Living in Florida, protecting your home from hurricanes is essential. With unpredictable weather and powerful storms, choosing the right protection for your home can feel overwhelming. Two of the most popular options are hurricane impact screens and traditional shutters. While both offer great protection, they have distinct advantages and features. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each, so you can make the best choice for your home.
Hurricane impact screens are specially designed to protect homes from the severe wind and debris associated with hurricanes. Made from high-strength materials, often incorporating aramid fibers (the same fibers used in ballistic vests), these screens offer protection against winds up to 160 mph. Unlike traditional window screens, these are motorized, retractable, and incredibly durable.
Hurricane shutters have been a go-to solution for storm protection for many years. They come in various styles, including accordion, Bahama, colonial, and roll-down shutters. Made from durable materials like aluminum or steel, shutters provide a barrier against flying debris and high winds.
One of the primary advantages of impact screens is their sleek, modern design. They are nearly invisible when retracted, allowing for a more seamless look for your home. Since they are motorized, you can easily roll them down with the touch of a button, ensuring protection without compromising curb appeal.
Shutters, on the other hand, are more visible and often add a distinct look to a home. Bahama and colonial shutters, for instance, can enhance the aesthetic of homes by adding a coastal or historical flair. However, accordion and roll-down shutters are more functional and less visually appealing.
If maintaining your home’s aesthetics is important, impact screens have the upper hand. Shutters can be bulky or intrusive when not in use, while impact screens stay out of sight until needed.
These screens are motorized, which makes them incredibly easy to use. With a push of a button, you can deploy or retract them as needed. This convenience is a significant advantage for homeowners looking for minimal hassle, especially when quick action is required before a storm.
Traditional shutters require manual operation unless you opt for a motorized version, which tends to be more expensive. In many cases, you’ll need to go outside and physically close or secure the shutters, which can be inconvenient, especially during high winds or rain.
Hurricane impact screens take the lead in terms of ease of use. Their motorized design makes deployment quick and effortless compared to traditional shutters, which often need manual labor.
These screens are made from tough, flexible materials designed to absorb and disperse the energy from flying debris, preventing damage to windows, doors, and other vulnerable areas of your home. The mesh used in impact screens is strong enough to withstand heavy impacts while still allowing light and air to pass through.
Shutters are made from durable materials like aluminum or steel, providing a hard barrier against flying debris. They are often installed permanently and can be locked into place before a storm. However, they may dent, corrode, or require maintenance over time due to exposure to the elements.
Both options provide excellent protection, but hurricane impact screens offer the added benefit of flexibility and durability. Their design prevents permanent damage from flying debris while traditional shutters can show wear over time.
Besides storm protection, impact screens offer additional benefits. They provide UV protection, reduce glare, and increase privacy for outdoor spaces like patios and garages. In addition, they can help reduce wind, making your outdoor space more enjoyable during non-stormy weather.
Traditional shutters primarily offer storm protection. While Bahama shutters provide some shade, most shutter styles serve one function: keeping the storm at bay.
Hurricane impact screens are more versatile, offering both storm protection and year-round benefits like shade and privacy.
These screens are low-maintenance, thanks to their corrosion-resistant powder-coated frames and high-durability mesh materials. Since they retract when not in use, they are less likely to suffer wear and tear from regular exposure to the elements.
Shutters require regular maintenance, especially in coastal areas where salt and humidity can lead to corrosion. Over time, manual shutters may need repair or replacement due to rust, dents, or mechanical issues.
Hurricane impact screens require less upkeep, making them a more durable, long-term solution.
These tend to be more expensive upfront due to their motorized nature and high-quality materials. However, the added convenience and year-round benefits may justify the higher price.
Shutters are typically more affordable, especially manual options. However, motorized shutters can get expensive and require more maintenance over time.
For homeowners on a budget, traditional shutters may be more cost-effective initially. However, impact screens provide more value over time due to their durability and ease of use.
Both hurricane impact screens and traditional shutters offer excellent storm protection, but the choice ultimately depends on your preferences. If you value convenience, versatility, and minimal maintenance, hurricane impact screens are the way to go. Their motorized design, durability, and year-round benefits make them an excellent investment for protecting your home in Florida’s unpredictable climate.
If you prefer a more budget-friendly option and don’t mind manual operation, traditional shutters can provide reliable storm protection while adding a unique aesthetic to your home.
No matter which option you choose, Lafferty Hurricane Protection offers top-quality installation and products to keep your home safe during hurricane season. Contact us today to learn more about our hurricane impact screens and hurricane shutters and find the right solution for your home!
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Great company and quality work!
Great price and great work. Am very happy with the business.
Great price and the installation technician did an outstanding job.
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
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