Pros and Cons of Roll-Down Shutters and Hurricane Fabric ...

29 Apr.,2024

 

Pros and Cons of Roll-Down Shutters and Hurricane Fabric ...

Pros and Cons of Roll-Down Shutters and Hurricane Fabric for Bradenton Windows

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During the violent storms that often hit Bradenton, FL you need to take measures to limit wind and rain damage. But if you can’t afford hurricane windows what do you do? Usually homeowners decide to install hurricane shutters to protect doors and windows. This helps reduce your risk of property damage, but can also protect you and your loved ones against injury from flying debris and broken glass.  But what is the best option for you and your home? To help make that decision a little easier here is a breakdown of two of the more flexible hurricane shutters on the market—roll-down shutters and hurricane fabric.

Roll-Down Shutters

Also called rolling shutters, these are made of polycarbonate or high-quality metal. These impact resistant hurricane shutters attach above your windows. They roll up, hence the name, and store away in an enclosed box permanently attached to your home. And you can choose to have a manual operation with a crank. Or there is a mechanical operation so you can deploy the shutters with just the push of a button.

Pros of Roll-Down Shutters

Professionals all agree these are the easiest hurricane shutters to operate. You can also use them to protect more than just windows. These also work for doors, patios, balconies, porches, and second story openings. And because they are so easy to operate homeowners also use them for insulation, privacy, and theft protection. They are also known as some of the strongest, most durable, and most effective hurricane shutters available on the market.

Cons of Roll-Down Shutters

These hurricane shutters are not the most affordable option, and automatic roll-down shutters are more expensive than manual. The average price is about $20 to $30 per square foot. And if you choose the automatic version you will also need a backup battery system in case the power goes out. Otherwise you will not be able to use your shutters in the event of a storm.

Hurricane Fabric

Usually these storm barriers are made of mesh sheets or reinforced polyvinyl carbonate (PVC). You can attach hurricane fabric directly to the structure of your home with grommets, straps, and buckles. Or you can mount it on tracks.

Pros of Hurricane Fabric

This is a more affordable option, and easy to install because the material is so lightweight. There are also several colors to choose from so screens don’t detract too much from the aesthetic of your home.

Cons of Hurricane Fabric

There are a number of premade sizes you can choose from, but you typically cannot cut hurricane fabric to custom sizes by yourself. You will need to give custom measurements so the screen company can size them for you. But as you might imagine, when it comes to home protection and truly fortifying against wind and debris, the other, sturdier options will offer you more protection.

Do you think roll-down shutters or hurricane fabric is the right choice for your Bradenton, FL windows? Great! Contact us at Armored Dade Windows and Shutters. And if you want to take another look at other options, like panels or hurricane windows, you can visit us to check out some of the other products we offer. Our office is located at 8112 Cortez Rd. West, Bradenton, FL. 34210. Call 941-798-9010 to set up an appointment.

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Does Hurricane Fabric Really Work?

Hurricane fabric is a popular choice for homeowners looking to protect their homes from strong winds and flying debris during a hurricane. But does it actually work?

To answer this question, it's important to understand what hurricane fabric is and how it's designed.

What Is Hurricane Fabric?

Hurricane fabric is a lightweight, woven hybrid material treated with a special resin coating. It’s designed to resist water and UV light and is strong enough to withstand hurricane-strength winds and flying debris.

Benefits of hurricane fabric include:

  • Quick and easy installation
  • Lightweight, compact construction
  • Improved natural light permeability
  • Superior versatility and reusability

The flexible, lightweight fabric wraps around your entire home to cover all openings — including windows, doors and lanai openings — and acts as a barrier to help prevent structural damage during a hurricane.

Does Hurricane Fabric Really Work?

For many people, hurricane fabric sounds too good to be true. But the reality is that it’s been shown to be effective at protecting homes from strong winds and flying debris. Let’s discuss some reasons for that.

Factors that Contribute to Hurricane Fabric's Effectiveness

Although hurricane fabric is generally thought of as rugged and dependable, there are a couple of factors that impact its effectiveness.

Quality

Not all brands of hurricane fabric are created equal.

You should look for a fabric that’s made from high-quality synthetic material and features a strong, durable coating, such as AstroGuard. AstroGuard is one of the most well-known hurricane fabric brands on the market, and its reputation speaks for itself.

Installation

Another major factor in the effectiveness of hurricane fabric is how it’s installed.

Fabric that isn’t set up properly won’t provide the same level of protection. Therefore, it’s important to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter to ensure that the fabric is properly placed and secured.

Insurance Benefits

Installing hurricane fabric on your home could possibly reduce your homeowners’ insurance rates. It is a widely accepted form of wind mitigation, so be sure to check with your insurance company before deciding which type of hurricane protection to purchase.

What Can Hurricane Fabric Not Do?

It's important to remember that hurricane fabric is just one way to prepare and protect your home from the effects of hurricanes. They’re not a one-size-fits-all solution to hurricane preparedness — you should still take all the necessary steps to protect your home and family in the event of a hurricane.

Is Hurricane Fabric Right for Me?

If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, hurricane fabric is a cost-effective and low-effort way to reinforce your home.

At Naples Shutter, we can help you determine whether hurricane fabric is right for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

Are you interested in learning more about hurricane screen mesh? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!