If you live in Southwest Florida you know that hurricane season can be unpredictable and potentially damaging to your home. If you’re the owner of an old Florida-style home, it’s important to invest in the right hurricane protection options to secure it without ruining its beauty. Luckily, there are various solutions available to safeguard your home from hurricanes while staying true to the design.
In this article we give three of the top storm protection options to protect your Old Florida-style home.
So don’t wait until it’s too late – start exploring your hurricane protection options today!
Characteristics of Old Florida-Style Architecture
Old Florida-Style or Florida Cracker or Southern Plantation architecture styles have several charming characteristics that make these homes so unique. These homes are generally characterized by large porches or verandas, large roof overhangs, large windows, accompanied by Colonial shutters and or Bahama shutters on the exterior, and plantation shutters on the inside.
Every detail of these Florida homes exudes timeless beauty. But these design features were not originally implented for good looks (well maybe a little). They were intended (and still are used) to help homeowners battle the heat and humidity of Florida, even today.
For instance, the large windows were to allow heat to rise and escape from the home. The extended roof overhangs allowed windows to remain open and provide fresh air and breeze even during pouring rain. The exterior shutters help with storm protection as well as with shade. The plantation shutters provide shade and privacy, while also allowing breeze into the home. And let’s not forget the distinctive metal roof that not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides durability and protection against harsh Florida weather.
Storm Protection that Matches your Old-Florida Style Home
With hurricane season always a concern, it’s essential to protect your old Florida-style beauty, as well as ensure your family stays safe. At the same time, we know it is important to choose hurricane protection that maintains the architectural style of your home.
The good news is that there are several types of hurricane protection available that naturally fit with old Florida-style homes. This means you can protect your home while keeping 100% true to it’s intended architecture.
Here are 3 options that will help you protect your Old Florida-Style home without changing it’s appearance at all.
Colonial Hurricane Shutters
Colonial shutters are commonly seen on Old Florida-style homes. are louvered shutters that sit on the side of each opening and close over your window for a storm. They can be used on both windows and doors.
Hurricane-rated Colonial shutters look just like other Colonial shutters, but they are made to withstand hurricanes. That means you can keep true to the architectural style while getting strong storm protection.
As an added bonus, they can be custom painted to any color. That means you can choose anything from black to a vibrant blue, a pastel, or whatever color your heart desires.
Bahama Hurricane Shutters
Bahama hurricane shutters were and are common on Old Florida-style homes. These shutters are hinged at the top of the windows. They sit over the window at an angle, which can be adjusted by telescoping arms. This positioning has a unique benefit. They were and still are used to provide shade and allow a breeze into the home even when it is raining.
Hurricane-rated Bahama shutters look just like decorative Bahama shutters. However, they are made from impact resistant materials and can withstand hurricanes. When a storm approaches, you close them and secure them over your windows.
They can also be custom painted in any color under the sun. This allows you to add some personality to your home. Alternatively, it allows you to match your home’s color scheme perfectly.
Impact Windows and Doors
Not all old Florida-style homes have shutters. Maybe your home does not have shutters. Or maybe you just do not want shutters.
If this is your preference then your best option is installing impact windows and doors. These replacement windows and doors (or new construction) provide 24/7 protection without any preparation or hassles. Custom ones also come in every single shape, size, and window style possible. In turn, you can protect your home without changing its appearance at all.
Conclusion
Ensuring the beauty and structural integrity of your old Florida-style home during hurricane season is crucial. At the same time, you want to maintain the architectural style and charm of your home. Effective hurricane protection options such as colonial shutters, Bahama shutters, and impact windows and doors will safeguard your home from significant hurricane damage. These options not only provide protection, but they are common design components of the Old Florida-style architectural style. So don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to secure your home and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Contact the professionals at Eurex Shutters with any questions or to start your project.
