Protecting your home from inevitable, severe storms is essential when living in coastal or even inland Florida. Removable storm shutters are affordable and effective, but they do require significant effort to both install and remove for a storm. Regardless, they are one option to safeguard your property from hurricane damage. Non-permanent shutters are installed over windows and doors, creating a barrier that protects your glass from breaking.
For Floridians who are okay with the effort level and time to install them, removable storm shutters offer solid storm protection. In this article we discuss what removable storm shutters are and the pros and cons of them. If you have questions or want to see other types of hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida please contact the Eurex Shutters team below.
What are Removable Storm Shutters?
Removable storm shutters are non-permanent, removable storm protection you that is installed and removed for each storm. They differ from permanent hurricane shutters, which are permanently installed on your home and only need to be deployed.
This type of hurricane shutters are available in a few different styles, and materials, which we discuss in more detail below. All of them are compliant with Florida Building Code regulations. Some are approved for use in HVHZ areas.
Removable storm shutters can be taken down and stored after a hurricane. This differs from permanent hurricane shutters that stay affixed to the exterior of your home. This gives Florida homeowners flexibility over function and aesthetic appeal.
Types of Removable Shutters
The main styles of removable shutters can be grouped into the following categories:
- Rigid storm panels – rigid, corrugated storm panels are made from steel, aluminum, or clear polycarbonate. They fasten to your home using appropriate fasteners, such as sidewalk bolts and anchors, or tracks, bolts, and wing nuts. The panels overlap each other to create a solid barrier over your windows, doors, and other suitable openings. When not in use these are stored in a garage or other area inside your home or storage unit.
- Fabric storm panels – flexible fabric panels are made from a variety of suitable fabrics. For example, our ARMOR PANEL Hurricane Fabric Panels are made from super strong, lightweight aramid fiber. They fasten to the exterior of your home using fastener systems. Fabric panels are lighter and easier to handle then rigid storm panels. They can also be folded, which takes less room to store than rigid panels.
Learn more about these options in our article Metal Hurricane Shutters vs. Fabric Shutters.
Pros and Cons of Using Removable Hurricane Shutters
Below are some of the pros and cons, as well as things to consider with this type of hurricane protection system.
Benefits of Non-Permanent Shutter Systems
- Removable – While some people love the look of shutters on a home, others do not. If you’re the latter, removable storm shutters offer flexibility, allowing you to install shutters before a storm and remove them after. While it is more work you can maintain your home’s current appearance, avoid unnecessary visual clutter, and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property from hurricane damage.
- CONSIDER: The effort and time to install and remove storm panels can be fairly significant. They can be heavy and cumbersome for some. And installing them on second story windows requires being on a ladder. If you are not able to install them yourself, you will need to find someone to do it for you.
- Cost-effectiveness – Removable storm shutters are generally more affordable than permanent hurricane shutters. There is less materials, less moving parts, less engineering and precision. At the same time there is less convenience. Eurex Shutters can show you how to install removable shutters to help you become familiar with the instructions, but eventually, you can install them on your own.
- CONSIDER: if you are not able to install them yourself, the process of finding someone to do it before a storm can be difficult, and can become expensive.
- Clear options available – you can get removable panels in clear polycarbonate. This allows you to get natural sunlight during the day, see outside (depending on the glass type), and eliminates your house being pitch black.
Cons of Removable Storm Shutters
Some of the most common complaints with this type of shutter revolve around inconvenience, the hassle and cost of finding someone to install them, and the space required to store them. We discuss each briefly below.
- Time and effort needed to install – as mentioned above, the time and effort to install and uninstall storm panels can be significant. This should be considered if you are not wanting to spend hours before and after a storm to place and remove them. Finding a contractor to install them before a storm can be difficult, especially if everyone is in a panic. You may have to install them yourself unless you have a dependable contractor every storm.
- Ongoing costs – if you are not able to install them yourself then paying a contractor to do it every storm can become expensive over time.
- Storage needed – storm panels need to be stored when not in use. Because they are rigid and large, they can take up quite a bit of space in your garage, home, shed, or storage unit.
When and How to Use Removable Shutters for Storm Protection
- Monitor the weather to remain updated on hurricane forecasts from June to November. When a watch is issued, prepare your removable shutters for installation.
- Install shutters before the storm lands—don’t wait until the last minute. When you hear a storm warning, look up the trajectory and get your shutters in place to secure and protect your home, even if all your area gets is cast-off thunderstorms.
- Remove and store your shutters after the hurricane has passed and your area is declared safe. Clean them with warm water and gentle soap, wait for them to dry, and then store them again in a dry, accessible, preferably indoor location.
Learn more:
Storm Preparation: When to Put Up Hurricane Shutters
Storm Shutter Installation: How to Put Up Hurricane Shutters
FAQs
Hurricane shutters—removable or permanent—can increase your home’s value. Possible home buyers are aware of hurricane season and the dangers that come with it, so a hurricane-ready home is a perk that they are willing to pay for. Although not the most desirable shutters, removable hurricane shutters can give potential home buyers peace of mind, making your home more attractive than a home with no protection.
Additionally, removable storm shutters are considered a proactive approach to hurricane preparedness. Insurance companies appreciate shutters as a preventative so that you may pay less in premiums and deductibles, and you can pass those savings on to potential buyers.
Removable hurricane shutters require minimal upkeep for longevity and integrity like permanent storm shutters. Proper care can make shutters last for over a decade, so proper storage, routine cleaning and inspection are essential. Use mild detergent diluted with warm water to wipe them down after use, then allow them to dry completely before storing them.
Removable storm shutters can degrade over time , especially when stacked on top of one another in humid, hot locations. Keep storm shutters in dry, climate-controlled indoor areas, like a garage. Heat, moisture, and humidity could cause wear and tear, damaging the frames and rusting the hinges. Storing them properly will ensure they’re in perfect condition next hurricane season, and you can extend their lifespan for decades with proper care.
At Eurex Shutters, we can customize removable hurricane shutters to fit all windows and doors, including large openings like patios or sliding glass doors. We measure your access points and custom-fit removable storm shutters during a consultation for optimal protection.
Removable storm shutters offer hurricane protection with impact resistance and resilience against high wind speeds and torrential downpours. However, aside from storm protection, they are an added layer of security. Shutters are a deterrent against break-ins, acting as a barrier between your home and intruders. In the case of nosy neighbors, shutters enhance privacy, keeping prying eyes and eavesdropping ears out of your business.
Conclusion
Removable storm shutters are an affordable type of hurricane protection for Florida homeowners. Although they are not the most convenient shutters, they offer strong protection, readying your home for potential damage during hurricane season.
Are you ready to upgrade your home’s hurricane readiness? Contact Eurex Shutters to explore shutter options. We can help you secure your home against the next big storm!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
