Choices in Hurricane Window Protection

Hurricane window protection is the most important protection for your home. The choices are many and our guide is to help you to compare the pros and cons of various systems so you can make a decision you will be happy with for many years.

Your considerations: Cost, appearance, and convenience (this one is often under estimated).Most inexpensive of all hurricane protective systemsStorm Prep: 30 minutes for an entire homePermanently attached next to the window, don�t require storage.And don�t underestimate the hassle of installing shutters every time there is a hurricane warning. I frequently go out to do estimates for impact windows on homes that have shutter panels because the homeowner is tired of dealing with installing them.For the more security conscious monitored alarm systems are available and yes the police will come when the alarm company calls them but I think this is overkill. You can get a safe for valuables and bolt it into floor/walls inside of a closet with a solid core wood door with a dead bolt installed. A safe may be a nice touch if a lot of strangers are in your house and you have a lot of valuables you do not want to keep in a bank safe deposit box. Multilink (trade name) doors are very interesting, first saw something like them in Israel over 10 years ago. You have a steel door maybe with decorative wood over it. In the door is a high security lock nicely mounted so it can't be easily pulled out. The door frame is reinforced with an all steel liner. When you a turn a key deadbolts come out and into the frame on all four sides of the door making a real secure closure. It would take a lot of battering with a battering ram and to get in, probably easier to go through the wall. You can put up a fence with razor ribbon. You could get some big dogs. Best of all hire your own live in bodyguard/driver/errand guy. Cost would be at about $5.00 per day if you let him live in, feed him etc. He'll have a gun license and carry a pistol. You can use him as a driver too. Let him live in the maids room and hire a day maid instead. Remember this paragraph is for the ultra security minded folks (not paranoids), not for most people. In law enforcement they say if you ever used it you needed it, so if you carried a gun 24/7 for 45 years and one day actually used it well then you needed it all that time. A decent line of logic considering the stakes involved.Excellent theft deterrent, nearly impossible to break thru the glass to gain entry.Storm Prep: 20 � 25 minutes per window (if pre-cut); 5 to 8 hours for an average homeStrong and can provide excellent protectionROLL DOWN HURRICANE SHUTTERS ($35 - $55 / sq. ft.):These are louvered hurricane shutters that attach directly to the wall beside or above the windows.A french door offers so much more than a traditional door. The large glass area ensures that maximum natural light can come through into the home. French doors ensure that the outdoor and indoor aspects of your home are perfectly blended together whereas a solid door provides a total separation so one cannot be enjoyed with the other. If the french door in particular leads out onto a patio or terrace, then summertime brings a perfect mix of outdoor / indoor living which makes it more enjoyable for the whole family. Furthermore a french door means it is possible to keep an eye on any children playing in the garden whilst you are able to stay indoors, and the see-through nature also serves to open up the room and make it appear larger. Glass doors work in the same way that mirrors do in this respect.Window film can reduce the sun�s damaging rays into your home and it is promoted to be a theft deterrent. It may also very well reduce the chance for shards of glass to go flying through your home in the event of a hurricane, but do you really think slapping a thin piece of film on your existing windows is going to keep your roof on in the event of a hurricane? By comparison, impact windows are almost three times as thick as regular window glass. Hurricane windows are made up of two layers of glass and sandwiched between these layers of glass is a strong tear resistant interlayer (film) that keeps the glass together in the event it is broken. They are much like the windshield of automobiles.Easily deployable by one person when they are needed.ACCORDION SHUTTERS ($15 - $18 / sq. ft.):For more information, please visit:Storm Prep: Minimal, easiest of the hurricane shutter systemsHurricane shutters are the most economical, therefore the most popular solution chosen by homeowners. However, hurricane impact windows and doors are also very popular because of the added benefits of convenience, security enhancement, better energy efficiency, sound proofing and its attractiveness over shutters. The least expensive system is plywood or panels; these offer great protection, but take a great deal of time to install.Heavy and difficult to handle, hanging may require more than one personOne of the most expensive systems.Storm Prep: NONEAdded value of sound deadening and energy efficiency over regular windows.Bars on windows are common in Panama. Again children can become thieves of opportunity. There are a lot of really poor people in this country and an open window could tempt a child to become a thief and enter to take a tv, cash, radio etc. Some dwellings also have an extra door, like a storm door; made of ornate iron. When the USA was here anyone who was in military or was an American working for them was required to put these iron doors on in front of the regular door so this is why you see a lot of these doors. Most apartment buildings have security guards 24/7 who are sharp and vigilant. Some are armed, some are not. They usually station one guard in the lobby to buzz up visitors after you clear them, to sign for packages and deliveries and there is usually at least one other guard watching the garage area. Some have guards roving the grounds. Rest assured the apartment buildings most Expats are likely to gravitate towards are going to have security far beyond what you would need to feel really safe and the type of security you'd get if you lived in a high rise building in say Central park South in Manhattan paying upwards of $10,000 a month rent (minus the elevator operators). Rest assured no one is going to be lurking for you in the lobby or the garage, you are not going to enter the elevator on the lobby floor and wind up going down to the basement for a nightmare, no one is going to come to your apartment door unannounced, no strangers are roaming around the halls, etc. Just accept the private security as a way of life down here and not as an indicator or high crime.These hurricane shutters attach permanently above the window in an enclosed box when they are not in use and roll down, either manually with a hand crank or electronically by motor, when you need them.Most inexpensive of the �permanent� hurricane shutter systemsGreat for people with second homes since the home is hurricane ready all the time.CONCLUSION:Have sharp edges � can be dangerousStorm Prep: 30 minutes to an hour for an entire homeNegatives:Time consuming - other than plywood, this system requires the 2nd most time to installSome can be locked and may be used as a theft deterrent.Finally, if your existing windows are in need of replacement because they are old, I encourage you to retrofit them with impact windows since the cost difference between non-impact windows with hurricane shutters versus only impact windows is marginal.A popular and effective choice, installing plywood shutters to fit snugly inside the window or door frame is an efficient and affordable option for homeowners. These shutters were effective even in the highest winds of Hurricane Andrew, and are relatively easy to install. If you are going to use this method, the plywood needs to be 5/8� to 3/4� thick, and since it takes a lot of time to prepare, it should be cut to size way before we have a storm bearing down on us.Not a convenient option for 2 story homesPanama as a nation has much less violent crime in a year (a mere fraction) than what New York City has in one day. Panama is far safer than North America. Violent crime in Panama is relatively unheard of.First, understand what it is your protecting: it�s not just the shards of glass from the broken window that are dangerous - having your roof blown off will really get your attention. During a hurricane, the strong wind that blows over your home creates a �lift� effect on your roof. If a window or door opening is blown open during the storm, this creates an additional upward �push� on the roof, thus doubling or tripling the lifting effect. This is how roofs are blown off.UPVC is a very cost effective and low maintenance way of being able to enjoy conservatories and french doors. A uPVC conservatory is long lasting and durable and will add enormous value not to mention additional space to your home. UPVC french doors will bring light and style into your home and provide the perfect partition between the cosy indoors and the great outdoors.Not a safe option for 2 story homesCannot be used as hurricane protection for doors, must be combined with another system.Eliminates the need for hurricane shuttersBulky and not attractive. Consider aesthetics before purchasing these.COLONIAL AND BAHAMA HURRICANE SHUTTERS ($18 - $28 / sq. ft.):If you live in an area that suffers from extreme weather conditions such as driving rain and stormy winds then it may be appropriate to purchase special reinforced french doors or storm doors. Nevertheless you will benefit from the same advantages of blended outdoor and indoor living and a house full of natural light. Kitchens in particular benefit from a set of french doors leading onto a terrace. This makes eating meals outside simple to do and therefore more likely. If you have to carry your food further to reach the garden or it is more than a few steps to get up for a drink whilst sitting outside, then you are much less likely to eat outside or enjoy a drink out there either.Keep in mind that if the aesthetics of shutters is bothering you, but the cost of impact windows is nearly out of reach, you can always combine the two. Install impact windows on the front, and possibly the sides of your home. Then protect the window openings that are cannot be seen from the street with shutters.Here are the vitals on your choices for hurricane window protection for your home.Storm Prep: 15 - 20 minutes per window; 4 to 6 hours for an average homeMany people say be careful while wearing jewelry since a child can get a running start and grab a bracelet or necklace and keep running. Did we ever see it happen, No. Did we ever meet anyone it happened to, No. Lot's of people say they know it happens but seems you never meet any of these victims. Could it happen? I guess it could. Do we think it is likely to happen? No. I suppose if one was out late and had been drinking and was walking around looking like he was partying someone may interpret this as a crime of opportunity and take a shot at it. I would suggest when going shopping on foot to not wear a lot of flashy jewelry. Remember Panama as a nation has much less violent crime in a year (a mere fraction) than what New York City has in one day. Panama is far safer than North America. Violent crime in Panama is relatively unheard of. The assaults that happen here are overwhelmingly going to be amongst people well known to each other like husband and wife, criminal gang members, etc. Armed robberies are vely unheard of. Rapes are again not a likely occurrence but I would not advise any young woman to go running around without other people at night. This advice would apply in USA except having a friend or two along in the USA might just mean you all become victims. Panama is way way more safe than even the safe cities in the USA.Can be heavy and difficult to handle, hanging may require more than one personHurricane impact glass can withstand hurricane debris and completely eliminate the need for hurricane shutters. It costs more to retrofit an existing home, but is most cost effective if a homeowner is considering replacing old windows anyway. This is the most value added of the hurricane window protection systems, since these windows also improve energy efficiency, are an excellent theft deterrent, provide sound deadening from outside noises, as well as protect your home in the event of a hurricane (http://arttofimpactwindows.com/products.html). Further, adding new impact windows is likely to increase the value of your home, more so than with any of the other hurricane protective systems.Another popular and effective choice, these hurricane shutters are typically steel or aluminum corrugated panels that attach to the walls around windows and doors. There are several mounting methods using either pre-mounted tracks and bolts or just bolts.Once you have narrowed your choices to what type of system is best for your situation, talk to an expert to help you in your final selection. Depending on which of the above systems best suits you, there are many different style choices, and manufacturers who offer different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How to find one? Ideally, get one who is referred to you by a family member, neighbor or a friend. If they have done a good job for them, this person can provide you with a wealth of knowledge that has been learned over the years. If you must select a contractor you find online, check out their references (at least 5), call them, and go look at the contractor�s work.Positives:Require the most time to installDesigns and style may limit their use.In general while in Panama the average Expat is unlikely to run afoul of the law. In Panama business has not been criminalized as it has in the USA, UK, Australia and many other countries. The vast majority of the law enforcement people in Panama devote their time and energies to real crime, drug traffic enforcement and crime prevention. There is not a whole lot of victimless crime prosecution in Panama. Prostitution is legal and the prostitutes are medically inspected weekly for STD. I have yet to see street walking prostitutes (except in really poor neighborhoods) so I assume most if not all of them are working in the many gentlemans clubs or are working as paid escorts or as outcall massage girls. So it is there but not all that obvious, unlike numerous American cities where it is in your face with drug addicted street walkers male and female.http://www.panamaexpertos.comPermanently attached next to, or above the window, don�t require storage.MYTH BUSTER - WINDOW FILM & A LITTLE ABOUT IMPACT WINDOWS:STORM PANEL HURRICANE SHUTTERS ($5 - $8 / sq. ft.):

Once you have narrowed your choices to what type of system is best for your situation, talk to an expert to help you in your final selection. Depending on which of the above systems best suits you, there are many different style choices, and manufacturers who offer different options. Window contractors are your best experts. How to find one? Ideally, get one who is referred to you by a family member, neighbor or a friend. If they have done a good job for them, this person can provide you with a wealth of knowledge that has been learned over the years. If you must select a contractor you find online, check out their references (at least 5), call them, and go look at the contractor�s work.

Author: Harry Artt