For Florida homeowners, hurricane preparation is a way of life. While hurricane season lasts six months, preparation lasts year-round in anticipation of upcoming seasons. Retractable hurricane shutters have become a popular choice in Southwest Florida, offering a sleek, modern solution to hurricane protection. These shutters are designed to blend seamlessly into a home’s existing exterior architecture, and providing effective hurricane and security protection.
Read on to learn more about retractable hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida. Then contact Eurex Shutters to have your windows measured for a custom-fitted set. Invest in optimal security and safety this hurricane season!
An Overview and Key Advantages of Retractable Shutters for Your Home
Retractable hurricane shutters are also know as roll-down shutters. These premium storm shutters offer extremely convenient preparation for storm protection including hurricanes. Retractable shutters are either motorized or crank-operated. These shutters roll up and down on vertical tracks and seal against your windows, doors, and large openings (like patios). These versatile, durable, and reliable shutters offer a robust barrier against high winds, pouring rain, and flying debris.
Are Retractable Hurricane Shutters Hurricane Proof?
The answer will depend on the specific roll down shutters you chose. So make sure you pick ones with Florida Product Approval.
Florida approved retractable hurricane shutters must pass rigorous testing and certification in order to meet the strict Florida Building Code. Our shutters are also designed and tested to meet homeowner’s strict expectations.
To achieve Florida Product Approval the shutters undergo a series of tests that simulate what they may experience during a hurricane. These tests include missile testing where projectiles are launched at the shutters via a cannon, ensuring their durability and strength. Then wind pressure cycle testing is conducted to ensure shutters can withstand the intense positive and negative pressures of a hurricane.
Once retractable hurricane shutters pass the demands of the stringent testing, they are given a Florida Product Approval number. This ensures homeowners invest in products proven to effectively protect their homes from hurricanes of all categories.
Side note: Always opt for professional installation. At Eurex Shutters, our technicians are well-versed in the practical installation of retractable hurricane shutters, and they do it correctly the first time. Professional installation ensures your shutters are secure, properly aligned, and mounted—no gaps, cracks, or poor performance that may result in a failure.
Comparing Retractable Shutters to Traditional Hurricane Shutters
Various kinds of shutters are available for storm protection, so which ones do you choose? When comparing retractable hurricane shutters to traditional hurricane shutters, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of each.
Pros vs other hurricane shutters
- Minimal design helps to maintain the appearance of your home – Retractable hurricane shutters have a sleek, minimal design and can even be added as a hidden installation. Their design ensures their appearance is limited on your home until needed.
- Extremely convenient and easy to use – They are easy to deploy and accessible via smartphone apps or remote controls. This gives you the ability to use them year-round for weather protection, security protection, and even as blinds because you can adjust the slats of the shutters.
- Security protection built in – Retractable shutters are also used as security protection for homes and businesses. So you get two functions in one product.
- Customizable – they can customized to fit your home and needs perfectly. There are also options to customize them to match your home’s exterior architecture.
Considerations vs other storm shutters
- Budget considerations – Retractable shutters are a premium shutter. They are on the higher end of the price scale. So while they are not as expensive as options like Bahama or Colonial shutters they do cost more vs options like accordions or panels. Electrical (automatic roll down shutters) also have the added cost of electrical work.
- Care and maintenance – roll down shutters are dependable and durable, but like all products with moving parts they do require maintenance.
Boost Curb Appeal & Home Value with Retractable Hurricane Shutters
One of the most significant advantages of retractable hurricane shutters is a boost in property value as well as curb appeal. If you ever decide to sell your Florida home, potential buyers will be well aware of hurricane season and the need for hurricane protection. Your hurricane-ready home will be in high demand. So all else equal you can expect to get more for the selling price.
Retractable hurricane shutters are custom-made and fitted to your home’s exact measurements by Eurex Shutters. This clean, custom installation helps to boost curb appeal and property value. While these shutters are decorative, they have a sleek, minimal design that helps to maintain your home’s appearance. Each shutter is housed in a discreet unit at the top of the opening. You can create a color-matched, streamlined design that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetic appeal. This subtle, sophisticated approach allows you to enjoy the beauty of your home without sacrificing safety.
How Retractable Shutters Save Time and Effort in a Storm
When a hurricane approaches, panic can set in as you are trying to prepare your family and home. The last thing any homeowner needs is to scramble to secure their Florida home by sourcing, cutting and screwing plywood over their doors and windows. Retractable hurricane shutters are a better option to safeguard your property and can be closed in minutes or eve seconds with electric versions. This makes it extremely fast and easy to prepare your home.
Retractable hurricane shutters are quick and effortless, with accessible deployment that lowers slats over windows and doors fast and easy. They can be motorized, manual, or combined, allowing you to focus on other preparations. Unlike removable storm panels, retractable shutters can remain in place on your home year-round, always ready for inclement weather.
Most retractable hurricane shutters are controlled by remote or a switch inside your home. You can also control them with a smartphone app. If you’re not at home and need to lower your shutters, you can do so from your phone, making storm preparation more convenient and safer and providing continuous peace of mind. Additionally, retractable hurricane shutters offer highly effective security protection, holding against potential intruders after a storm.
Other benefits include:
- Sleek and discreet. Retractable hurricane shutters blend into your home’s design, remaining stored and hidden until needed.
- Noise reduction and extra privacy. When deployed, retractable hurricane shutters sit flat over your windows to create a seal. The slats of the roll down shutters can be opened and closed as well. This allows you to have your shutters closed but open the slats for air flow and light. This feature also provides privacy, keeping nosy neighbors and prying eyes from invading your privacy.
Are you looking to optimally protect your home from hurricanes while bolstering curb appeal and property value? Contact Eurex Shutters to explore your options for retractable hurricane shutters. Secure your Florida home with the best hurricane protection available!
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
External Sources:
