11 Common Myths About Hurricane Shutters

Looking for hurricane shutters in Florida? No doubt you have been researching and learning about them. And you have probably come across some confusing information, misconceptions, and myths about them. These myths might be holding you back from making an informed decision about whether hurricane shutters are right for you. Well, this guide should help. Below we provide some of the most common misconceptions and myths about hurricane shutters:

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Myth #1: You do not need shutters on all windows and doors.

False: Protecting only a fraction of your home’s windows and doors is a bad idea during a hurricane. Wind and flying debris can and will come from any and every direction during a hurricane. This means that any one of your windows and doors need to be protected. It only takes one broken window or door to cause more serious issues, such as water intrusion, flying debris coming in your home, or your home becoming pressurized and causing severe damage.

Myth #2: Plywood is just as good as hurricane shutters.

False: Plywood can be used if you are in a pinch, but it is not advisable as your long-term window protection for hurricanes. It may be cheaper in the short-term, but it is far from equal. Using good quality plywood boards that are fastened adequately to your home can offer protection for your windows.  At the very least, it is better than leaving your windows completely unprotected. Hurricane-rated shutters are specifically designed to withstand the intense winds and flying debris of a major hurricane. Plywood can crack, warp, and rip off your home, even becoming projectiles in high winds.

You can find out more considerations about using plywood in our guide on How to Protect Windows During a Hurricane.

Myth #3: Any old plywood will do.

False: As we covered above if you are in a pinch plywood is a better solution than being unprotected. However, the plywood you use should be structurally sound. That means it should not be rotted or structurally compromised. If it is, this will mean it is not securely fastened to the structure of your home because the wood is weakened. If not of sound structure a hurricane may cause the wood to warp, bend, snap, or be ripped from the fasteners.

Also, you need to make sure you use thick enough wood to provide adequate impact resistance. This Old House recommends using 5/8″ thick plywood or thicker. They also recommend using exterior-grade (CDX) plywood vs OSB (oriented stranded board).

Myth #4: Installing your hurricane-rated shutters is a DIY job.

False: We recommend you have your shutters installed by licensed professionals unless you are a licensed contractor with shutter installation experience. It is critically important that your shutters are installed correctly according to their engineering specs. Ineffective installation can greatly reduce the effectiveness of your shutters and even put your family and home at risk. It should also be noted that you do need permits to install hurricane shutters in most areas of Florida. This is important as you need to be a licensed contractor in order to get permits for the work.

Myth #5: Hurricane shutters make your home hurricane-proof

False: Hurricane shutters will protect your home’s openings from damage. However, there are still other steps needed to protect your home from damage during a hurricane. For instance, securing loose objects outdoors will prevent them from becoming airborne. Trimming overhanging or dead branches will help prevent them from falling on or flying into your home (including your roof). And protecting your home the best you can against flooding is a critical part as well as flooding and storm surge are common during a hurricane. Lastly, having a hurricane plan in advance of a hurricane is essential.

Myth #6: Hurricane shutters are ugly and kill your home’s curb appeal

True and False: It is false to say that hurricane shutters in general are ugly. That is because there are many types of hurricane shutters. Some temporary shutters like storm panels are usually not attractive (but they don’t stay up year round anyways), others are barely noticeable. And if appearance is a major concern you can choose decorative hurricane shutters, which are made to improve the look of your home’s curb appeal. In summary, you can surely find a hurricane shutter type that meets your design needs.

Myth #7: Hurricane shutters are expensive.

True in the short-term: It is true that the upfront cost of hurricane shutters is higher than plywood or not buying any hurricane protection. However, you should consider the costs over the long-term. These shutters are durable and last a long time, and usually provide insurance discounts. They also prevent expensive damage from hurricanes and help secure your home after a storm. In turn, this makes them a worthwhile investment over time.

It should also be noted that there are many different kinds of storm shutters. This means there is a shutter type for every budget. You can also get financing if necessary.

Myth #8: Only beachfront and coastal homes need hurricane shutters.

False: If you are in a hurricane prone area then you need to protect your home regardless of how close you are to water. Hurricanes, especially in Florida, make their way inland quite often. This means even if you do not live near the water you are still within the dangerous path of a hurricane. For example, Hurricane Ian travelled across the state of Florida in 2022 causing damage to coastal and inland areas alike. can send debris flying miles inland, and strong winds can wreak havoc on any home. You should understand what wind zone you are in as well as what evacuation zone.

Myth #9: You only need to protect windows facing the storm.

False: This myth is false. There is no predicting which way hurricane winds will blow, especially not when buying or even preparing your home for a hurricane. As we mentioned above, in order for hurricane shutters to be effective you need to properly protect all your windows and doors.

Myth #10: You only need to put up shutters when a hurricane is imminent.

False: In our guide When to Put Up Hurricane Shutters, we discuss when you should get your home prepared. According to the National Hurricane Center you should put up your hurricane shutters when a hurricane watch is put in effect for your area. In other words, you should put your hurricane shutters up 48 hours before the storm starts. This will give you adequate time to get your storm protection up before the high winds of a storm potentially start.

Myth #11: All hurricane shutters are created equal.

False: All hurricane shutters offer hurricane protection. However, there are different classes of shutters that are designed to protect against different categories of storms. You should select shutters that are rated to withstand the wind speeds typical in your area. For example, if you live in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) you will need shutters approved for HVHZ use.

Conclusion

Buying hurricane shutters for your home is a big decision. And when researching them you surely will come across some common misconceptions, myths, and misinformation. Hopefully we straightened out some of these in this article so that you can make an informed decision about whether storm shutters are right for your home.

If you have questions, need help or need an estimate for hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida we can help. Eurex Shutters has been installing hurricane shutters and impact windows in Florida’s Gulf Coast since 1986. In those 38 years we have helped over 25,000 satisfied customers.

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