Frequently Asked Questions

What are the chances that South Florida will be hit by a Hurricane ?
Over the past 110 years, the center of a hurricane has passed within 75 miles of Miami, on average, once every 3.5 years. A major hurricane (Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale) once every nine years, and a Category 4 or higher (such as Hurricane Andrew) once every 15 years. These numbers may seem high, but the last 30 of the past 110 years have been a period of low hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

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Should I tape my windows when a Hurricane threatens?
No, it is a waste of effort, time, and tape. It offers little strength to the glass and NO protection against flying debris. After the storm passes you will spend many a hot summer afternoon trying to scrape the old, baked-on tape off your windows (assuming they weren't shattered). Once a Hurricane Warning has been issued you would be better off spending your time putting up shutters over doors and windows.

Should I put shutters over my doors ???
Obviously sliding glass doors, french doors or any door with considerable glass in it should be protected. Some double doors or garage doors should either be shuttered or reinforced. In Hurricane Andrew many of these type doors gave way.

Why should I get Hurricane shutters ?
People who live in coastal counties from Texas to Maine, and those in other hurricane prone areas, such as most of the Florida peninsula, will find shutters an excellent investment for protecting their lives and property. They protect against wind and wind-borne debris. These shutters protect not only the windows or doors they cover, but also possessions and people inside the building. Most Insurance companies are offering discounts and reductions on deductibles with code approved installations. Once a window or door has been breeched by hurricane winds tremendous pressure is brought to bear on interior walls and upward pressure on the building's roof. This can lead to roof failure which exposes the entire contents of the building to the storm. Shutters are a first line of defense against the hurricane. Much of the damage and building failure in Hurricane Andrew could have been prevented by well installed hurricane shutters over windows and doors. Check with your Insurance company to see if you can qualify for a discount!

Why should I bother with shutters if I live in an evacuation zone?
Shutters will protect your house and possessions from wind damage whether you are there or not. If the storm surge should reach your home, then the shutters won't protect against the flood of water. But not every place in the evacuation zone will flood. Flooding can be at different levels and not always be catastrophic. Flooding also depends on the severity of the Hurricane. Other factors come into play such as the type of ocean tide, Moon phase, quadrant of Hurricane, and presence of “on-shore winds”. You should take every reasonable precaution to protect your property.

What kinds of shutters are available ?
There is a wide variety of styles available with new types constantly being upgraded and Code approved.
Consult with local Shutter Companies, licensed Contractors and industry Professionals.

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What are the best kinds of Shutters?
The best kind, are those that satisfy your needs as a homeowner. That may mean ones that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important to you depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes removable panels may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection and are relatively inexpensive, but take effort to install. Most new homes in coastal areas (if Code mandated) will come equipped with steel panels as Contractors usually select the least expensive type. Aluminum panels cost a little more and are lighter, easier to install, but offer less protection and may not meet the building code for your area. There are also clear panels that offer benefits such as inward light and outward vision.

Others want the shutters waiting on the wall for immediate deployment such as Accordions shutters. This may be for convenience or for security as well. Shutters are used for businesses as well as residences. Many homeowners want a shutter style that offers a decorative flair without compromising the aesthetic quality of the home such as Bahama or Colonial shutters. There are Roll-up shutters that can be put into position electronically with the flick of a switch. Impact glass has now become an obvious choice for those that have aesthetic issues, access problems, or want 24 hour security. When it comes to shutter selection, there are a multitude of choices that can easily take care of the many needs of discerning homeowners.

Which ever type you decide on it is important to remember that shutters are only as good as the quality of their installation. Ensure that the shutters or their anchors are installed by qualified workmen and that quality materials that meet the building code for your area are used.

What about the Hurricane film I've heard about ? - BEWARE
Although there are remarkable products that are being improved every year, there are no substitute for shutters and other code approved products.. If you have windows that have limited access, and can't be shuttered, then you may wish to consider using film. You may want to reconsider. Keep in mind that these film products are touted as doing much more that they really can. If there is not a Product Approval from a recognized source, it should indicate that the product does not pass the required testing and the film will not be suitable for Hurricane Protection. See Approved Products. Remember that a potential Insurance discount and or damage claim settlement may require positive proof that your shutters and the installation are Code compliant. Check with your Insurance Company for their requirements.

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How do I choose an installation company I can trust ?
The same way you go about choosing any company that performs a service. Make sure they are licensed, get references, and then check the references. Ask your neighbors and friends about who installed their shutters and if they had any complaints or recommendations. Check out a company with the Better Business Bureau, your local licensing authority, or contractor association.

See –“ How to Choose a Contractor”

When is the best time to get my shutters installed ?
The best time to have shutters installed is when the house is built so they can be a part of the design. If you own a house without shutters have them installed as soon as is practical. Keep in mind that the beginning of hurricane season may be a busy time for most installation companies. Do NOT wait until a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area.

At the start of each hurricane season you should test out your shutters. For permanently installed shutters try closing each one to make sure they work smoothly and lock tight. For panels and plywood shutters try a couple of windows and doors to ensure the hardware works and check the time you need to complete the job. Repair any problems at this time so that everything is ready when a storm threatens.

When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area check all mechanisms and hardware again, and maybe install the more difficult shutters. If you live in an evacuation zone and it will take 2 or 3 hours to complete your shutter installation, you may want to start during the Watch phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone you should time your installation early in the Warning phase so that you are not struggling with panels during high winds.

What if I can't afford commercial shutters ?
The least expensive, effective method of protecting windows is probably using plywood. The key to plywood shutters is thickness and installation. Use at least 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood, it makes the shutters heavier but safer. They should be cut to fit inside the window frame, installed prior to hurricane season, marked for which window they are made for, and stored with their hardware, preferably in a dry location. A good fit is essential to their effectiveness. Heat and moisture over a short period of time will warp or rot plywood which could result in this having to be a repeat purchase.

Most homeowners have found that plywood is too heavy and can be dangerous due to the large and cumbersome size. The storage of plywood can be a problem too, as it takes up a lot of space. Plywood is Code approved when installed correctly and may be a viable alternative when you take the approach that something is better than nothing. Therefore, plywood is not a preferred style, but may be the only type of protection available at the last minute.

Can condominium associations prohibit shutters ?
The short answer in Florida is NO. Chapter 718 of Florida Statutes of the Condominium Act (1991) permits each board of administration to adopt specifications as to color, style, etc., but all specifications "shall comply with the applicable building code". The Florida statutes further state "... a board shall not refuse to approve the installation or replacement of hurricane shutters conforming to the specifications adopted by the board." Consult an attorney or seek Professional advice to know what legal remedies may exist for your situation.

For other questions that are of interest, please consult local shutter companies, Building Department Officials, and Industry Professionals/Experts related to the field.

International Hurricane Protection Association
2501 Floral Road Lantana, FL 33462	Phone: 561-282-2395 Fax: 561-433-2101