When a hurricane is about to hit, one of the most important things you can do to protect your house is to install hurricane shutters. These are devices that are designed to cover your windows and prevent debris from entering your home during strong storms. They can be made from a variety of materials like aluminum, steel, polycarbonate, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets. This blog post will discuss four ways to construct hurricane shutters, including a detailed section on how HDPE sheets can make high-quality shutters.
Aluminum Shutters
Aluminum shutters are some of the most common shutters used for hurricane protection. These are lightweight, durable, and easy to install. They can be fitted directly onto the exterior of your home or can be manually installed when a storm is approaching. These shutters can also be easily removed when the storm has passed. You can have them custom made or buy them precut at your hardware supply store. The only downside is that aluminum shutters are not very aesthetically pleasing.
Photo by Weatherwell Elite – Aluminum Shutters
Steel Shutters
Steel shutters are another great option for hurricane protection. They are strong, durable, and can withstand high winds and flying debris. Steel shutters can be custom-made to fit the dimensions of your windows and come with different coatings that make them resistant to corrosion. However, steel shutters can be quite heavy and require professional installation.
Photo by The Plantation Shutter Company
Polycarbonate Shutters
Polycarbonate is a strong and lightweight plastic that is also used for making hurricane shutters. These shutters can allow natural light into your home while still providing protection from strong winds and flying debris. They are also more aesthetically pleasing than aluminum shutters. The downside of polycarbonate shutters is that they scratch easily and are vulnerable to fading from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Photo by Weatherwell Elite – Aluminum Shutters
HDPE Shutters
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets are a newer and more versatile material that can be used as an alternative to traditional hurricane shutters. HDPE sheets are strong, lightweight, and resistant to impact, heat, and UV radiation. They can be cut to your desired size and shape and come in different colors and patterns. They are also easy to install and remove. HDPE sheets can make great hurricane shutters because aside from ensuring the safety of your home, they can improve its aesthetic value as well.
Photo by Kestrel Shutters & Doors
Hurricane shutters are important devices that can protect your home from storms and strong winds. The four ways discussed in this blog post all have their own pros and cons. Aluminum and steel shutters are very durable and reliable, while polycarbonate and HDPE shutters are more aesthetically pleasing and can allow natural light into your home. Using HDPE sheets for making hurricane shutters guarantees a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and efficient hurricane protection system. If you’re looking for the best way to protect your home during hurricane season, consider the different options and choose what best fits your budget and preferences.