Your home may be the single most valuable asset you have. That’s certainly true for countless Floridians as property values skyrocket post pandemic, which is why more Floridians are investing in hurricane protection to protect their biggest asset. The annual cost to households from hurricane damage is about $34 million. In this article, we’ll talk you through what hurricane screens are and how they can protect your property.
There are several options you may need to consider before selecting the right hurricane and storm protection product for you. For example, there are hurricane shutters, panels, screens or impact-resistant glass. To choose what’s best for your property, you need to understand how these work.
What Are Hurricane Screens?
Hurricane screens are sheets of material put in place to protect the most vulnerable parts of your property – the openings. Windows and doors, if pierced or smashed open by flying debris, place the entire structure at risk. Once inside, that debris and all the wind that comes inside with it changes the air pressure of your home quickly and intensely. Within minutes, it can rip the roof right off, in part or in whole. When that happens, your entire home is at risk. Debris, picked up in strong storms and piercing a window or glass door, is usually what starts that chain reaction. Think of debris as missiles aimed at your home.
The damage from the debris can be devastating. Hurricane screens are made from different types of material and can be customized to your home’s needs. Open areas around your home like patios, or commercial properties like shopfronts, also benefit from the protection hurricane screens provide.
How Strong Are Hurricane Screens?
These screens are super strong. The reason? Hurricane screens are fixed structures that absorb the impact of the debris, act like a trampoline and then redirect that energy elsewhere. The force from wind and debris on a screen is distributed across its large surface area minimizing the impact.
Many of the hurricane screens available exceed the minimum standard for hurricane protection required by Florida’s cities and counties. Their development and design have been continually improved based on data and lessons learned from prior hurricanes in recent years.
Advantages of Hurricane Screens
There are lots of advantages to hurricane screens. They give you more flexibility and are easy to use. They can be fitted and removed as needed when hurricanes are in season, and stored in a garage or shed when not in use.
Some screens are transparent so that they allow light into your property. For many residents, this can be very comforting in a storm especially if there is a power outage. Being able to see outside also keeps you informed of what’s happening and when it may be safe to go back outside.
Are You Ready for the Next Hurricane?
You’ve read about how hurricane screens provide protection for your home. Because of their design and flexibility of use, they are customizable to your home and your specific needs.
When compared to other types of storm protection for properties, they offer a cost-effective option especially if you need to protect a large open area, like a lanai or patio close to your home. All of the reasons you’ve read above explain why they are such a popular option.
For more information, get in touch with us here and let us know what options you’re interested in, or what questions you may have.