Rolldown Shutters - Rolldown shutters are interlocked horizontal slats made from metal (usually aluminum) or plastic. The sides of the shutters travel along vertical guides fastened to the sides of the opening. They are deployed by rolling down the shutters and locking them at the bottom. Our shutters rollup onto an axle housed in a box above each window making them a permanent feature of the building. Depending on the design strength of the shutter, vertical reinforcing rods are required at designated widths to handle large openings.

At $30-$50 per square foot rolldowns are our most expensive shutters, but also the fastest and easiest to deploy. They also offer year round building security. Rolldowns are operated by hand crank or electric motor. If motorized, they can be operated, individually or in groups, by wall switch or remote control. Wind sensors are be available that automatically deploy motorized shutters when wind speeds exceed preset values. Rolldowns commonly block out most light. However, we have options that integrate perforated or clear plastic slats for light and visibility. There are various color options.

Colonial Shutters - Our Colonial shutters are the hurricane-approved version of the decorative wooden shutters found on homes nationwide. The shutters are hinge-mounted to each side of the window or door. Wider openings can be covered by multiple panel systems (shutter over shutter) also attached to each other by hinge. Curved panels can be built to accommodate arched openings. During deployment the colonial shutters are swung into position over the openings and locked with either clips or storm bars.

The panels themselves are made of metal or fiberglass with either solid or louver (open) slats. If louver, the shutters require additional backplates made of metal or plastic. Perforated or clear panel plates permit light entry and visibility. We now offer a new line of Colonial shutters feature articulating (rotating) slats that can be closed and locked, eliminating the need for the added plates. Colonials are limited in the width of the opening for which they can be used, usually to eight feet. Prices range widely from $25 to $40 per square foot depending on the complexity of the design. While expensive, our Colonial shutters enhance the appearance of the building and can be used for windows or doors. Several colors are available.

Bahama Shutters - Our Bahama shutters are permanently attached over window openings only. They are comprised of horizontal metal slats encased in a rectangular frame fastened in hinge-fashion above the window. When not in use for protection, the shutters are held by horizontal arms at an outward angle permitting views from the spacing between the slats. They are deployed by unfastening the arms, rotating the shutter down to cover the window and locking them into place from either the inside or outside.

To provide sufficient wind and impact protection, our Bahama shutters have an integrated metal plates fastened to the inside of the shutter. These plates can be perforated to allow light and visibility. Articulating slats with locks are also available in our Bahama shutters. Bahamas require more effort to install than rolldown or accordion shutters and are limited in the size and type of window openings for which they can be used. Prices range slightly less than Colonials at $25 to $35 per square foot. When not in use for protection, our Bahama shutters provide year round shade and typically enhance the appearance of the building. There are many color options.

Accordion Shutters - Our accordion shutters are preinstalled and can be deployed quickly to cover even large window or door openings. The shutters are comprised of interlocking vertical blades (usually metal) which slide horizontally on tracks mounted above and below the opening. Each accordion is comprised of two sets of folding panels that join in the middle and lock when in use. When open, the blades fold outward to each side of the opening and are held in place with clips, push pins or velcro straps. Several color options exist.

Accordion shutters are most often secured from outside, but can be locked from the inside when used over sliding or inswinging doors and windows. This feature should be considered for 2nd-floor installations. Accordion shutters can have a significant impact on the architectural look of a building and usually block out most light, when in use. Some of our systems integrate perforated or clear plastic blades for light and visibility. Prices range from $12 to $25 per square foot.

Hurricane Netting and Fabric Panels - Hurricane netting is a woven polypropylene mesh (fabric similar to that in trampolines) that is custom sized for various openings, which can include multiple panels that are joined together. Hurricane nets are mostly commonly used for open patios and porches. They can be direct mounted with anchored fasteners, attached with adjustable buckles or slid into preinstalled tracks. Motorized rolldown systems are also available. Metal or fiberglass reinforcements are often stitched into the edges. Since the fabric deflects significantly from wind and airborne objects, hurricane nets are often anchored to the ground in a lean-to like fashion for window or door applications where breakage must be avoided.

Fabric panels are similar to hurricane nets, but the term usually pertains to panels that are custom sized to fit directly over door and window openings. They are commonly attached with grommets and predrilled fasteners, although some systems slide into preinstalled tracks. As with all fabric systems, there is deflection from wind and airborne objects, which could allow breakage of the door or window. Building codes in most areas permit this breakage provided that the shutter continues to protect the opening.

In addition to polypropylene mesh, other fabrics including polyethylene weaves and clear polyester reinforced polylaminates are used. A primary consideration is the net’s porosity, which can range from 0% to 50%. This references the size of the net’s openings and the resulting degree of wind speed reduction the net produces. A low porosity net practically eliminates wind speed and reduces wind driven rain to a small mist. A high porosity net reduces the wind speed and potential water intrution. However these higher porous nets are ideal for certain applications, but due to lower cost and reduced strain on mounting fasteners.

The fabric type also dictates its visibility. Most meshes and clear plastics are transparent, while other fabrics are only translucent. The mesh comes in various colors. Some fabric shutters also include integrated acrylic (Sunbrella) panels for color and UV protection.

Both hurricane nets and fabrics panels are lightweight, durable and easily rolled or folded for storage. Deployment is relatively slow especially on higher floors, but can be done by almost anyone due to their light weight. Like nets, fabric panels are often rolled up and strapped throughout hurricane season, which helps speed deployment if necessary. Due to the wide variety of net and fabric options, prices can range from $8 to $25 per square foot.

Shade Shutters - Invented by Hurricane Proof, ShadeShutter is a fabric hurricane shutter integrated with a retractable shade awning. This patent pending design allows the ShadeShutter to perform year round as a decorative shade awning, which can be quickly deployed as a hurricane shutter in the event of a storm.

The fabric is attached to a roll tube mounted above the opening, which when rotated (by hand crank or electric motor) raises or lowers the awning into an unlimited range of shading positions. In the event of a hurricane, the ShadeShutter is fully lowered and attached over the opening using common fasteners. There are two ShadeShutter designs to best accommodate various openings:

• standard ShadeShutter: The fabric hangs straight down from the roll tube and moves up or down vertically making it well suited for patio openings or sliding glass doors.
• drop arm ShadeShutter: The shutter has pivoting arms connected from the midsection of the opening to the bottom of the fabric panel that angles the fabric away from the openings. It is ideal for windows and some doors.

Benefits:

• Increases investment value as both a shade and shutter.
• Full time shade protection with unlimited positions.
• Relatively fast deployment for hurricane protection.
• Eliminates storage needs, but still can be removed.
• Accents or compliments architectural appearance.
• Standard drop or drop arm versions.
• Multiple color options and valance patterns.
• Automated or manual operation.

ShadeShutter is in the process of obtaining its own building code approval as a hurricane protection device. However, the panels are identical to those which are already building code approved for high winds and impact resistance including acceptance for use in a HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) by the Florida Building Code.

Storm Screens (framed) - Our storm screens are a new and economical “wind abatement” option designed to reduce wind pressure as much as 97%. Metal frames and screens are custom built for openings, which can be temporarily or permanently attached to the building. This shutter allows light, visibility and even air to pass through the screen. They can be temporarily or permanently attached to the building, though most are permanent thereby providing year round shading for the opening. Storm screens cannot be used for outward opening doors or windows such as casement windows. They do have the option of an accessible hinge opening for egress (emergency exit) or cleaning. Prices range from $25 to $35 per square foot.

Flat panel - These are a relatively new alternative to one of the oldest protection devices, plywood sheets. Lightweight and strong panels are made from plastic or polycarbonate sheets. Some systems are direct mounted or use preinstalled fasteners or tracks. Other types include framing for mounting. Some are translucent and others transparent. As with plywood, these temporary panels must be stored, but can last for decades. Installation is relatively slow and can be dangerous in wind conditions. However, the lightweight, strength, durability and transparency of these flat panels make them an attractive option. Architectural impact is also limited to the fasteners. Prices range from $7 to $15 per square foot.

Storm Panels - Our storm panels are typically fastened only during storm activity and must be stored away when not in use. There are now a wide array of panel materials including galvanized steel, aluminum, and plastics of various transparencies. Storm panels are corrugated for strength. While fastener spacing is becoming more standard, it is sometimes difficult to interchange different types or brands of storm panels. They are often custom cut vertically or horizontally for specific openings. This necessitates the labeling of storm panels and the development of a mounting diagram. When not deployed, architectural impact is limited to the fasteners.

Panels can be mounted vertically or horizontally. They can be direct mounted with approved fasteners or attached through several metal track options. Storm panels do require substantial labor to install and are challenging to install if wind speeds are increasing. Our metal panels have folded and crimped sides to eliminate the dangerously sharp edges common to metal panels. Light entry is mostly eliminated with metal panels. Most notable in panel protection is the advancement of lightweight, yet strong and durable clear plastic panels. These are easier to install and allow visibility. Storm panels are the least expensive protection option at approximately $6 to $10 per square foot.