Dealing with storm panels can feel like a never-ending cycle of hassle and stress. When a storm is approaching you need to spend hours doing manual labor putting up your panels. Or if you cannot do it yourself you need to scramble to find someone reliable to put them up for you. Then after the storm you have to spend hours taking them down. This is especially true if you live in a hurricane-prone area like Fort Myers, Florida. Each storm season, homeowners with storm panels scramble to install these cumbersome panels, often at the expense of time, energy, and sometimes even their safety. What if there was an easier way to protect your home? By upgrading your storm panels to hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida, you can simplify the entire process.
Have you ever wondered if there’s a more efficient and convenient way to safeguard your home during hurricane season? Keep reading to find out the top reasons to upgrade your storm panels to hurricane shutters or impact glass.
Table of contents
Main Takeaways
- Permanent hurricane shutters offer a much more convenient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to corrugated storm panels
- Impact-resistant windows provide continuous protection and improve energy efficiency
- Hurricane fabric offers a budget-friendly, easier to install, flexible option for various window shapes
- Upgrading to hurricane shutters reduces preparation time and can lower insurance premiums
The Hassle of Storm Panels
Storm panels offer solid hurricane protection over your exterior windows and doors. And for that they serve their purpose.
They are also the most economical form of storm protection aside from plywood.
However, they are notorious for being a hassle. And for many, the cons of storm panels far outweigh their benefits.
Even if you are experienced and the process goes smooth it is still a hassle. This is because storm panels require hours of manual labor to install them before a storm. Then they require an equally tedious removal process after the storm is over.
Many homeowners have trouble putting up and removing the panels. This is easy to understand. The heavy, awkward nature of these panels makes the process physically demanding or even risky. If you own a two story home the task gets even riskier. Not to mention, with frequent handling, the chance of injury or accidentally damaging your property increases substantially.
For homeowners the required install and removal process of storm panels can be daunting. Preparing for and living through a hurricane is stressful enough. For some, storm panels add unneeded additional stress.
Not to mention, storm panels need a significant amount of storage space when they’re not in use. This means finding a spot in your garage or shed, which can quickly become cluttered.
Moreover, the constant installation and removal of storm panels can leave unsightly scratches and marks on your home’s exterior. Over time, these blemishes can detract from your home’s curb appeal.
If this describes you, you will benefit from upgrading your storm panels to hurricane shutters or impact glass.
Upgrades vs Storm Panels and their Benefits
Here are some options to consider if you want to upgrade your storm protection and make your life easier. We also include some of the top reasons to upgrade from storm panels for each of them.
Permanently Installed Hurricane Shutters
Replacing your storm panels with permanently installed hurricane shutters can greatly simplify your life when it comes to storm preparation. When it comes to convenience the biggest benefit of permanent shutters is their speed and utter ease of deployment.
Unlike storm panels, hurricane shutters are permanently attached to your home. This means you don’t have to worry about a labor-intensive installation. All you need to do is deploy (close and secure) the shutters.
Permanent shutters also provide aesthetic appeal to your property, unlike storm panels. Many modern hurricane shutters are sleek and can complement your home’s architecture. So you can actually boost your home’s curb appeal while protecting it.
In addition to convenience and good looks, several permanent storm shutters also provide security. They act as a barrier against potential intruders. Insurance companies often recognize the value of hurricane shutters, offering discounts for homes equipped with them.
Some notable hurricane shutter options are discussed below.
Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are a popular type of permanently installed storm shutters in Fort Myers. These shutter are reasonably priced, making them attainable. They also offer a ton of convenience and ease of use compared to storm panels. Unlike storm panels they are quick and easy to open and close. This will save you a lot of time and effort during storm prep.
Accordion shutters have a compact design that blends seamlessly with your home’s exterior. When not in use the blades fold away neatly on the sides of your windows/doors. This minimizes their appearance on your home. You can also get them in a range of standard colors, which helps them blend in to your home.
Many homeowners find accordion shutters to be a cost-effective long-term investment, thanks to their durability and low maintenance requirements.
Decorative Hurricane Shutters – Colonial Shutters and Bahama Shutters
Decorative hurricane shutters are a great choice if your budget allows for them. These are perfect if you want to make your life easier and seriously boost your home’s curb appeal.
Both Bahama shutters and colonial shutters will help take the design of your home to the next level. Bahama shutters are ideal for beach homes and those with a tropical style. Colonial shutters are a great choice for traditional or Southern style homes.
Both provide excellent hurricane protection. And both are significantly easier to install and uninstall vs storm panels. These make them both suitable upgrades over storm panels.
Impact-Resistant Windows
Impact windows might just be the ultimate hurricane protection option. They protect your home vs storms and intruders 24/7. In other words, impact glass windows and doors require zero preparation. This makes them polar opposite vs storm panels, which require a lot of preparation and work. These windows provide continuous protection against hurricanes without requiring any manual installation. You simply enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is safeguarded.
Impact glass products also make your home look great. They are available in endless styles and options. Like any new windows, they will boost your home’s curb appeal.
In addition to storm protection, impact windows help improve your home’s energy efficiency. They help maintain your home’s temperature, reducing your utility bills.
Furthermore, the windows help reduce external noise, creating a quieter, more comfortable home environment.
All of these reasons are why impact windows and doors are so desired. The reason is because this upgrade not only enhances your home’s safety and aesthetics but also adds value to your property.
Hurricane Fabric Panels: an Economical Upgrade Over Storm Panels
Looking for an upgrade that will not break the bank? Seeking an upgrade that is lighter weight, more flexible, and easier to handle vs storm panels?
Hurricane fabric panels might be your answer. Fabric panels are much lighter and easier to handle vs heavy, rigid storm panels. This makes storm preparation easier and less stressful.
Because they are flexible, you can fold or roll them up. This greatly reduces the storage space they require compared to storm panels.
An added benefit is that this option allows natural light to enter your home while still providing robust protection. It’s also a budget-friendly choice, perfect for those looking for comprehensive home safety without breaking the bank.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Storm Panels to Hurricane Shutters or Impact Glass
Upgrading from storm panels offers many benefits. Some of the top pros include:
- Hurricane shutters and impact glass significantly reduce the hassles, stress, and preparation time when it comes to preparing your home for a hurricane
- Enhanced home aesthetics and curb appeal vs storm panels
- Increased property value to their property
- Peace of mind provided by reliable storm protection is invaluable, especially during hurricane season.
Hurricane shutters meet rigorous safety standards, ensuring your family’s safety during the most severe storms.
And yes, these upgrades cost more than storm panels. However, most homeowners find that the initial investment pays off in the long run. The time and convenience vs storm panels are priceless. In addition, the lower insurance premiums and increased property value help offset the cost. As a result, these upgrades still represent a financially sound decision.
Conclusion: Upgrade to Permanent Hurricane Armor
Upgrading from storm panels to permanent storm protection will save you significant time and effort. It is true that permanently installed shutters and impact glass cost more vs storm panels. However, homeowners find the benefits worth the added cost.
By making the switch today, you ensure your home is ready for any storm season. With a variety of options available, there’s an upgraded product to fit every need and budget.
In conclusion, considering the benefits of permanent hurricane shutters and impact-resistant windows the choice to upgrade becomes clear. These options not only provide superior protection but also enhance the quality and value of your home. So, are you ready to say goodbye to the hassle of storm panels and embrace a more efficient, attractive, and secure solution for your home?
Call the pros at Eurex Shutters to explore your options and get a free quote now.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Removable Storm Shutters?
Removable storm shutters may also be called non-permanent storm shutters. These removable panels are installed over windows and doors to protect them from hurricane force winds and flying debris during a storm. They are typically made of corrugated metal, aluminum, or impact resistant plastic. These panels need to be put up and removed for every storm.
Why Do Hurricane Panels Take So Much More Time To Put Up and Take Down?
Hurricane panels take longer to prepare your home vs permanent shutters. Permanent shutters are already installed so they just need to be closed and secured. But storm panels are not on your home already. This means you have to put them up, and then you have to remove them after the storm. Also, storm panels are usually made of heavier materials like steel or aluminum. They may also require specialized tools and hardware for installation. Often times, the anchors or bolts become damaged and need to be fixed when installing the panels.
