Did you know that there were more than 21 named storms in 2021? That means it was the third most active hurricane season on record!
With hurricane season getting longer and the storms growing more severe, protecting your home from those storms is key if you want to preserve your investment. But that doesn’t mean you have to rush to the hardware store, stock up on plywood, and spend hours covering your windows with materials that make your home look damaged before the storm hits. There’s a better option: hurricane shutters.
Installing hurricane shutters can give you better protection and keep you from having to battle long lines when the storm is on the horizon. Here are a few reasons you should make the switch from temporary fixes to permanent shutters and impact windows.
1. Hurricane Shutters Keep Your Home Cooler
Living in South Carolina means high humidity and lots of sunny days that can heat your home up quickly. While drawing the shades can help, it’s not always enough to keep your home cool and comfortable.
Hurricane shutters will protect your home, but they’ll also help keep your home cooler during the warmest summer months. Think of hurricane shutters as an added layer of insulation between your home and the weather outside.
When it’s sunny, hot, and humid, the shutters will buffer your home against the heat. That means less heat from outside will make it inside your home, helping it to stay cooler even when your air conditioner isn’t running.
2. Shutters Make Storm Preparation Easier
Protecting your home from storm damage can take hours and the hardest part is covering your windows to reduce the risk of breakage and damage. When you install storm shutters and impact doors, you’ll cut down on the time it takes to batten down the hatches.
Once the shutters are in place, all you have to do is close them and make sure they’re latched securely. That means you won’t waste time drilling holes in the side of your home to secure plywood sheets. Instead, you can focus on getting yourself and your loved ones to safety before the storm arrives.
3. They’re a Permanent Solution for Storm Protection
Hurricane shutters, impact windows, and impact doors are a permanent way to protect your home from hurricane and storm damage. Once they’re installed, you’ll only have to replace them if they’re damaged or broken.
If you rely on plywood and other temporary methods to protect your home, you’ll likely have to replace those items after each storm. That means spending more money every hurricane season.
Plywood prices have increased by nearly 252% over the last few years. Covering the expense year after year can put a serious strain on your budget and force you to reevaluate your financial priorities.
If you’re planning on staying in your home for any length of time, investing in hurricane shutters may end up saving you money in the long run.
4. Shutters and Impact Windows Improve Resale Potential
With severe weather on the rise, homebuyers may be hesitant to buy a home in a hurricane-prone area. With hurricane shutters and impact windows in place, homebuyers may feel more confident in buying your home.
This is especially true if other homes in the area don’t have hurricane shutters in place. Many buyers will be more interested in a home that already has them installed. They may even pay a higher price for your home since you’ve done the work and invested in hurricane protection for them.
5. You May Be Able to Get a Lower Insurance Premium
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will help cover the cost of any repairs or replacement windows that you need after your home experiences storm damage. However, that doesn’t mean your insurance company wants you to use your coverage.
They’d much rather you invest in natural disaster protection for your home. Installing hurricane shutters is a preventative measure that decreases the likelihood of you having to file a claim. The fewer claims you file, the more money your insurance company saves.
Most insurance companies will pass some of those savings onto you in the form of a lower insurance premium.
Contact your insurance agent and see if they’ll give you a lower premium if you invest in shutters. They’ll be able to tell you how much you’ll save each month so you can decide if it’s worth the investment.
6. Shutter Installation Improves Home Security
It’s not uncommon for looters to raid empty homes when homeowners evacuate for storms. Unfortunately, plywood and other temporary protective measures aren’t able to stand up to a determined thief looking to break into your home.
While alarm systems and security cameras can help, they’re useless when the power is out. Permanent shutters and impact windows make it more difficult to break into your home when you’re away, whether your home has power or not.
7. High-Quality Shutters Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Contrary to popular belief, hurricane shutters and impact doors and windows aren’t ugly. In fact, they can enhance the look of your home’s exterior, making it more inviting and beautiful.
Modern hurricane and storm shutters look just as nice as the decorative shutters you see on high-end homes. They’re available in a range of colors and styles to complement your home’s exterior and improve the way it looks for years to come.
Invest in Natural Disaster Protection Now
Installing hurricane shutters will help you protect your home, improve your home’s resale value, and keep your house in better condition for years to come. Just make sure you work with an experienced professional to find the right option for your home and your budget.
Ready to see how hurricane shutters can improve your home’s safety and appearance? Get a free estimate from our experienced window installation team today.
FAQ’s:
- What other benefits do Hurricane Shutters provide for my home?
Hurricane Shutters actually have plenty of other benefits aside from keeping your home secure during storm season. Hurricane shutters help keep your home cooler during the warmest summer months, the shutters will buffer your home against the heat. Also, Installing hurricane shutters is a preventative measure that decreases the likelihood of you having to file a claim and can help in reducing insurance costs as well!
- How often do I need to replace my Hurricane shutters?
Typically you don’t! Hurricane shutters are extremely durable and protective, once they’re installed, you’ll only have to replace them if they’re damaged or broken!
- How will Hurricane Shutters affect my curb appeal value?
People often believe Hurricane shutters, along with impact doors and impact windows are “bulky and ugly”, but in reality hurricane shutters, impact doors, and impact windows actually can increase your curb appeal and home value. Modern hurricane shutters, impact doors, and impact windows look just as nice as what you might see in high-end homes!
- If I purchase Hurricane Shutters, do I also need to purchase Impact Doors and Impact Windows?
The short answer is no. However, come storm time or hurricane season if you have both impact doors and impact windows along with hurricane shutters, you significantly reduce the amount of time and preparation you need to protect yourself and your home. You also significantly increase the opportunity for an increased home resale value and lower insurance premiums.
