It's only a matter of time before a large hurricane makes landfall in North Florida. It doesn't take a Category 5 storm to damage a home or property. During its lifecycle, a hurricane can expend as much energy as 10,000 nuclear bombs, according to NASA. Forty percent of all hurricanes that occur in the United States hit the State of Florida. Storm shutters come in a variety of styles that can provide peace of mind during the Florida hurricane season, as well as improve the exterior appearance of your home and even increase the value of your home.
Why invest in storm shutters?
Significant storm damage, torn-apart buildings, blown-off roofs and much more often start with just a broken window and internal pressurization.
Rapid intensification, also known as RI, is defined by the National Hurricane Center as an "increase in the maximum sustained winds of a tropical cyclone of at least 34.5 mph in a 24-hour period." Rapid Intensification can occur regardless of the storm strength or size and is becoming increasingly more common. Rapid intensification is a serious challenge for the prediction of hurricane intensity. An example is Hurricane Laura that went from a tropical storm with sustained winds of 65 mph early Aug. 25, 2020, to a Category 3 with 115-mph winds the next morning, Aug. 26, 2020. Laura increased into a major Category 4 hurricane before landfall early Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020.
Hurricane shutters can deliver "full envelope" protection of your home or commercial property against hurricane-force winds, preventing internal pressurization of the building. Internal pressurization happens when strong gusts of wind push into the building, and force upward, creating pressure while wind from the exterior of the building compromises the truss system. The resulting set of forces lifts the roof off because of this massive buildup in pressure. This internal pressurization is what causes the often-seen roof lift-off and associated catastrophic damage.
Why should I protect all of the openings of my property?
Unfortunately, wind and debris can come from any direction depending on your property’s relationship to the storm eyewall and the direction of the hurricane’s travel. If one opening is compromised, the property can be vulnerable to rapid internal pressurization.
Does installing hurricane shutters lower my homeowner’s insurance?
Florida law requires insurance companies to offer homeowner’s insurance discounts or credits for existing building features or home improvements that reduce damage and loss from hurricanes. Most insurance companies offer a discount when you have protected all of the glazed openings on your house. Contact your insurance company for their requirements.
Many insurance companies are requiring homeowners to install approved hurricane protection. This reduces claims to the insurance carrier and protects homeowners from storm damage.
Florida law requires insurance companies to offer homeowner’s insurance discounts or credits for existing building features or home improvements that reduce damage and loss from hurricanes.
Does installing hurricane shutters increase the value of my home?
Shutters can significantly increase your property value by improved curb appeal, increased home protection, and enhanced home security. In most cases, the value is increased dollar for dollar, or even higher.
I would like to add security to my home; will storm shutters do that?
Permanently mounted shutters are a great way to add security to your home. They are popular with vacation homes that you don’t live in year-round. You can close and lock them, knowing that your home is protected from storms and intruders.
How can I be sure I am choosing a trustworthy company to install my hurricane shutters?
Before choosing a contractor to install your shutters, be sure the company is licensed and insured. You should ask for references, check the Better Business Bureau and check their online reviews.
What is the value of the safety of you, your family, your belongings and your peace of mind? Installing hurricane shutters on your home could be the best investment you make!
Written by Kim Simone, Residential Sales Manager at Reliant Roofing, Solar, and Hurricane Shutters
