There are no shortage of articles online that cover hurricane protection options for windows. There are a few that cover protection options for doors. But you may be wondering how to protect other areas around your home, such as your lanai, patio, porch, gazebo, or outdoor spaces. If so, you are in luck! In this article we cover what are the the best storm protection options for wide openings. The list of options is pretty short so this is a pretty quick (but definitely worthwhile) read. Find out what your options are and get more information about each.
2 Options for protecting wide, exterior openings vs hurricanes
When it comes to protecting wide openings vs hurricanes you have two options. First, you can either protect the wide opening itself. Second, you can protect each window and door, etc. behind the opening.
For example, your patio or Florida room has a wide opening on the exterior and several windows and/or doors behind it. So you can either add storm protection to the wide opening itself, or you can protect each of the individual windows, doors, etc. in the area.
In the image below you can get a visual of what we are talking about. The image shows a Florida room with a 30 ft opening going out to the patio area. Behind the opening there are several vulnerable areas, including three sliding glass doors and a window. For such a space, you could storm protect each of the windows and doors. Alternatively, you could add protection to the 30 ft opening itself. This would allow you to protect the entire Florida room, including all the windows and doors as well as all your furniture and belongings. This customer chose to install hurricane screens along the entire opening vs protecting the individual glass areas.
If you prefer to protect each window and door then you can read our guide on Popular Types of Hurricane Shutters (and Screens) For Windows and Doors. This will provide all the different storm protection options.
If you want to add Adding storm protection to the wide opening itself then read on!
Benefits of Protecting the Wide Opening (vs Protecting Individual Doors and Windows)
Everything comes down to your preference. Maybe you prefer to add hurricane shutters or install impact glass to each opening. But there are a few key benefits that make protecting the wide opening itself (vs individual opening) an appealing option.
Some of these benefits include:
- Cover a single area vs covering individual shutters or impact glass – allows for easier preparation to deploy one item vs several
- Protect everything behind the storm protection not just your windows and doors – adding protection to the opening will also protect your belongings (furniture, decorations, outdoor kitchen, hot tub, etc.) when closed
- Gain extra, usable space, such as enclosing a patio to create a temporary enclosed area
- For hurricane screens specifically you will also benefit from:
- Protection from insects – screens help to keep mosquitos and other insects out of your sitting area
- rain, and debris when they are closed
- Shade and privacy when closed (while still being able to see out)
Options for Protecting Wide, Exterior Openings
When it comes to your options of suitable protection for wide openings, the list is pretty short. This is because not all storm products are suitable for wide openings. Options like Bahama shutters, for example, are only made to protect windows. Impact glass is cost restrictive, and it eliminates the outdoor space part of it.
Protection options for wide openings include:
- Hurricane screens
- Roll down hurricane shutters
- Accordion shutters
We discuss each one in more detail below.
Hurricane Screens
Storm screens are a popular option when it comes to protecting patios and other wide, outdoor areas. And there is many reasons why. This product is attractive, easy to use, and they also have many benefits.
What are they?
They are a type of permanent hurricane protection. They look very similar to high-end sun screens, but they are made of hurricane-proof materials, such as aramid screens and aluminum tracks, strong enough to withstand a category 5 hurricane.
Screens open and close along tracks. When open, the screen rolls away cleanly into a slim housing box on the top of the opening. The housing box is
Why they are a great option for wide openings?
Hurricane screens are potentially the perfect storm protection option for wide openings. That is because they can cover very wide openings.
They can be installed on openings up to 360″ (30 ft) wide, depending on the specifics and location of the install. While this is the maximum width, and we usually recommend adding multiple, smaller screens, it is indeed possible. And if you have an opening wider than 30 ft, you can put multiple screens side by side to protect the opening.
This truly allows you to protect most outdoor spaces, no matter how wide.
Roll Down Shutters
What are they?
Roll down shutters are another permanently installed type of hurricane protection. They are classified as a hurricane shutter vs a screen. They open and close vertically by rolling up and down on tracks that are installed on the sides of the opening. When they are open the shutters roll away neatly into a housing box on the top of the opening.
Rolling shutters are very easy to use. They can be either manually operated, or operated with electric motors.
In addition, roll down hurricane shutters are commonly used as security shutters. This is an added bonus as you get two major functions out of one product.
Why they are a great option for wide openings?
This type of shutter is commonly used to protect and enclose wide openings, both for residential and commercial purposes. They are a bit more limited in terms of the width per each shutter due to weight. However, individual shutters, each with their own motor or manual mechanism, can be installed side-by-side to protect extra wide openings.
They are extremely easy and quick to open and close, making them fast and easy to deploy when needed.
And if you want to secure an outside area while not in use, these are an exceptional option. As we mentioned, they are also suitable as security shutters. So securing your belongings, outdoor kitchen, televisions, furniture, etc. is a breeze.
Accordion Shutters
What are they?
Accordion shutters are also a permanent type of hurricane shutter made from aluminum. Unlike the other two options on this list these shutters open and close (expand and compress) horizontally (side to side). They individual fins move along tracks on the top and bottom of the opening.
This option is popular here in Southwest Florida because they are permanently installed, easy to use, and are reasonably priced. More specifically, they offer a lot of value for their price tag.
Like roll down shutters, accordions also offer added security protection. This is because they can be locked and also used to secure your belongings, outdoor kitchen, televisions, furniture, etc. when you are not around.
Why they are a great option for wide openings?
Accordion shutters can be installed over long runs, to enclose and serve as storm protection for wide openings. The maximum span for accordion shutters is 30-40 feet. In turn, accordion shutter systems can be used for quite large openings. So they are a good fit for largest patios and outdoor spaces as well as extra-wide stretches of glass.
Conclusion
Most hurricane shutters can be used to protect your windows and doors. But the storm protection options for wide openings is more limited. In this article we discussed what are the the best storm protection options for wide openings are. They include hurricane screens, roll down shutters, and accordion shutters. Each of these is suitable to fit and protect wide openings. And each has their own set of benefits. In the end the option you choose will come down to your preferences.
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