The Hurricane Preparedness Handbook by Stearns Bob

Author:Stearns, Bob
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
Published: 2014-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Accordion shutters in open position. Photo by author.

Another type of window protection that is gaining popularity, especially in the southern United States, is the aluminum Bahama shutter. It is hinged at the top, so that when the time comes it is simply lowered from its downward-angled position until it is flat with the side of the building, where it is secured with clips. These cost slightly more than accordion shutters, but they are also now available with small holes or louvers to allow some light into the room while at the same time keeping direct sunlight out, and this certainly does help keep air conditioning costs down. Thus in the long run there is a definite payback, and they also contribute greatly to the value of the house at resale because of their long-term durability.

Electric roll-down shutters are by far the most expensive. They also require regular maintenance to keep them working. And if you do opt for this very convenient form of protection, keep in mind that such shutters must also be equipped with a mechanical means of lowering and raising them if the power is off.

Another newer means of protection that is growing in popularity is shatterproof window glass. Just like the windshield on your automobile, this is a very strong clear plastic film sandwiched in between a double layer of permanently installed window glass. As of 2005, this glass was code-approved by Miami-Dade County, Florida, which has perhaps the toughest such standards in the country. Compared to normal window glass, it is several times more expensive. But also involved is the high cost of completely removing old windows and replacing them with these new designs, and for that reason shatterproof windows are for now mostly appearing in new construction.

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