Hurricane panels provide you with substantial storm protection when it comes to the wind and projectile debris you may experience.
Advantages of Having Hurricane Panels
Affordability, style options, and safety are some of the most notable benefits when it comes to hurricane panels. Even though they can take a bit more work to install compared to other hurricane protection, hurricane panels will give you some of the most affordable options. It only takes about 20 minutes, per opening to install hurricane panels. While this is a little more labor-intensive than some of the other more permanent hurricane protection options, hurricane panels are a lower-cost solution to protect your home.
Types of Hurricane Panels
There are a number of different types of hurricane panels to consider. Each option has its own unique benefits to consider when determining which type would be the best choice for your home.
- Aluminum panels are made using .050 aluminum. They are easier to handle and much lighter, which can be a benefit when deploying them before a storm.
- Clear panels will allow exterior light to enter the room and will give you an advantage when it comes to prolonged power outages that hurricanes tend to cause. This will prevent you from having to find all your candles or batteries for flashlights in order to deal with the daytime darkness if the power goes out during the storm.
Advantages of Clear Hurricane Panels
There are a number of reasons to choose clear hurricane panels. You have likely invested a lot in the curb appeal of your business or home and have carefully spent time selecting the right paint colors, roof, landscaping, windows, and doors. One of the main reasons why people choose clear hurricane panels is to not tarnish the exterior look of the building. Clear panels can be functional as well as inconspicuous.
One of the other main reasons why clear hurricane panels can be the right choice for your form of hurricane protection is the light that they let in. This will allow you to observe the hurricane before, during, and after while still staying safe inside and not being exposed to the elements.
Clear storm panels can be lightweight and will weigh a lot less than aluminum storm shutters. This makes it even easier to plan your hurricane protection. The lightweight options make clear hurricane panels the right choice for second-story windows, where it can typically be more difficult to install heavier panel options.
There are a number of different installation options. You can have the panels affixed vertically or horizontally. If you have irregular-sized or custom windows, these panels can also work well for you. If you want to have permanent installation to have peace of mind during hurricane season and other severe weather in the state, then you can do so. If you want to remove the panels during the off-season these are easily storable. It’s important to check to see what your warranty is if you decide to leave them up year-round. Leaving panels up throughout the year can void your warranty in some cases.
Clear hurricane panels will still provide the same level of protection as aluminum panels. In addition to getting the same protection, clear hurricane panels will not shatter, corrode, rust, or splinter in the high salt air or sunlight.
It’s important to note that plastic hurricane panels can be prone to scratching, so you do have to be careful if you choose to install the panels over a rough surface, such as stucco or concrete. If you do then over time the panels can start to show some wear and tear and become less transparent. This means they will let in less natural light and you will have less visibility. Even though they are a lot less noticeable than the metal shutters, since they are made from corrugated plastic, visibility through glass windows and doors won’t be perfect and people can still identify panels. However, they will still be a lot less noticeable than the other hurricane panel options.
Considerations for Buying Clear Hurricane Panels
When buying clear hurricane panels, it may be helpful to know that the material is two hundred times stronger than glass. It’s actually five times lighter than plywood, but this doesn’t compromise the overall strength of the material. These shutters can be more costly up-front than metal shutters, however, they offer so many extra benefits and can add to the value of your home.
Installing Hurricane Panels
Whether you choose to go with metal or clear hurricane panels, there are a few things to keep in mind when beginning the installation process. It’s always important to practice safety first and you should wear protective gloves when handling any type of hurricane panels, especially metal ones. A two-story home is going to require that you have the proper equipment and ladder so make sure you have a way to safely get up to your second story and only proceed if you feel comfortable.
It’s important to practice if you have not installed hurricane panels before. It is a good idea to run through the process of installing all your panels before hurricane season actually begins in order to be familiar with what you need to do. The last thing you want is to not be able to install your panels correctly as a storm is approaching. You should do your panel installation early if a storm is approaching. Depending on the size of your home and your own physical capabilities, it can take up to two days to install all your panels. You want to leave yourself plenty of time before the storm hits. Be sure to have all the necessary hardware and fasteners ready. You should consider hiring a professional to install panels on your home for the best protection. Installation is just as important as the product you are purchasing. Incorrectly installed panels will not give you the best protection and can lead to injury of yourself or your home.
Get Hurricane Protection at Home Safety Solutions
For choices in hurricane protection, including metal and clear hurricane panels, speak with the experts at Home Safety Solutions. We have different hurricane panel options to suit your needs. Contact us today to get a free quote from one of our professional consultants!