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Hurricane Shutters
Overview
If you live in a coastal region, you’re likely to experience a hurricane at some point. During Hurricane Andrew (Florida, 1992), most of the damage resulted from failed doors and windows. Once the doors and windows go, your house becomes more vulnerable to damage. Besides water damage, breached windows can lead to roof and wall failure.
When it comes to protecting your home against hurricane damage, hurricane shutters ranks very near the top. You can prepare for hurricanes by using hurricane-proof glass, or by placing plywood barriers on your windows. But there is very little that can equal the protection and price of shutters.
Average Cost
Hurricane Shutter Cost $12 Per Sq Ft
How much are hurricane shutters? The average price including installation, taxes and permits is approximately $12 per square foot.
In order to calculate an approximate price, simply measure each of your windows to get its square footage. Since shutters are installed outside the window add an additional 15 percent to this square foot number (1.15 times your square footage). Do this for each opening and add all of the amounts together.
The average cost to hire a local professional can vary widely depending on the work that needs to be performed, they region in which you are located and how fast you need the project completed. So choosing the right professional the first time is of the essence.
Billing:
Hourly Rate – Some companies charge by the hour.
Flat Rate Per Job – Some companies charge a flat rate for the work they do.
Recognize that there are several variables in developing the price. These include:
- Time that it takes to complete the project.
- How many technicians are working on your project.
- Was it an after hours emergency
- With many more aspects that may add to the cost
Remember, the company quoting a low rate may not necessarily be the right company for you. Some companies may offer low hourly rates, but then charge additional “fees” to complete the job.
You may also need to consider that most companies charge a higher rate for overtime, weekends, holidays and emergency calls.
The best rule of hand is to get an itemized estimate so you know exactly what is expected from the local company.
Basic Information
What To Look For In A Hurricane Shutter Company:
Ask For The License – Most states require hurricane shutter professionals, including sub-contractors, to be licensed.
Proof Of Insurance – For your own protection, check proof of both, workman’s compensation and liability Insurance.
Business Stability – Find out how long the company has been in business.
Check Online Reviews – You’re probably not the first person in town to need hurricane shutters installed. Rely on the internet to get reviews written by people in your community.
References – Expect any top-notch hurricane shutter installation company to be able to provide you with references upon request. Once you have these names, contact the clients to get information about the installation process. When you call, ask questions about the quality of the work, timeliness, cost and whether the clients would use the company again for future work.
Hours Of Operation – Make sure the hurricane shutter company offers normal hours of operation.You don’t want a company that is overbooked starting work at 6 AM.
Over The Phone Pricing – Hurricane shutter prices simply cannot be given over the phone. An honest price can only be given after the home has been seen.
Free Estimates – Most hurricane shutter companies offer free estimates. This is important because they can provide you with the costs upfront, so that you are not shocked with a bill after the hurricane shutters are installed.
Safety Record – Safety can be a significant factor, so ask the company about their safety records to ensure that the hurricane installation company you you hire has a satisfactory safety record. You want a company who doesn’t have a high incidence of on-the-job mishaps or injuries.
Building Codes – In certain areas you’ll need to make sure that the local hurricane shutter company meets all building code requirements.
Satisfaction Guarantee – Choosing a hurricane shutter company that offers a satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they will get the job done right the first time and will save you money and frustration in the long run.
Cleanup – The mess left behind after a hurricane shutter installation project can be major. Ask what cleanup work will be included with the installation.
Different Types Of Hurricane Shutters
Colonial hurricane shutters
These are two-piece louvered shutters that attach to the wall beside each window. They fold together to protect the window.
PROS
- Are permanently affixed beside the windows and don’t require any extra storage space.
- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
- Are decorative; they can beautify as well as protect your home.
CONS
- Some types of colonials require a storm bar or center rod to lock the shutters in place.
- Can’t be used to protect doors, and must be combined with another shutter system to ensure complete home protection.
Accordion Shutters
Accordion shutters are designed to withstand winds and potential impact in a “Category 5” hurricane, and are engineered to meet all of the most stringent requirements of building codes.
PROS
- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don’t require any extra storage space.
- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
- Some models can be locked with a key and may be used as a theft deterrent.
CONS
- Can look bulky and out-of-place. Consider the aesthetics before having them installed.
- Glide on wheels, and have the potential to break more easily than some of the other systems.
Bahamas Shutters
Bahamas shutters provide an elegant, tropical touch to your home’s decor. In addition to architectural elegance, Bahamas shade your home from the sun, and provide an extra, essential layer of security.
PROS
- Permanently affixed beside the windows and don’t require any extra storage space.
- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
- Provide permanent shade and privacy, even in the open position.
CONS
- Have traditionally been weaker than other systems, but the newest models protect well.
- Block some light.
- Design limits their use.
Rolling Shutters
Roll shutters are the most convenient and popular storm and security protection available today. Roll-up style shutters can be installed easily on existing building.
PROS
- Are permanently affixed above the windows and don’t require any extra storage space.
- Can easily be made storm-ready by one person.
- Offer some of the best protection, and make an excellent theft deterrent.
CONS
- Most expensive of the popular shutter systems.
- Push-button-operated roll-down shutters require a battery backup system so the shutters can be lowered and raised during power outages.
Storm Panels
Storm panels are an effective and affordable type of hurricane protection. Made of either steel or alloy similar to that used in airplanes.
PROS
- Most inexpensive of the permanent shutter systems.
- Removable, so they don’t change the look of the house when not in use.
- Strong, and can provide excellent protection for both doors and windows.
CONS
- Require storage, but usually stack together tightly and take up little space.
- Can be difficult to handle; hanging can require more than one person.
- Sometimes don’t line up properly.
- Have sharp edges.
Category 4 Screens
Great for protecting garage doors and large open areas like balconies, terraces, patios, and porches. Very lightweight for easy storage and installation.
FEMA Hurricane Shutters
The only hurricane shutter that meets FEMA criteria. These hurricane shutters can withstand winds of 220 mph and are used to protect critical needs facilities like fire departments, hurricane shelters, and hospitals.
Tips & Advice
- Ask For The License – Ask for all local and state business licenses.
- Proof Of Insurance– For your own protection, check proof of both workman’s compensation and liability Insurance.
- Business Stability– Find out how long the company has been in business.
- Check Online Reviews – You’re probably not the first person in town looking for their services. Rely on the internet to get reviews written by people in your community.
- References – Expect any top-notch company to be able to provide you with references upon request. Once you have these names, contact the clients to get information about the quality service. When you call, ask questions about the work, timeliness, cost and whether the clients would use the company again for future work.
- 24-hour Emergency Service – Make sure your local company offers emergency 24 hour service. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know that you will not have to wait days for them to come out and fix it.
- Over The Phone Pricing – Honest estimates simply cannot be given over the phone – especially if you aren’t talking with an actual technician when you call.
- Free Estimates – Most companies offer free estimates. This is important because they can provide you with the costs upfront, so that you are not shocked with a bill after the services are completed.
- Safety Record – Safety can be a significant factor, so ask the company about their safety records to ensure that any service professional you hire has a satisfactory safety record. You want a company that doesn’t have a high incidence of on-the-job mishaps or injuries.
- Satisfaction Guarantee – Choosing a company that offers a satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they will get the job done right the first time and will save you money and frustration in the long run.
- Cleanup – The mess left behind after a project can be major. Ask what cleanup work the company includes with it’s services.
