If you live in any hurricane or storm-prone area, it is an excellent idea to invest in shutters for your windows and doors, not only for the betterment of your property, but to protect the lives of yourself and your family. These shutters will protect your property from wind and flying debris. In a storm, the failure of windows and doors can lead to interior wall or even roof failures. Ideally, these window coverings should be heavy duty hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters will protect windows and doors from wind and, more importantly, flying debris. The best shutters are those that are both affordable and manageable. They should be easy to install and operate, and should fit the lifestyle you lead. There are several types of shutters available to serve the purpose: roll-down, accordion, Bahama, awning, and storm panel shutters. Roll-down shutters are exactly as the name implies-the PVC or metal shutter is rolled into a box that sits above the window opening. The shutter rolls down a set of tracks on either side of the opening and locks into place at the bottom. Accordion shutters are rolled into boxes on either side of the window. They must be pulled out, and will lock either in the center of the opening, or to one side. Bahama shutters are louvered, lift upward, and stand on a stick support. This option can be closed by removing the support and locking them down against the window opening. They also provide shade when not in use. Awning shutters are almost the same as the Bahama style in that they fold down and fasten in place. The only difference is the awning shape. Storm panels are made of aluminum or steel, and should be stored when not in use. To install, they require a steel channel to be fitted and anchored to the top and bottom of the window opening prior to installation. Plywood shutters that are properly installed will also work in a pinch, in case the other shutter options are not feasible. The key to success in using plywood shutters is making sure the wood is at least 5/8 -inch thick. Plywood shutters can be used to cover large areas such as glass sliding doors, skylights, and French doors. They should be connected to the window casing using lag bolts or barrel bolts. Ultimately, deciding which shutter choice will work best for you only depends on the amount of work you plan to do installing the shutters on your home. It is also important to consider that if the shutters are powered by electricity, then it is absolutely necessary to purchase a mechanical backup to operate them in the event of a power outage. Whether your shutters successfully keep out debris and other storm damage all depends on the installation. Shutter installation must be completed by a qualified individual who will not cut corners. If you're considering new shutters, New Orleans locals turn to: http://allstatewindowandsiding.com.
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