Hurricane Andrew
What are the chances that South Florida will get hit with another devastating hurricane?
Andrew was a category 4 hurricane (on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale which ranges from category 1 (74-95 mph) to category 5 (over 155 mph)). Over the past 110 years, the center of a hurricane has passed within 75 miles of Miami, on average, once every 3.5 years. A major hurricane (category 3 or greater) comes at least that close about once in nine years, and a category 4, or greater, once every 15 years. If these numbers seem high, it is because the last 30 years have been unusual in that there were much fewer hurricanes than earlier in the century.
Should I get hurricane shutters and why?
If you live in hurricane prone areas such as coastal areas from Texas to Maine, hurricane shutters for windows are an excellent investment for protection of life and property. Window coverings can be heavy duty commercial shutters or properly installed plywood. The minimum thickness suggested is 5/8 in. with thicker, properly reinforced plywood for large openings such as sliding glass doors. Hurricane shutters will protect you from wind and from dangerous flying debris.. Much of the damage from Hurricane Andrew in southern Dade County, Florida resulted from failure of windows and doors. These failures often result in interior wall damage and sometimes roof failures. Shutters would have prevented much of the damage left behind by Hurricane Andrew.
What are the best kind of hurricane shutters?
The best kind are those that are affordable and properly installed for your windows and doors.. The answer depends on the circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person, this may require an automated method for closing; such as accordion shutters. For the strong handyperson heavy plywood cut fit tightly within the windows with secure mounting brackets makes sense. Bahamas hurricane shutters are popular as for the shade they provide all year around and are quick and easy to install when needed. Storm panels are a good compromise for many people. Heavy steel panels provide the best protection, but are more difficult to install. At around the same price, aluminum hurricane shutters offer less protection, but are easier to install. If there is no threat of heavy debris say from beac facing windows the lesser protection of aluminum shutters may be adequate. There are other models. The critical key in all of these is that the installation must be solid and performed by a qualified and reliable worker. Select hurricane shutters that suit the conditions under which they will be installed and expected to perform.
The best hurricane shutters for the money depends on how much know- how the homeowner has in making and installing them. The convenience of having someone else do the work will cost you however convenience may be a necessity to the elderly or even to those who anticipate they will not have enough time to complete labor intensive installations. It is important to remember that if electric power is used to open or close shutters, a mechanical backup is mandatory, since electricity may well be out either before or after a hurricane.
What about the plastic film I have been hearing about?
Films are not a substitute for hurricane shutters or plywood covers for windows and doors. Demonstrations of their strength are impressive, and they are probably the next best thing to solid covers for windows and doors, especially in areas where there is little glass.. The issue with films is that they only provide some protection for the glass itself, and frequently the frame holding the glass in place can fail. This includes both windows and sliding glass doors. Dade County, among others are testing these products.
How do I go about choosing a company I can trust
As with any home service provider, be sure that he/she is licensed, get references, and above all, check the references. If the company provides the references, you will not likely get names of unsatisfied customers. Also, ask your friends and relatives about thei experiences with hurricane shutters.. Also, always check with the Better Business Bureau or other local licensing authority, and contractor associations.
When is the best time to get my hurricane shutters installed?
The ideal time to have hurricane shutters installed is when the house is built and they are included in the design of the house. If you already have a home without shutters, then get them installed as soon as possible.. If they are permanent hurricane shutters,, such as Bahamas, roll down, accordion, etc., practice closing them once a year before hurricane season to make sure everything is in working order. If they are hurricane panels, check at the beginning of each hurricane season to be sure that all hardware is at hand and check each window and door to make sure no other repair work is needed. Practice installing the panels, as you would for a fire drill so that you will know how long it takes to get you hurricane ready,
When the hurricane "Watch" is issued, check everything again and perhaps install some of your more labor intensive hurricane shutters. If you are in a potential evacuation zone, and it is going to take you more than 2 to 3 hours to install your hurricane shutters, you may want to begin the work during the "Watch" phase. If you are not in an evacuation zone, you should have time during the "Warning" phase to install your shutters.
What if I can't afford to get hurricane shutters?
The most affordable way to protect windows is probably the plywood method. If the plywood covers are correctly installed, they are just as effective, or maybe more effective than commercial hurricane shutters. The important consideration is proper thickness and installation. They should be cut and , fit, then well marked and stored with hardware for quick installation should a hurricane watch be issued for your area. The time it takes to install is the same as for hurricane shutters mentioned above. You should do a few windows at a time over a long period, or seek financing to make them affordable. There are some people who simply cannot afford to do either of these. But for those, it is like not having any insurance and recovering from the disaster will be slow and they will have to depend on outside help. Placing tape on the windows is not considered at all effective against hurricanes of any strength.
Are there any tax or insurance benefits to having hurricane shutters?
There are no tax benefits that we are aware of. In fact, if you install hurricane shutters, getting a building permit will likely result in an increase in your property appraisal and your property taxes; so local government has a disincentive to installing hurricane shutters. Some incentives are being considered at various government levels. Monroe County, and Dade County after January 1, 1994, require window covers on all new construction.
Can condominium associations prohibit installation of hurricane shutters?
In Florida the answer is no.. Chapter 718 of Florida Statutes of the Condominium Act (1991) permits each board of administration to adopt specifications as to color, style, etc. All specifications "shall comply with the applicable building code". The Florida statutes further state "... a board shall not refuse to approve the-installation or replacement of hurricane shutters conforming to the specifications adopted by the board"
