Louvered hurricane shutters are the perfect solution for preserving a coastal home’s exterior charm while protecting windows and doors from high-flying debris. Decorative Bahama hurricane shutters and Impact Colonial Shutters are both elegant and extremely strong. They have the capability to withstand up to a category 5 hurricane. At the same time they can improve your home’s appearance.
Keep reading to learn more, and then contact Eurex Shutters for an installation consultation to get window measurements for a durable, custom fit.
What are Louvered Hurricane Shutters?
Louvered hurricane shutters are impact resistant shutters characterized by horizontal slats (louvers). There are two main types of louvered storm shutters. We discuss each below.
Bahama Impact Shutters
Bahama shutters are permanently positioned over your window opening at an angle. When a storm is approaching you just need to close them fully.
The shutters’ louvers allow airflow and sunlight into your home. At the same time they provide shade and when deployed can shield against harsh weather, including the worst hurricanes.
Bahama shutters have been used for centuries and continue to be extremely popular. That is because these shutters are perfect for warm climates where hurricanes are common. This style goes well with coastal homes as well as homes with Caribbean/Tropical designs. They have become a staple of coastal Florida homes, especially in Southwest Florida and South Florida.
Louvered hurricane shutters are hinged on the top of the window opening and equipped with an accessible open-and-close mechanism. The multi-purpose design protects your home from storm damage while shading your windows and boosting property value. That is because potential buyers look for attractive Florida homes that are already prepared for hurricanes. These homes are more desirable to buyers, meaning homeowners can charge more than they may have paid.
Colonial Impact Shutters.
Looking for a more traditional design for your traditional home?
Impact Colonial Shutters look similar to decorative board and batten shutters, but they are made from aluminum and the panels are louvered. This style of shutter has been frequently used with Colonial and Southern style homes for a long time. Each opening (window or door) has a shutter on each side that is equipped with hinges. When a storm is approaching the shutters are closed inward covering the window/door opening. They are then locked in place with a storm bar.
Advantages of Installing Louvered Shutters for Storm Protection
Louvered hurricane shutters are intended to be decorative so they look amazing. However, their appeal goes beyond just good looks. One of the advantages of installing louvered hurricane shutters is their exceptional hurricane protection. When closed and locked, the shutters are unshakeable, providing an impact resistant barrier against severe hurricanes.
Other advantages include:
- Improved curb appeal. Both types of louvered shutters are charming and can be used to enhance the design of your home. They add a sophisticated boost to your home’s exterior, boosting visual appeal to make your neighbors go “wow.”
- Versatile design. Louvered Bahama shutters’ design helps provide shade, which helps to block out intense Florida sun and keep interior temperatures comfortable and controlled. This is useful year-round, not just during hurricane season, to save on utility expenses. This is especially helpful in summer when Florida weather reaches over 100 degrees, putting numerous air conditioners out of commission.
- Privacy (Bahama shutters) – Bahama shutters offer amazing privacy, while the louvres allow airflow and light in.
- Custom measured and fitted. Louvered hurricane shutters from Eurex Shutters are fitted to the exact measurements of your home’s windows. This means a snug and perfect, custom-made fit as if your home had been built with shutters attached already.
When hurricanes are on the horizon, you need serious protection against potential damage. Intense winds and downpours are the norm. Throw in projectiles launched at high speeds, and you have a danger with a capital D.
Louvered hurricane shutters are made from high-grade, impact resistant aluminum and designed to withstand severe impacts. In other words, they serve as impenetrable shields against hurricane-force winds and heavy, hazardous objects. The shutters are thoroughly tested to ensure durability and reliability, and each shutter is certified to meet the stringent standards of the Florida Building Code (FBC).
How to Maintain Your Louvered Hurricane Shutters Year-Round
Florida is breezy, warm, and beautiful. Nestled alongside the Atlantic Ocean, it is a place where salty sea air can leave residue on homes—including louvered hurricane shutters. The strong winds and heavy rains also can make your shutters filthy. As a result, routine cleanliness is essential to maintaining louvered hurricane shutters year-round. Use mild detergent or soap (never harsh chemicals) with warm water to wipe down shutters, especially hinges and frames. Shutters should open and close without a sound, so if your hinges squeal, use a mild, shutter-safe lubricant to prevent corrosion and ensure a quieter open-and-close mechanism.
Other ways to maintain your louvered hurricane shutters include:
- Inspect your shutters before and after a storm. Hurricane season in Florida lasts from June to November, with six months of routine shutter checks. Even mild tropical storms can cause issues to shutters under the right circumstances. Look for loose components, signs of corrosion and rust spots, or bent frames.
- Address problems in a timely manner – If you notice issues it is best to have them corrected sooner vs later. First, minor issues may eventually become expensive replacements. Second, issues can cause your shutters to not work effectively. And you want to make sure your shutters are working correctly and effectively when you need them. Third, trying to repair your shutters last minute as a hurricane is approaching may not be possible. Most hurricane shutter companies are swamped before an after a storm. This is why it is advisable not to wait.
Conclusion
Louvered hurricane shutters stand out because of their great looks, strong storm protection, and added functionality. These shutters are versatile and sophisticated, perfect for coastal and traditional designs with various custom colors to match any Florida home’s exterior aesthetic. Shutters are comprised of high-grade, impact resistant aluminum, and they are designed and tested to withstand severe weather conditions, especially hurricanes.
If you are looking to boost curb appeal and protect your Florida home then consider louvered hurricane shutters. Both of the louvered storm shutter options combine timeless beauty and powerful storm resistance. These resilient shutters keep your house secure and your loved ones safe and give you peace of mind.
So contact Eurex Shutters to explore your options and schedule a consultation for your home’s best-louvered hurricane shutters.
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