Q. Why should I have hurricane shutters?
A. The security and peace of mind they provide is worth their price. Additionally, preventing loss from storms plus the added protection from vandalism, burglars and simple looting after the storm of a hurricane is a key justification. Insurance companies are moving toward requiring storm shutters before covering properties along the coast of Florida. Also the Florida Building Code requires protection on all new construction after 2006 along the coast.
Q. How are shutters tested for Hurricane protection?
A. All shutters manufactured by Hurricane Storm Panel Manufacturing, Inc., are engineered and tested to meet or exceed Florida Building Code for hurricane shutters. The testing lab puts the shutters through a number of tests, including wind load, cyclic pressure and missile impact.
Q. When is the best time to get my shutters installed?
A. The best time is when your home is built so they can be part of the design. If you own a home without shutters have them installed as soon as it is practical. Keep in mind that hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st through November 31st each year. Hurricane season is busy for most installation companies so we recommend that you budget for an installation as soon as possible. The best time to get hurricane shutters installed is during the off season from December 1st through May 31st.
Q. Are there insurance benefits to having shutters?
A. There are insurance benefits to getting hurricane protection for your home. The benefits differ greatly depending on your insurance company. Some insurance companies will no longer provide insurance without hurricane protection that covers all openings of your home that include; windows, doors, garage doors and sky light openings.
Q. What can happen if I don’t have protection?
A. Once a window or door has been breached by hurricane winds, tremendous pressure is brought to bear on interior walls and upward pressure on the roof. This can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents of your home. People living in the Florida peninsula will find shutters an excellent investment for protecting their lives and property.
Q. How do I choose an installation company I can trust?
A. Make sure they are a licensed contractor; have years of experience, a certificate of insurance, get references and make sure they will warranty their work. A good installation company will also leave homeowners packet behind that includes everything a homeowner needs to install the shutters including numbered shutters and pictures of openings to make the installation easier.
Q. What are the advantages of Aluminum vs. Galvanized steel shutters?
A. Aluminum shutters are twice as thick and half the weight of a galvanized steel panel. If you live near the coast it is highly recommended that you choose aluminum shutters.
Q. Can’t I just cover my windows and doors with plywood?
A. Plywood has a number of issues; heavy and hard to install, does not qualify for an insurance discount, hardware issues and could become a missile and a liability.
Q. Can I only protect the openings facing the water or facing the direction where the wind normally comes from during a storm?
A. We recommend 100% coverage of all openings in your home. Leaving any openings unprotected during a storm will leave your home very vulnerable. If any opening implodes during a storm from pressure or debris it will cause extreme pressure change inside your home. The pressure will enter the house and the suction will try to remove your roof. It is your option and risk if you do not cover all openings.
Q. I hear a lot about Miami-Dade Shutters? What are they?
A. This is a great question and a point of much confusion. Miami Dade used to be the only standard there was, but now the State of Florida has adopted their own criteria. There are two different hurricane zones in Florida. 1. The High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) which is Miami Dade and Broward Counties and 2. The non-HVHZ zone is made up of the remaining Florida Counties. The difference between the two areas is simply deflection. Hurricane Storm Panel Manufacturing Inc. started to manufacture HVHZ panels on June 12th 2013 in order to give homeowners the best possible protection for their home
Q. What should I do to prepare for the annual hurricane season between June 1 and November 31?
A. First, make sure your home has adequate hurricane protection shutters for all of your windows and doors. Secondly, review all of the information in our Hurricane Preparedness Tab on our website to understand you specific needs to protect your family and your home. This section covers what to do prior to a storm, during a hurricane and after a hurricane. Inside the Hurricane Preparedness Tab there is Emergency Essential Shopping list information. Review the hurricane preparation information and print a copy of the shopping list. Make sure you have adequate supplies for your home, family, pets and pool to be ready for a possible hurricane.
Q. What do hurricane shutters cost?
A. Hurricane shutters vary in price on type and size, additionally every application is a little different so for an accurate quote, contact Hurricane Storm Panel Manufacturing, Inc. to receive an onsite estimate.
Rough Estimated Installed Cost (by linear foot)
| Type | Cost |
| Steel Panels | $5.00 – $7.00 |
| Aluminum Panels | $6.00 – $10.00 |
| Accordions | $15.00 – $20.00 |
| Roll Down Shutters | $20.00 – $25.00 |
| Bahama Shutters | $30.00 – $35.00 |
