FAQs
What is a Hurricane Shutter?
Storm shutters are products designed to limit damage to window and door openings caused by high winds and flying objects. Commonly, they are popular in coastal areas, but storm shutters are rapidly growing in popularity in all areas threatened by high winds, hurricane conditions, or tornados.
Why Should I have Hurricane Shutters?
Your Treasures. Storm protection is a small part of the reason people decide to purchase these products. We find most make the purchase to protect the investment they have in a home and all of the treasures inside. Sure the motivation for us on the coast is to limit the damage from hurricanes. However it sure is nice to leave for the winter knowing your home is safe from intruders -- Sun damage and Hurricanes. Legislation. The coastal areas of the US are rapidly requiring storm protection on new homes and even homes that are undergoing a major remodel. Check with your local building department to determine your local requirements. Florida has already passed legislation requiring this protection. You may find your municipality will be doing the same. You will be dollars ahead come resale time if you have already installed approved storm shutters. Reduced Insurance Costs. Another reason consumers purchase storm protection is to satisfy insurance companies requirements to obtain reasonable cost insurance.
How much protection do Storm Shutters provide?
Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew were instrumental in an industry-wide upgrade of the standards for "storm shutters". Standard building codes require a product to withstand 110 M.P.H. winds. The "newer standard", commonly called ASCE-7-88, increases the wind-load standard plus adds a positive and negative wind loads test and a positive and negative "cycling test" plus an "impact test". The new standards are much more stringent and expensive to satisfy but do provide a real degree of protection. The only Florida counties that have formally adopted many of the new standards are Dade, Broward, Palm Beach & Monroe counties. The State of Florida has expanded, effective 6-1-2001, the requirement for storm shutters on all new construction within the coastal zone designation.
When can you install my protection?
This depends on what is ordered and how backed up we are to install. In most cases our Clear Storm Panels are in stock and ready to install within 7-10 days of deposit. Accordions are taking about 8 weeks. Rolling shutters are taking about 8 weeks. All metal panels are taking about 2 weeks.
How much will this cost?
There is no simple answer because each installation is different than the next. We offer one FREE estimate, so you should take advantage of that and let us visit your property and discuss your particular situation. Our aim is to keep your cost down and your protection high.
Is there any SALES TAX for me to pay?
We are a General Contractor. That which we permanently install on your home is NON-TAXABLE to you!
Should I only protect the openings facing the water?
Hurricane protections only works if the building remains intact. Leaving any windows or doors unprotected during a hurricane exposes your home to a total loss from the extreme pressure change caused when a window or door implodes from hurricane winds. This dramatically increases the internal pressures of your home while the hurricane is trying to remove your roof with the suction of high winds passing over your roof. The combination is often disastrous with total destruction of a perfectly good building. Bottom Line? All openings must be protected or you have virtually no hurricane protection in the event of a real hurricane.
The prevailing winds are from the south at my home. Should I install shutters on the south side only?
The real protection from Hurricane force winds and wind driven projectiles must be applied to ALL openings regardless of the "prevailing" winds in your area. When Andrew struck Florida there was no such thing as "prevailing" winds. The tornados and heavy winds struck from every direction. The real protection from Hurricane force winds and wind driven projectiles must be applied to ALL openings regardless of the "prevailing" winds in your area. When Andrew struck Florida there was no such thing as "prevailing" winds. The tornados and heavy winds struck from every direction.
What materials are used for Hurricane Shutters?
The primary material used is aluminum. The alloys and strengths are determined by the application. Many roll-up shutter companies have used extruded vinyl slats or aluminum-roll formed foam-filled slats in their products. None of these slats meet the new ASCE-7-88 codes for roll-up storm shutters. The extruded aluminum double-wall slat and a heavy wall aluminum roll formed resin filled slat has proven itself to be the only way to satisfy the new standards in a roll shutter application.
How do I design my new project to include Storm Shutters?
Most architects have knowledge of storm shutters but find it difficult to stay on top of new developments in every industry they must work with. B & C Shutters and Awningswill provide consulting on any project you may have. Refer your architect to us for assistance in designing an efficient, complete protection package for your home or business
If I order now, how long will it take?
- Clear Storm Panels: In stock - Ready for installation 1-2 weeks
- Roll-downs: 2-3 weeks to our warehouse
- Accordions: 2-3 weeks to our warehouse
- Bahamas - Colonials: 10 weeks to our warehouse in dark green, white, or black. Other colors add 1-2 weeks.
- Galvanized panels: - 1-2 weeks
- Aluminum panels: - 1- 2 weeks
- E-Z Screens 3-4 weeks
- Impact windows/sliding door walls-4-5 weeks
We attempt to be very accurate for scheduling installations but many factors may change schedules (weather, permits, etc.). In light of this; All times are approximate and may change at any time without posting to this web site
