Florida homeowners are well-versed in hurricane protection and preparation. Hurricane season is nothing new. When it comes to hurricane protection you have several options, including both metal (including aluminum) and fabric hurricane shutters. Each of them with their own pros and cons for home hurricane protection. Hurricane shutters serve the vital function of safeguarding your home against the damage of a devastating hurricane, but each shutter type is unique in some ways.
To make an informed decision, read on to understand the essential differences, resilience, ease of installation, cost, maintenance requirements, and aesthetics of metal versus fabric shutters. When you’re ready for a consultation and estimate, contact Eurex Shutters for more information!
The Key Differences Between Metal and Fabric Shutters
Metal and fabric shutters both serve to protect your home vs severe weather. However, they are different in terms of their materials and design. For instance, metal hurricane shutters are often made from impact resistant aluminum for additional durability and strength. These shutters create a protective barrier against high winds, torrential rainfall, and flying debris, offering your home a high level of security.
On the other hand, fabric hurricane shutters are made from high-strength, flexible materials such as polyester or aramid. These shutters are designed to absorb the impact of flying debris rather than resist it outright. They’re lightweight, and can be customized to fit any window or opening. Fabric shutter panels are non-permanent so they do need to be stored when not in use. However, they are lightweight and foldable, so they take up less room than non-permanent metal panels.
Key Highlights Between Metal and Fabric Shutters
- Aluminum shutters are offered in permanent versions made from Aluminum. They are also offered in non-permanent versions, which are galvanized and aluminum storm panels. All metal hurricane shutters create a solid, impact resistant/impenetrable barrier on the exterior of your windows and doors.
- Fabric hurricane shutters are lightweight and flexible. They attach to the exterior of your windows and doors. They are designed to absorb impact.
- Metal (aluminum) options are available as roll-downs, accordions, Bahamas, Colonials, and storm panels.
- Fabric shutters are mainly fabric shutter panels. They can be custom-fitted to your windows and other openings.
- Another significant difference lies in their deployment and storage.
- Metal shutters are mainly permanent installations like roll-down or accordions that remain fixed to your home and are ready to be deployed immediately.
- Fabric shutters are typically non-permanent, stored away when not in use, and must be installed before a storm arrives.
- The two vary greatly in the speed and ease with which you can prepare your home. Aluminum shutters are more convenient in regions where quick storm preparation is essential. As a result, they make it much faster and easier to prepare your home before a hurricane.
Comparing the Resilience & Performance of Metal Hurricane Shutters to Fabric Panels
When comparing the resilience of metal hurricane shutters vs fabric panels, both are capable of withstanding the intense winds and flying debris of hurricanes. They do differ in some ways in how they protect your openings. We discuss these below.
Metal/Aluminum Performance
Metal and aluminum shutters are impact resistant. They meet the Florida Building Code and have Florida Product Approval. They are built to withstand the impact of debris and the positive and negative pressures of hurricane winds. In other words, their impact resistance provides a robust defense for your home. They’re particularly effective in preventing window breakage, which can lead to internal damage from wind and rain. This is because they create a shield on the exterior of your openings, preventing anything from reaching (and breaking) your windows.
Several kinds of permanent shutters made from aluminum are offered in High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) versions. The same is true for some galvanized metal storm panels. So if you need shutters approved for HVHZ use aluminum (metal) is a good choice.
Fabric Shutters Performance
Fabric shutters also meet the Florida Building Code and have Florida Product Approval. They absorb and distribute the energy of flying debris that hit them. Fabric has some flex. As a result they are made to absorb and distribute the force of projectiles, while at the same time being able to withstand the impact without breaking.
Which Option is Simpler to Install and Remove?
When it comes to hurricane prep the ease of installation and removal of your hurricane shutters is crucial. This is especially true for homeowners who need to deploy their hurricane shutters quickly.
Aluminum shutters, such as roll-down, accordion and Bahama shutters are permanently installed on your home. They offer the convenience of one-time installation, and then they just need to be deployed (closed and secured) when a storm is approaching. Metal storm panels, on the other hand, need to be installed and uninstalled before and after every storm.
Fabric shutter panels, need to be installed and uninstalled before and after each storm. However, when compared to solid storm panels they are lightweight, easy to handle, and can be installed or removed without professional assistance. Many fabric shutters have attachment systems, making deployment fast and straightforward. This ease of use can be a significant advantage over solid (metal or plastic) storm panels, especially in emergencies when time is of the essence. However, they do require more time than permanent aluminum shutters.
The Price Differences and Long-Term Investment
Cost is always a significant factor when choosing hurricane shutters. And the cost of permanent aluminum shutters and fabric shutter panels differs significantly.
Aluminum Shutters Cost vs Fabric Shutters
Permanent aluminum shutters have a higher upfront cost, particularly for more advanced systems like roll-down shutters or decorative ones like Bahama shutters. The materials and installation can initially make them a more significant investment. Still, they are much easier to deploy and they don’t require storage or installation help. They also often last longer. Because of all of these factors they may be a better choice in the long run.
Fabric Shutters Cost vs Aluminum/Metal Shutters
Fabric shutter panels are generally more affordable upfront vs permanent shutters made from aluminum. However, homeowners should weigh the initial savings against the need to install/uninstall them for each storm, the need to store them, and more.
How Metal and Fabric Shutters Impact Your Home’s Appearance
Aesthetic appeal is an essential consideration for many homeowners.
Metal shutters, while highly effective and convenient, are more visible on your home’s exterior. As a result permanent shutter installations like roll-down or accordion shutters may alter the exterior appearance of your home. However, they are available in various styles, colors, and finishes to match your home’s aesthetic. In some cases, such as Bahama or Colonial shutters they can even increase the performance of your home.
Still, some homeowners find the look of permanent aluminum shutters less appealing, especially if they’re left in place year-round.
Fabric shutters, on the other hand, are less visually intrusive. When not in use, they can be easily stored out of sight, preserving the look of your home. In turn, fabric shutters may be preferred for homeowners concerned with maintaining curb appeal.
Key take-aways:
- Metal shutters are more visible on the exterior of your home
- Fabric shutters are not permanently attached, and are stored when not in use
The Conclusion: Storm-Readiness
When it comes to hurricane protection, both metal and fabric shutters offer unique advantages. Permanent aluminum shutters provide more convenience and durability, making them a long-term investment that pays off, particularly in hurricane-prone areas. They’re ideal for homeowners looking for maximum ease of use and security, even if it means a higher upfront cost.
Fabric shutters, on the other hand, offer ease of use vs storm panels, affordability, and less visual impact. As such, they are an attractive option for those who prioritize budget, more convenience vs storm panels, and aesthetics.
Ultimately, the choice between metal and fabric shutters depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. Permanent aluminum shutters are hard to beat for the highest level of protection, ease of use, and long-term value. However, fabric shutters may be the right choice for a more straightforward, flexible solution. Protect your Florida home from the battering winds and downpours of approaching hurricanes.
Explore the best options for hurricane shutters with Eurex Shutters. We have the perfect solution to keep your home safe and secure. Contact us now!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
