further damage from happening if your home is exposed.

If your house is impacted and glass breaks you will face shattered glass, wind and water intrusion, water damage to your home’s interior and your possessions, and more.

In some cases, if an unprotected window/door is broken the home can become pressurized. This can cause major damage to your home’s interior, other windows and doors, and even your roof. In some cases your roof may even be detached from your home.

So why are hurricane shutters important in Florida? They prevent windows and doors from breaking in the first place. So they prevent broken glass and prevent further, more serious damage to your house.

What Are Hurricane Shutters?

Understanding the need for hurricane shutters in Florida requires delving into their form and function. While you’ll find a wide range of styles on the market, they all serve the same basic purpose. A hurricane shutter will:

• Fold, slide, or roll down over the window during a storm
• Create a solid impact resistant barrier between window glass and wind/flying debris
• Prevent debris from shattering the glass, including heavy debris, such as wind-borne lumber, tree limbs, roofing tiles, etc.

Learn more in our guide What Are Hurricane Shutters & Types of Hurricane Shutters.

Exploring the Available Styles of Hurricane Shutters in Florida

Florida residents interested in protecting their homes have a wide range of hurricane shutter styles to choose from. Let’s explore some of the most popular options.

Roll-Down

Roll-down hurricane shutters in Florida offer convenience, protection, and a limited profile that doesn’t affect your home’s aesthetic the same way other styles might. Tracks are installed on each side of the window, and the aluminum shutter rolls up and down in the tracks, very similar to how a garage door works.

Accordion-Style

Accordion shutters are excellent options for windows, sliding glass doors, and other structural openings. Unlike roll-down hurricane shutters, accordion-style shutters fold outward and across thanks to walk-over or recessed tracks. When purchased from a reputable company, these can last for decades to come.

Bahama-Style

Interested in hurricane shutters in Florida that also improve your home’s aesthetic? Bahama-style shutters might be just what you want. They bring the iconic style of the Caribbean to your Florida home and are designed to be a permanent addition and protect your windows from storm damage. These shutters sit in a semi-open position and can be closed easily when a storm is imminent.

Colonial-Style

Interested in exploring hurricane shutters in Florida, but want something a little more traditional in terms of style and design? Colonial shutters fit the bill. Designed from hurricane-resistant materials, these looked like traditional shutters that flank your windows. They’re installed on hinges, allowing you to fold them closed when a storm threatens.

Beyond Hurricane Shutters in Florida: Other Options to Protect Your Home

Hurricane shutters offer vital storm protection, but they’re not your only choice. So if you are not sold on or in love with shutters you have some other options.

You can also install impact windows, sliding glass doors, and impact garage doors that won’t change your home’s exterior appearance. And there are other options like hurricane screens that are a popular choice for patios and outdoor areas.

Eurex Shutters: Your Source for Durable, High-Quality Storm Shutters in Florida

With hurricane season expected to be intense this year, now is the time to invest in protection for your home. When it comes to hurricane shutters in Florida, Eurex Shutters offers the widest range of styles, dependable installation, knowledgeable installers, and more. With over 25,000 satisfied customers in Florida, we stand out for many reasons.

Our hurricane shutters are locally made in Southwest Florida and are installed by our own technicians who live in the area. We also offer customized services to help you choose the right type of shutters and understand how to maximize their appearance, protective capabilities, and lifespan.

Ready to protect your home? Get in touch with the hurricane shutter professionals at Eurex Shutters today.

Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.